Robert Earl Harris, born December 27, 1935 In Boise, Idaho, left this heavenly earth of February 6, 2019. Bob was the youngest (sharing with his twin brother) of parents John Brackney Harris and Ocsha Opal Harris. He was the brother of Dorothy Milstead, David Harris, John B Harris and twin brother Richard Harris. Bob is survived by his children and their spouses: Terri Knowles of Stanwood, Washington, Robert Harris of Cascade, Idaho, Toni Harper, (Bob) of Oso, Washington, Tamie Edens, (Jim) of Arlington, Washington, Tresa Garmendia of Caldwell, Idaho, and Michael Harris, (Sandy) of Sedro Woolley, Washington. Bob is also survived by step children: Ken Wheeler (Tammy), April Hardy (Tye) and Cindy Indeerieden (Charles); and from previous marriages Bettylou Leihy and Karen Spohn-Mefferd. He is also leaves behind his 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Doris Harris; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob is also survived by friend Don "Shorty" Boudreau; and very special friend and care giver Shelley Fischer. He also leaves behind many friends either from his racing career, his many years owning various businesses in Idaho and all the people he met in between. Bob had a huge heart and was always there to lend a hand to those who needed it. Preceding Bob in death were his parents; sister Dorothy Milstead; brothers John B Harris and David Harris; many friends and his dear friend, Arne. Bob was a life scout, he attended schools in Boise, Idaho and graduated from Boise High School in 1954. He attended Boise Junior College. He was a proud member of the Caldwell Eagles, Homedale Legion and Caldwell Elks Club. He was very proud of his service to these organizations. Bob and his twin brother Richard, (Dick) Harris joined the National Guard together and served for 8 years. Bob was employed at Kalbus Office Equipment and AB Dick Company. Bob owned and operated several businesses in his life: Valley Products, Ichabods, Lake Fork Saloon, 8th Street Retreat, Tango Saloon, and Farmers Inn. Bob started his racing very early in life, he was involved in drag racing from 1958 to 1959. He started racing in 1960 at Meridian Speedway. He met his life long friend Shorty in 1965. Bob started racing IDC in the late sixties. He ran the Northwest Racing circuit, racing in Langley, BC, Sky Valley Speedway, Skagit Speedway, Spanaway Speedway as well as speedways in Vancouver, Langley and Victoria BC. In the late 70's Bob and a group of drivers formed CAMRA, Canadian American Racing Association, and raced The Pacific Northwest, Langley, Victoria Alberta and Edmonton, Tri Cities, Yakima, Umatilla, Portland, Meridian, Salt Lake, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Ontario Speedways. Bob met some dear friends in the racing community - Tom Sneva, Glen Naylor, Dalice Chester, Al Russell. In 1972 and 1973 Bob and a group of friends got together and purchased some land and built a track, Super Oval. In 1985 to 1986 he slowed down from racing and in 1988 he gave up racing. Though racing was in his blood he never missed the Dirt Cup in Washington at Skagit Speedway, attending from 1972 through 2018. Many friends were made, stories shared and a whole lot of fun was had. Bob was also honored by receiving the 2012 Idaho Historical Racing Society Hall of Fame for his many years of racing and supporting the racing community. Our dad will be missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his many friends and his brother Dick who says, "I am going to miss my buddy". He was a buddy to many. Bob helped many people out, he never turned his back on helping somebody out. He was there for you when you needed him. He will be missed.
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