Robert Warren Harrison, always known as Bob, was born January 17, 1933, at the home of his parents, Melvin Arthur Harrison and Bessie Downey Harrison, near Castleford, Idaho. He passed just shy of his 87th birthday on January 14, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian, Idaho.
Bob spent his early years in Castleford on his parents’ farm assisting with the farm chores and fishing and camping with the family. His sister, Barbara, was born in 1940. He attended school in Castleford until 1945 when the family moved to the farm on Deer Flat Road south of Nampa. His brother, Rodney, was born into the family in 1946.
Bob attended schools in Nampa, graduating from Nampa High School in 1951. Again, he helped his dad on the farm but preferred hanging out with his buddies, playing golf or skiing. His outgoing personality gained him many friends as a teenager and he was active in several Nampa High clubs including Explorers, Ski Club, FFA, Blu-N and the golf team. He was even selected as a Senior Sparkplug and one of the Personality Kids! He experienced many camping and hunting trips to the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains that his dad loved so much. There were also adventures to southern California where his Downey grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins lived. He was raised in a loving home by parents who worked hard, enjoyed family travel, encouraged community involvement, and hosted many family and social gatherings.
After high school Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed out of San Diego with tours to Formosa and the seas south of Japan. In 1952 Bob married Mary Helene Thompson. Later in the 1950’s son Doug was born, followed by son Mike and twin daughters Debbie and DeDee. Bob started working for Union Pacific after his discharge from the Navy, remaining in Nampa. After Bob and Mary Helene parted ways Bob moved to the Chico, California area where he farmed. There he married Betty Metzger and welcomed her children Linda, Karen and Tim. Daughter Michele was born in 1970. After Bob and Betty’s marriage ended in divorce Bob moved back to Idaho.
In the mid-1980’s he met the woman who would become his long-time partner, Marcie Jayo. They remained together until Marcie passed in 2012. Bob was embraced by Marcie’s daughters, Rose and Julie, and their families. He cherished his time with all of them. Bob’s family is truly grateful for all the Murgoitio family did for him as well as the care Bob’s son Mike provided to him in his later years.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Bessie Harrison, and his partner, Marcie Jayo. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Doug Harrison, Mike Harrison, Debbie (Marvin) Call, Dee (Gary) Dietz, and Michele (Greg) January and by his siblings and their spouses Barbara (Larry) Anderson and Rod (Cindy) Harrison. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
A graveside service for the family will be held followed by a celebration of life when the warm weather returns to his beloved Treasure Valley.
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