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Richard passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 89. His life involved numerous military, business and personal acheivements that could read like a novel. Richard was born in Whitney, Texas where his father was a state legislator and move to Fresno after serving honorably in World War II. He married Betty Heckel in Fresno and moved to Sanger. They had two children, Richard A. Harris and Diana Nordstrom, who survived him along with his grandchildren, Todd Nordstrom and Kristin Withrow and three great grandchildren. In 1955, Richard acquired ownership of the Sanger Hospital and was the sole owner of the hospital until 1990. During ownership of the hospital a new facility was built which included radiology, laboratory and a pharmacy that served the citizens of Sanger. He was a member of the Sanger Hall of Fame in honor of his contributions to the community. Richard was active in numerous service and professional groups. As a representative of the American Hospital Association he traveled to numerous foreign countries in order to assist in establishing health provider services. He was a sports enthusiast who followed all sports, in particular Fresno State and Texas football. Richard was an avid golfer and had the opportunity to play in numerous golf tournaments throughout the United States. He attended numerous major sporting events and Super Bowls. Along with Betty, Richard traveled around the world in 1987 on the Concorde. On this trip they met numerous world leaders and had lunch with Princess Grace of Monaco. He also traveled to Monte Carlo with Mickey Mantle and Joe Dimaggio on a private flight, along with other celebrities to open Loews Casino. Richard enjoyed telling stories of his life which would be embellished with great enthusiasm. His audience was always fascinated by his knowledge of a variety of subjects. He was always ready with a good joke and willing to share a vodka. Richard helped many people who struggled and was deeply devoted to his many friends and former employees with whom he continued to stay in contact with throughout his life. Special thanks to Patt Rank who showed dedication to Richard in his later years which certainly extended not only his life but also his enjoyment of the events around him. The family would also like to thank his caregivers Belinda Cortez, Rosa Marie Padilla, and Gina Rigo-Emerson. A funeral service will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on September 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Chapel of the Light in the Garden of Devotion Mausoleum. A reception will follow at Parma's Restaurant, 6729 Palm Avenue, Fresno, CA at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in Richard's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Richard Harris

December 27, 1924 - September 21, 2014