Curtis Dale Harris Obituary (2024)

Curtis Dale Harris was called home to Christ on May 30, 2024 after his brief, yet courageous battle with cancer. Curtis was born in Yakima on July 16, 1954 to Commic and Lucille Harris, just minutes before his twin brother Lee Dale. A lifelong Yakima resident, Curtis attended Yakima Public Schools, graduating from Davis High School in 1974. During his time at Davis, Curtis met Joann Lopez and they wed in October 1975 and went on to raise two children until the dissolution of their marriage in 1991. In May 1975, Curtis was employed with Boise Cascade until the closure of the sawmill in August 2006. During his time at the sawmill, Curtis met his new life partner, Maria Trevino, and created new lifetime memories together until his untimely transition. Soon after Boise Cascade's closure, Curtis decided to further his education at Yakima Valley College where he earned his associate's degree in education. Upon graduation, Curtis was employed with Epic Head Start, working as a teacher's assistant. Curtis thoroughly enjoyed working with kids. They always brought a huge smile to his face. In 2017, Curtis decided to work part time at Yakima Steak Company (YSC) where they welcomed him with open arms and became another family for him. Curtis loved his YSC family as much as they loved him. Curtis loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Not far behind was watching his classic cowboy movies, rooting for the New Orleans Saints, collecting action figures and matchbox cars, making his famous spaghetti for family and friends, and riding his beloved bicycle. As long as there was no snow on the ground, one could randomly see him anywhere around town on his bicycle. His bicycle was an extension of him, and he called it his "horse." Curtis is survived by his life partner, Maria Trevino, and mother Lucille Harris, both of Yakima, son Marqus Harris (Jenny) of Puyallup, daughter Montee Harris of Yakima. Other survivors include four grandchildren, Jeralyn Tarnecki (William) of Puyallup, Jaiden Marquis, Jaiya Marquis, and Jaice Brasker, all of Yakima. Curtis was also blessed with four great grandchildren, Julian Marquis, Adilyn Tarnecki, Jordan Marquis, and William "JJ" Tarnecki, III. Also surviving Curtis are his brothers, Willie E. Harris (Maple) of Jackson, Mississippi, Lee D. Harris (Rose) of Everett, Washington, Robert E. Harris (Sharon), and sister Rosie M. Hanson, both of Yakima, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and lifelong friends. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, Commic, both paternal and maternal grandparents, and other family members and friends who were there to welcome him to his eternal home. Curtis will certainly not be alone. Celebration of Life for Curtis will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 11am at Greater Faith Baptist Church in Yakima.