Goodbye to Ken

We lost our patriarch last week. Ken Harris, my mother's father, passed away at home here in Honaunau. He was 85 and a true farmgrampa.

As recently as two years ago, he was still running around with a leafblower on his back and a machete in his hand. We finally had to ban the power tools but we never did manage to wean him from his wild side. The man was a force to be reckoned with!

In his day he was a shipwright, teacher, housebuilder, marine surveyor, fisherman, waterskier, and all-around great guy . He taught me how to play pool, and how to catch frogs. He liked his coffee black and not too thick. He greeted everyone with a grin, a big "howdy" and a joke.

It was his grin that got you. Born in Oklahoma, he had a smile as wide as the prairie. Coupled with big blue eyes, he was always a hit with the ladies. But it was to Barbara that he was loyal. Yep, the original Ken and Barbie. Married for 64 years. Barb is still with us here at Lions Gate.

His last days were made more pleasant through Hospice care and the pleasure of being surrounded by family. We were blessed to have him as long as we did.

I miss you grampa!