Richard Rockwell Harris

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our son, Richard Rockwell Harris, who passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2022 at the Davis Hospital in Layton, Utah due to complications associated with heart failure and pneumonia. 

Rich was born on January 26, 1988 in San Diego, California.  His family moved to Sunset Utah where he celebrated his second birthday, the first of many in our home.  He graduated from Northridge High School in 2006 and for a short time attended Weber State University.  He served in the Utah Army National Guard.

Some of the high points in his athletic endeavors following high school included; 2006 Best of the West Grappling Champion, High PT in 2007 Advanced Individual Training for the U.S. Army, Foxtrot Battery’s distinguished honors graduate in Basic Combat training, 2008 Throwdown Champion (Advanced Heavyweight Div.)

While in high school, Rich dreamed of owning his own business and he was exhilarated when his dreams came true in 2017 when he started Rockwell Repairs.  Rich loved working outdoors and wasn’t afraid of tackling any landscape project.  In 2021 he started a second business, Salt Lake Heating and Air, which he hoped to grow big enough so he could mentor others and give them a hand-up in starting a career.  He was very grateful to David Webb, owner of HVAC Creations in Layton, for taking him on and teaching him the trade.

Though he faced a myriad of challenges, Richard always believed in himself and others.  Everybody he met was a new friend. He rooted for the underdog and was loyal to his friends and family.  We rarely heard him say anything negative about anybody.  Through all his challenges, Rich tried to look on the bright side and stayed positive.  He was always willing to forgive and help others.  Rich will be sorely missed by his family.

Richard is survived by his girlfriend Stevie Hunter; his mother, Cynthia Willems and her husband Daniel Sr; his father, Benjamin R. Harris; his sister Adrian R. Harris; half-siblings: Kathy Schmitt, Tara Hendrix, Jacquelyn Harris, and Jessica Harris; and step-siblings: Daniel Willems Jr, Terri Sanders, Russell Alleen-Willems, and Joshua Willems.

He was preceded in death by three infant sons he lost due to miscarriages (Michael, Landon, and Isaac) and by his sister, Amanda Ann Harris.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the ministering angels in the Steve Hunter family for loving and caring for Rich through his illness.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S. 1900 W., Roy, Utah on Thursday, January 20, 2022 with a viewing from 12-12:45 followed by a funeral at 1:00.  For those unable to attend in person the funeral will be live streamed at www.myers-mortuary.com under his obituaries.

From his father - Richard loved Star Wars; he loved Sushi; he was a free thinker and questioned everything.  Richard loved his family.

From his sister Adrian - Rich loved helping me renovate my house.  He was so proud to share his vast knowledge of home repairs.  He could do it all, drywalling, plumbing, electrical work, and if he didn’t know he would jump right in to figure it out, he was never intimidated.  Together we fixed my washing machine after tearing it apart and finding it full of feathers, we landscaped my yard, digging trenches for hours, covered in mud, and he helped every time my air conditioner grumbled to a halt. I will miss arguing about what music to listen to and joking and laughing with him as we worked. I’ll think of him and his easy smile every time I fix a leaky faucet or patch a hole.

From his girlfriend Stevie - The one thing that I really loved about Richard was that he was always there for me when I needed him. He would be very supportive on anything that I wanted to do. He has helped me through my trials and especially when I lost my mom. I will miss him and I will love every memory I had with him. He made me feel loved and made me feel very special. I will forever love him and will keep him in my heart.

From his mother – I enjoyed talking with Rich about his believe in God and his desire to follow the Savior.  He was always willing to talk about his beliefs and was forceful in wanting to share them with others.  My last conversation with Richard focused on the Godhead as he asked me to tell him what I believed in Their Oneness.  I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be Richard’s mother and friend.  I will treasure the memories of times we shared.  While my heart is breaking, I know Rich is excited to start his next adventure.
 

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