Franklin Kent Harris 1942-2024

Franklin Kent Harris, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family, March 17, 2024.

Dad was born to Franklin Harris and Ivie Eastman on May 2, 1942, in Woodruff, Utah. He was raised in Evanston, Wyoming by his father and his uncle James Harris.

Although dad had a difficult upbringing, he had a strong work ethic and a strong set of principles that guided him. He was a jack of all trades in his early life and had the freedom to explore various professions. That all changed when he met the love of his life, Gayla Besso. Mom and dad married on September 24, 1965, and later had their marriage solemnized in the LDS temple in Salt Lake City. During their 58 years together, mom and dad were always at each other’s side and dad never left the house without telling mom that he loved her. They eventually settled in Utah, where dad began a long career at HAFB where he advanced to program manager and traveled to all sorts of exotic locales, such as Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, the Netherlands, Greece and so many more.

While working full-time and raising a family, he also received his bachelor’s degree from Weber State. In addition to his work and school, dad was proud to volunteer whether it be the fire department, union, or the sheriff’s department. Dad was a dive team member for the Weber County Recovery Team. While this work was emotionally difficult, dad felt a moral obligation to help others find their loved ones. Dad made many lifelong friends on the team and our hearts are full as many of you have reached out to us. But above all, dad was a family man and he spent so much of his free time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Each of us have our own special memories of him whether it was camping, fishing, hunting, rodeos, soccer games or road trips to find the second largest ball of string.

Our incredible father was a mentor to us all. While we are struggling to imagine life without him, we know he is with us in spirit and will continue to be our guiding star. Dad is survived by his three children: Jessica Talbot (Mark); Jeanette Espinoza (Ted); and Franklin Harris II (Sarah). His grandchildren: Randy Edwards (Jessica); Brittney Edwards; Beau Edwards (Haylee); Nikki Navarro (Michael); Natalie Colleluori (Matt); Jack Harris, Harper Harris, and Charlotte Harris. And his great grandchildren: Paislie Edwards, Kenslie Edwards, Grayson Edwards, Ava Edwards, Aiden Leon Edwards, and the newest family member, Kaladin Navarro. Dad was preceded in death by his father, his mother and his favorite uncle, James.

We love you daddy, and we will strive to make you proud of us.

A service will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, 11:00 A.M. with a viewing held one hour prior to service at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th St, Ogden, UT 84403. Please wear bright colors so we can celebrate dad.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com