He was born on Sept. 12, 1942 in Alpaugh, Calif., to Clarence and Grace Avila Harness. Bob was originally from North Bend, Oregon before moving to Hermiston in the mid-1970s. He spent several years building homes throughout the area and later worked at JR Simplot until retiring in 2001. Bob was united in marriage to Laurie Dunn on October 20, 2001 in Coeur D Alene, Idaho. They moved to Plymouth, Wash., in 2008 to build their home where they have lived since. Bob loved fishing, riding his Harley, the outdoors, and traveling with his beloved wife Laurie. He has been active in the Hermiston Elks Lodge #1845 since 1982.
He is survived by his wife: Laurie Harness, Plymouth, WA; daughters: Sherry Iles, Umatilla, OR, Roberta Harsh, Echo, OR; step children: Steve Mohler, Spokane, WA, Nikki Schmidt, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; brother: John Harness, CA; grandchildren: Michael Iles, Umatilla, OR, Aaron Iles, Kennewick, WA, Amber Harsh, Corvallis, OR, Xander Harsh, Echo, OR, Laikyn Mohler, Coeur D Alene, ID, Ashlyn Mohler, Hermiston, OR; great grandsons: Cooper & Roman; his dogs: Wikit & Pandi.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Keith and a sister Nancy.
At Bob’s request there will be no formal service. Family and friends are welcome to come by the home to share memories of Bob and the touch he had on their lives.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
