William Harrison

Harrison, William (Bill)
Bill died Saturday, Nov. 19 from Parkinson’s complications, with which he lived for many years.

A farm kid from Kansas who loved the outdoors. Bill was cheerful, hardworking with a quick wit, athletic, and up for any adventure. An original environmentalist, Bill was trained at Fort Hays State University as a botanist. He spent a career protecting wildlife, including endangered species and their habitats with The Bureau of Land Management and The Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Dept. of the Interior.
A 52 year member of The Basilica of Saint Mary, Bill spent countless hours on a variety of volunteer projects at The Basilica. Also, a 50 +year resident of East Isles, Bill was involved in many civic and neighborhood organizations, most recently a tireless advocate for the Mid-Town Greenway.

Bill treasured time at his winter retreat on Sanibel Island, Florida with family and friends. We will miss his energy, practical advice, knowledge of the natural world and can-do attitude. In his final years, Bill loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren for family gatherings.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Fern and Leland, brother; Douglas and daughter Gretchen. He is survived by his wife of 62 years; Karen and their children; Sydney, (John Olsen), Leah, (Bob Stich), Jason, (Kari Harrison) and 4 grandchildren; Harrison Olsen, Brady Stich, Maxine and Miles Harrison. Also survived by cousin David Stagg, brother in-law; John Jackson and sister-in-law; Bonnie Harber.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, Nov. 29 -The Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th Street, Minneapolis. Reviewal 11am, (at church), 12pm Funeral Mass.

Memorials to: Basilica of St Mary-St Vincent DePaul Fund: www-Mary.org/svdpgive or The Natural Resources Defense Council: www.action.NRDC.org