Russell Harman

Russell D. Harman, 67, of Terrace Heights, passed away at Cottage in The Meadow on April 14, 2018. Russ was born on September 19, 1950 to Vernon “Jack” and Rita (Lorentz) Harman in Cottonwood, ID. He was the oldest of four children. As a young boy, Russ moved to Yakima with his family. After graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1968, he joined the US Navy and served as an Electrician’s Mate aboard the USS Fort Marion (LSD-22) and the USS Davis (DD-937), spending one tour in Vietnam. Russ met his future wife, Gale Miller, while on a blind date. They married in 1971 in San Francisco, CA and immediately moved across the country to Russ’ homeport in Newport, RI. Upon his discharge from the service the following year, he and Gale moved to Yakima and welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, in 1972. A son, Erik, arrived in 1974, and their family was completed in 1977 when another daughter, Denise, was born. Russ worked hard to support his family, first with Smith Electric and then Noel Canning. He and Gale decided to open their own business, Russ Harman Electric Co., in 1980. In his spare time, Russ loved to hunt, fish and target shoot. He tied flies, coached soccer teams, and was part of the Jaycees. He was instrumental in getting the Sun Valley Shooting Park up and running in the early 1990s. Russ volunteered his time working with youth programs at Sun Valley, was a long time Secretary-Treasurer for the Yakima Rifle and Pistol Association, Secretary for the Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association and a Lifetime Benefactor with the National Rifle Association. He shared his love of shooting sports with anyone who was interested. Russ was a lifetime member of VFW Post 379 and American Legion Post 36. Russ leaves behind his wife, Gale, of Terrace Heights; daughter Melissa and husband Joe Preiser, of Federal Way, WA; and three grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Harman; son Erik Harman; and parents, Jack and Rita Harman. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11 am at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at Terrace Heights Grange. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yakima Rifle and Pistol Association Junior’s Club. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Harman, please visit our flower store.