Richard Allan Harrison

Richard Allan Harrison, 88, was born to Lester and Helen Harrison on December 17, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away April 20, 2015. At age six, Richard moved with his parents and paternal grandparents to California during the Great Depression and grew up in Lynwood. Dick, as he was known to family and friends, was big brother to Joan Olsen of Hemet, CA, and Roger Harrison of Long Beach, CA. He enjoyed fishing, singing, sports (an avid LA Dodgers and USC Trojans fan), gardening, travel, and reading, always keeping his mind active. Richard was drafted into the Army Air Corps at the end of WWII and served in Japan and the Philippines as part of the occupation forces. After returning to the States, he graduated from the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University), hoping to enter the ministry, possibly overseas. But plans change, and Richard instead joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department and worked in the Fire Prevention Bureau until his retirement. In 1952 Richard married Roberta "Bobbie" Peterson, and in 1954 the young couple purchased a home in North Long Beach, CA, where they lived for sixty-one years and raised their family. The Harrisons were founding members of Community Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach, where Dick served as an elder (and anywhere else there was a need) for as long as he was physically able. Together the Harrisons raised their four children: Paula Ciccotti of Ames, IA; Cheryl Stevens of Riverside, CA; Mark Harrison of Santee, CA; and Jill Stengl of Minocqua, WI. Richard was a loving grandfather to his nineteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren (with more on the way!), and his face would light up when anyone asked about them. Dick's solid faith in God, his sweet and joyful smile, his servant heart, and his evident love for Jesus Christ were hallmarks of his long and fruitful life. Mr. Harrison, Capt. Harrison, Richard, Dick, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa--by all these names he was known and loved, and he will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at Community Grace Brethren Church at 5885 Downey Ave, Long Beach, CA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, California.