Mark Daniel Harris

MARK DANIEL HARRIS June 13, 1974 ~ Nov. 6, 2017 "Mark was like sunshine on a spring day. He always had a twinkle in his eye and love to give." Former local resident and beloved son and brother, Mark Daniel Harris, 43, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Nov. 6, 2017, at his Vancouver, WA home. He was born June 13, 1974, in Longview, WA to Robert and Rayna Harris. Mark's parents divorced and Rayna Harris married Stan Hicks in 1979, becoming Mark's stepfather. Stan was a paper maker which required moving several times. The first move for Mark at age 5 was to Mississippi and from there to Battle Creek, MI. In 1981, the family moved to the Houston area where Mark was very active in Special Olympics swimming and track. In 1988, they move was to Port Angeles, WA, where Mark graduated from high school in 1994. After graduation, he moved into a supported living program managed by Brighton Ent., in Vancouver, where he lived for 21 years, until his passing. Mark was developmentally challenged and suffered from Prader Willi Syndrome. While in high school, he was trained in janitorial work at the Red Lion Hotel. After moving to Vancouver, he was assisted in finding employment by Keys To Advancement and was employed by St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and at Orchard's United Methodist Church for many years. Mark was a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. He loved bowling with the Parks & Rec Program and Special Olympics. He had his own ball, bag and shoes. He also loved his sports teams, the Mariners, Seahawks and his beloved Trail Blazers, never missing a game. The best part of summer was going to Safeco Field on the church bus. In winter, it was the annual Superbowl party at mom and Stan's house with family. Mark also loved Texas A&M football, as he had many cousins who attended A&M. He had a great affection for dogs, two in particular: Goofy and Maddie. Goofy, the family schnauzer in his younger years, and Maddie, the family cutie in his adulthood. Mark adored his big extended family and always let them know with a genuine hug and "I love you." God is love, and Mark believed that God loved him unconditionally. Mark poured out that same love to everyone. Mark is survived by his mother and stepfather, Rayna and Stanley Hicks of Longview, WA; sisters, Susan Shetler (Lee) of Kelso, WA and Cynthia Hawley (David) of Maricopa, AZ; brother, Robert Harris Jr. (Shalako) of Houston, TX; stepsisters, Deborah Butler (Dean) of Silver Creek, MS and Denise McCloud (Scotty) of Monticello, MS; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. His father, Robert Harris, preceded Mark in death this past July. A Memorial Service is planned for 1 p.m., Sat., Nov. 11th at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 5607 NE Gher Road, in Vancouver. Pastor James Stender will officiate. A reception will follow at the church. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from noon to 9 p.m., Fri., Nov. 10th at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver. Contributions in Mark Harris's name may be made to the Prader Willi Syndrome Association USA at pwsausa.org or the Brighton Foundation at brightonfoundation.org. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Mark Daniel Harris

June 13, 1974 - November 6, 2017