Paul John Harris (67) passed away at his home in Townsend, MT on March 6th, 2016. He was born to George and Helen (Allen) Harris on February 16, 1949 and was raised in Radersburg, MT where he attended grade school; He later attended and graduated from Broadwater High School in Townsend, MT in 1967. Paul was a member of the 1964 football team that received honors for an undefeated season. A record held for 50 years.
After graduating from Broadwater County High School he honorably served his country as an E5 Buck Sergeant on a deployment to Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Paul married Connie Diehl on February 14, 1981. They were blessed with three sons, J.W., Cody and Jesse (Kelly). Jesse and Kelly gave him two precious grandchildren, Riley and Hadley, who lit up his heart like sunshine.
Paul worked many jobs in his life; he was a dispatcher for the Broadwater County Sheriff’s office later moving into an Undersheriff position under Sherriff Jack McCoy. Paul also worked in the oil fields in North Dakota for Pruitt RamCo. During his lifetime, he worked in the logging industry. In 1982 he started his final career as a Driller Blaster for Continental Lime / Greymont Western, from which he retired in 2011.
Paul loved watching television and reading books, but John Wayne movies and Patrick McManus or Louis Lamoure books were by far and away his favorites. He loved good jokes, even if he was on the receiving end. A bit of a prankster, Paul was never short of new and ingenious ways to get those around him to smile and laugh. His flair for comedic humor will certainly be missed.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Bill. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, sister Barb (Alan) Gullickson, brother Ron (Brenda) Harris, sister-in-law Shari Harris, Aunt Jean and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul leaves behind many close friends; he was truly kind and loving. He was always there with a smile and inspirational words of wisdom. If you haven’t had a “Paul hug” you have not truly been hugged. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the American Legion, in Townsend, on Thursday the 10th, from 2:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday March 10, 2016
American Legion
211 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday March 10, 2016
American Legion
211 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
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The Wilburns says
Jesse, Kelly, Connie, JW and Cody we are so very sorry for your tragic loss of such an amazing man. We love you all and if you guys need anything please let us k
Tom and Nora Bazuin says
Connie, JW, Jesse and Cody,
We are so sorry and sad to hear of Paul’s passing. We enjoyed our chats and banter, Sunday’s just won’t be the same without Paul. God bless.
Clara (Price) Fillbach says
To The Harris families,
Paul was a very kind and special person in everyone’s life he touched . He was one of our favorite cousins. We ( The Price Family) are all very sad and are remembering all the fun times with Paul and all of our cousins from Radersburg.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Harris Family.
Clara (Price), Dave, Shawn & Matthew Fillbach
Teena Leanhart says
We shared many laughs, hugs, jokes and some serious issues as well…you will always be remembered with kindness and love, Paul. Many prayers for your family and friends that were fortunate enough to know you. Fly on Angel wings…
RIP my friend.
Nancy Hossfeld says
Will always have great memories of Paul and loved his hugs and that smile. Connie, my heartfelt love to you and your family. Am very very sorry can’t make his service but know I am with you in prayers and thoughts. Love you
David Arnett says
Gosh not sure what to say but knowing Paul was a pleasure.
He will be missed not only by family but many friends he
knew. Bless God for allowing him to be our brother and
great friend RIP Paul.
Cathy Sample Bachik says
Connie, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May you look back on many fond memories and let them warm your heart.
Dana Rauser says
Paul was a good man. I’ll always remember him after he returned from Vietnam he was in good shape and a giant of a man! I was Only about 7 or 8 years old , riding with Terry Harris at Hog Hollow on a hunting trip. Paul was walking down through the small fir trees that were probably only 4 feet tall at the time. All that came to mind because Paul towered over the small trees, is the Paul Bunyan story. I’ll never forget that, thank you for the memory Paul!!! To the rest of the Harris family, I am sorry for your loss.
Lois Magdall says
I remember Paul when he was young and the striking young man he was. He was always kind and polite. Everyone loved Paul and now he is with his heavenly Father and smiling as he meet his family on high.
Blessings Connie and family. Please know your in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jeannie Steele says
Connie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Kevin Toney says
Connie and family; Remembering the football running back, his humor, his gentle walk of life, stories from Viet Nam. He wit and smile will always be remembered ! So sorry for your loss! Wonderful man …
Delsy Marion says
To the Harris family I’m so truly sorry for your loss Your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Doug & Jo Anne Baum says
We are so saddened to hear this….please know the family is in our prayers……It is never easy to loose a loved one and so hard to understand at times…..remember the good times and hold tight to the memories! Blessing to all the Harris family….Love always Doug & Jo Anne Baum
Holly Joy Hunsaker Cook says
It’s been many years since I’ve seen Paul, but I remember him being so understanding to my cousin’s Cecil, since they had the Viet nam experience in common. I remember him laughing joking and such a handsome man, a wonderful friend and a hard worker. What joys you must have had Connie, to be his wife, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family
Delbert Pennington says
Everybody that knew Paul knows that he was a gentle giant that loved jokes. He was such a nice man and will be dearly missed. He has some great young men that are a lot like him so his legacy will live on. I am so sorry for Connie and her family I can’t imagine how devastated they must be. May God bless you Paul.
Corky & Brenda Roberts and families says
Connie and Boys,
We are so very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was truly a special guy and a good friend, and always gave us a reason to laugh when we saw him. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Take care of each other. Love to you all.
Cal and Randi Nehring says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Jessica Cook says
Connie , JW, Jesse, and Cody,
I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was one of my favorite people to be around. He was always smiling and telling jokes with his great sense of humor. He was very proud of all you boys and loved each one of you very dearly. He was remarkable person with a heart of gold. He never be forgotten in your hearts and in mine. Many prayers and love to you.
Tia R Stroup - Beadle says
Paul was such a great man, I was so fond of his great hugs and smile! My thoughts and prayers are with Connie, JW, Jesse, Cody, remaining family and friends.
Linda Rhyneer says
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family. It seems like yesterday that Paul & Connie were married. Paul always had a smile on his face and always spoke. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Jo Mulcahy says
Dear Harris Family,
You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss. Paul was always a fun cousin to be around and I’ll remember him fondly.
With love,
Jo (Milburn) Mulcahy and family
Bill and Susanne Hellman says
We were blessed to have known Paul, and he will be missed. Connie, sending our love to you and the boys.
Debi Randolph says
When you look up the words “gentle giant” in the dictionary it is Pauls picture you see.
Jamie Hankins says
Paul was one of the kindest most caring real man I have ever met, I’m so sorry for your loss! He will be deey missed
Carol Cazier Reynolds says
Though I lost track of him after HS I never forgot his goodness and ambition in school. I will always remember him kindly.
Alick Holland says
Paul was an amazing and caring man. I remember when JW and I went hunting and we used Paul’s truck and I had to drive because JW didn’t have his license yet. JW shot a really nice whitetail buck and a bunch of hay bales to. Every time I’d see Paul we’d always talk about that story in detail and laugh! I’ll also never forget his handshakes and hugs.
Maxine (Spoja) Schvaneveldt says
My heart goes out to Paul’s family and friends who will miss him so much! I wish I could be there for the celebration of his life. Connie, a special hug for you, my dear.
judy and frank snellman says
we were very sorry to hear about paul. he was a great guy and will be missed. our deepest sympathies to the families.
Susan Hoving says
I’m so sorry to hear, praying for you, Connie, JW, Cody & Jesse & your family; memories are the best, camping with you all, always so much fun! and our boys, being boys & growing up together & being great friends. Yes, hugs from Paul & his smile, light up a room; such a quiet man; miss ya all so much! sending HUGGS your way!!!
Gracie says
I am sorry for your loss.