Obituary: Evan Lamar Harris

March 12, 1928 - April 4, 2010

Evan Harris passed away peacefully at his residence of 45 years in Carson City on Easter Sunday. He was born March 12,1928, in Logan, Utah, to Alexander and Helen Harris. They moved around a lot during his early childhood, finally settling down on the Naval base at China Lake, Calif.

There Evan attended the first graduating class of Burroughs High School. Later he attended the University of Nevada, Reno, attaining his bachelor's degree in economics. In 1952, Evan enlisted in the Navy and served as paymaster aboard the USS Point Cruz aircraft carrier and supply officer aboard both the USS Shields destroyer and USS Cabildo landing ship dock. Honorably discharged in 1956, Evan went to work for IBM, where he excelled for 30 years and was a member of the Golden Circle, 100 Percent Club and the Quarter Century Club.

Evan married the love of his life, Barbara Jean, in Sarasota, Fla., in the summer of 1960. Together they raised two children. In 1976, Evan helped his wife open The Stairwell gift and antique shop, which later became the Abel House. He loved to play golf and was always trying to "improve his swing." Evan's other hobbies included, gardening, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and following "his" 49ers. He would spend hours preparing mock drafts for his teams, and loved to discuss teams and stats with anyone who spoke fluent football.

Evan is survived by his daughter Ellen Nadreau, her husband Mark, of Stateline; his son Doug Harris and his wife Kelly of Carson City; two grandchildren; sister Donna Jones of San Diego, Calif.; sister-in-law Phyllis of Arizona; three nieces and many cousins. Evan was preceded in death by his wife in 1986, both parents, his brother Robert, brother-in-law David, nephew Michael and niece Karen.

A celebration of the life of Evan L. Harris will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 13 at Capitol Christian Center on Snyder Ave. In Carson City, with interment next to his wife at Lone Mountain Cemetery.

In leu of flowers, his family respectfully requests donations be sent in Evan's name to the Ruth Merriner Cottages.