Alvin Arthur Harris of Pasco passed away April 27th, 2023, at the age of 95. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Born at home in Pasco, Washington February 10th, 1928. He was the youngest child of Frederick Gordon Harris and Lura May Wallace. Alvin and his siblings Lucille, Wallace, Gertrude, Bill, and Mary all helped with the Diversity Dairy and other farm chores.

World War II necessitated a move so that the U.S. Navy could build a Navy Base in Pasco to support the war effort. The Dairy was moved from the area that is now known as Port of Pasco to the site in West Pasco at the end of Court Street. The Diversity Dairy and the family matured, raising, and selling milk and produce around the area.

Alvin attended Pasco School and later graduated from Pasco High School in 1946. On July 24, 1949, Alvin married Fern Knopp in Marlin, WA. Together they farmed The Pearson Place as well as some acreage in west Pasco where they lived. Finally, they bought a farm on the Kahlotus Hwy where they lived until his passing. They were married 73 years and had 8 children.

At an early age Alvin developed a love for farming and family. While growing sugar beets he honed his skills and knowledge. When the sugar plant closed, he was able to adapt those skills to other crops. Alvin truly was the Corn King growing many bushels of corn. He entered and won the National Corn Growers Association yield contest many times. Alvin and Fern met many fellow farmers on trips around the country. They also made many good friends on those trips. Though he won the contest in the irrigated and no-till irrigated divisions many times he was always willing to share ideas with anyone who was interested.

Alvin helped start the Franklin County Noxious Weed Control Board. He served as chairman of the board from its inception in 1986 until 1998 when he retired.

The only thing Alvin loved as much as farming and family was going Salmon fishing. The family traveled over to the coast many times to try their luck. He was able to go on special fishing trips with the chemical company and fellow farmers. He was able to visit and do some fishing in Alaska also, which was a dream of his.

Alvin always insisted on having a cow for milk, butter and most importantly ice cream. In his later years he continued his farming practice in the garden growing many diverse types of vegetables as well as strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, and grapes. In the fall he picked up the walnuts and shelled them as soon as they were dry. He also became the family cookie baker, always having two or three buckets in the freezer ready to be shared.

Alvin is preceded in death by daughter Beth Harris, daughter in law Pam Harris, grandsons Tyler Harris, Devin McBride, and Nathan McBride, parents Frederick and Lura, and siblings Lucille, Wallace, Gertrude, and Bill. Alvin is survived by his wife of 73 years Fern Harris of Pasco, sister Mary Ketchersid of Pasco, sister in law Clara Harris of Puyallup, daughter Feral Larson (Ken) of Richland, daughter Jenny Anderson (Steve) of Hauser Lake, Idaho, son Dalas Harris of Pasco, son Dean Harris (Peggy) of Umatilla, Oregon, son Bert Harris of Othello, son Todd Harris (Marie) of Pasco, daughter Rhonda McBride (Robert) of Pasco, 15 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made out to, The Franklin County Historical Society.