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HARRIS -- Richard Lee Harris passed away suddenly on March 3, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a brief illness. Richard was born on November 28, 1949 in Fresno, California. He was raised in Los Angeles, graduated from UCLA with a degree in music and received his secondary teaching credential there. He also obtained a master's degree in counseling from California State University Los Angeles. Richard had a 34 year long career at George Washington Preparatory High School, with the Los Angeles School District. He was a music/drama teacher, school counselor and mentor to thousands of students during that time. For several years, Richard also served as the Choir Director at Westwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. He retired from Washington Prep only last June and relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be close to his immediate family members. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Mortimer Abraham Harris, in 1967. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Harris, and two brothers: Ronald Harris (Brenda) and David Harris (Ilene). In addition, he is survived by two nieces, two nephews, four great-nieces and four great-nephews. Richard leaves behind his godson, Gabriel Colbert and also his very special life long friend, Don Stein. He and Don traveled on many cruises to exotic places, where Don served as a Cantor and Richard entertained and regaled the guests. He never knew a stranger and touched many, many lives. Richard had a passion for three things: his family, his music and his teaching. He was devoted to his students and always referred to them as "my kids". A Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m., March 11, 2011 at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo N.E., Albuquerque. There will also be a Memorial Service at Washington Prep in Los Angeles, California, next Wednesday, March 16th. Please contact the school at 323-418-4000 for details. Richard will be interred at Hills of Eternity in Colma, California. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Richard Harris Scholarship Fund, Washington Prep High School, 10860 South Denker Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90047.
        Published on: Fri March 11, 2011