Wesley Robert Harrison, 85, longtime rancher of Hermosa, died at his Rapid City residence Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Wes was the only child born on October 31, 1928 in Chadron, Nebraska to Lee and Lillian Harrison. He spent his childhood helping on his parent's ranch in Riverton, Wyoming where they raised sheep. In the harsh conditions of the Depression era, Wes recounted stories of their family often taking in other boys who worked for room and board.
It was a privilege to attend school on days where his father did not require help and Wes felt blessed to receive his 8th grade graduation papers from the small Wyoming school.
By high school, Wes and his family purchased the Hermosa ranch he has called home for the last 70 years of his life.
Wes graduated from Rapid City High School at age 18 and had many interesting stories to share of the boarding school he stayed at in Rapid during his senior year. Lifelong friends were made in these former years and a good time on Friday night meant riding your horse for miles to the town dance in Hermosa and riding home in the dark in the wee hours of the night!
It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Denevan.
Wes and Rosie were married on January 9, 1953 and celebrated their 54th anniversary before Rosie passed away in 2007. Wes and Rosie had four children: Zack, Cindy, Scott and Karen. Hard work and careful saving for the ranch they would one day own marked the early years of their marriage but through it all, Wes and Rosie always made time for each other.
They traveled the world together and enjoyed historical tours throughout Europe; tropical cruises in the Caribbean and adventures in Alaska. They had a zest for life and a romantic flame for each other that was evident to all.
Wes provided not only a secure and loving home for his family but also a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He instilled strong family values and his children knew that the long hours working in the hay-field together would be followed by a fun day at the lake camping and water-skiing when the work was done.
He expected a standard of excellence and set that example for his children in all he did.
Wes truly loved his occupation because he had an inherent joy that radiated through his smile, his laugh and his sense of humor.
He actually stated that he "retired" at age 19 because that was when he began ranching for himself, which he saw as following his dream, while others had to go to "work" in town.
The hardest part of ranching for Wes was dealing with the stress of unpredictable weather and cattle prices but the joy of bringing a new calf into the world on a fine spring day was a reminder of why he loved the honest life of ranching.
Wes loved the relationship he had with his neighbors and treasured their support and friendship. He could count on their help when he called and their fellowship when he wanted to visit. He was proud to be an integral part of the ranching community in the entire Hermosa area.
Wes felt blessed to live the life he loved as a cattle rancher and was still actively doing what he loved which included pitching hay to his cows the morning he was called home to be with the Lord.
Wes is survived by his four children; Zackoree Harrison of Durango, CO, Cindy (Jim) Lucas of Spearfish, Scott Harrison of Hermosa, Karen (Eddie ) Rypkema of Rapid City; six grandchildren, Dustin (Dori) Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Alissa Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Brianna Bernal of Havlock, NC, Leah (Chris) Schwartz of Lead, April and Aubree Rypkema of Rapid City; and five great-grandchildren; Finn and Beckley Harrison, and Alex, Jason and Kate Schwartz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Rosie Harrison.
Visitation will be Sun., Jan. 12 from 2pm to 4pm at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, and for one hour before services.
Services are set for 10:30am Mon., Jan. 13 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Elks Lodge in Rapid City. Interment will be at 2pm at Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa.
A memorial has been established to the Folsom Fire Dept. on Lower Spring Creek. Friends may sign Wes's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
Wes was the only child born on October 31, 1928 in Chadron, Nebraska to Lee and Lillian Harrison. He spent his childhood helping on his parent's ranch in Riverton, Wyoming where they raised sheep. In the harsh conditions of the Depression era, Wes recounted stories of their family often taking in other boys who worked for room and board.
It was a privilege to attend school on days where his father did not require help and Wes felt blessed to receive his 8th grade graduation papers from the small Wyoming school.
By high school, Wes and his family purchased the Hermosa ranch he has called home for the last 70 years of his life.
Wes graduated from Rapid City High School at age 18 and had many interesting stories to share of the boarding school he stayed at in Rapid during his senior year. Lifelong friends were made in these former years and a good time on Friday night meant riding your horse for miles to the town dance in Hermosa and riding home in the dark in the wee hours of the night!
It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Denevan.
Wes and Rosie were married on January 9, 1953 and celebrated their 54th anniversary before Rosie passed away in 2007. Wes and Rosie had four children: Zack, Cindy, Scott and Karen. Hard work and careful saving for the ranch they would one day own marked the early years of their marriage but through it all, Wes and Rosie always made time for each other.
They traveled the world together and enjoyed historical tours throughout Europe; tropical cruises in the Caribbean and adventures in Alaska. They had a zest for life and a romantic flame for each other that was evident to all.
Wes provided not only a secure and loving home for his family but also a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He instilled strong family values and his children knew that the long hours working in the hay-field together would be followed by a fun day at the lake camping and water-skiing when the work was done.
He expected a standard of excellence and set that example for his children in all he did.
Wes truly loved his occupation because he had an inherent joy that radiated through his smile, his laugh and his sense of humor.
He actually stated that he "retired" at age 19 because that was when he began ranching for himself, which he saw as following his dream, while others had to go to "work" in town.
The hardest part of ranching for Wes was dealing with the stress of unpredictable weather and cattle prices but the joy of bringing a new calf into the world on a fine spring day was a reminder of why he loved the honest life of ranching.
Wes loved the relationship he had with his neighbors and treasured their support and friendship. He could count on their help when he called and their fellowship when he wanted to visit. He was proud to be an integral part of the ranching community in the entire Hermosa area.
Wes felt blessed to live the life he loved as a cattle rancher and was still actively doing what he loved which included pitching hay to his cows the morning he was called home to be with the Lord.
Wes is survived by his four children; Zackoree Harrison of Durango, CO, Cindy (Jim) Lucas of Spearfish, Scott Harrison of Hermosa, Karen (Eddie ) Rypkema of Rapid City; six grandchildren, Dustin (Dori) Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Alissa Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Brianna Bernal of Havlock, NC, Leah (Chris) Schwartz of Lead, April and Aubree Rypkema of Rapid City; and five great-grandchildren; Finn and Beckley Harrison, and Alex, Jason and Kate Schwartz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Rosie Harrison.
Visitation will be Sun., Jan. 12 from 2pm to 4pm at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, and for one hour before services.
Services are set for 10:30am Mon., Jan. 13 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Elks Lodge in Rapid City. Interment will be at 2pm at Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa.
A memorial has been established to the Folsom Fire Dept. on Lower Spring Creek. Friends may sign Wes's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
Wesley Robert Harrison, 85, longtime rancher of Hermosa, died at his Rapid City residence Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Wes was the only child born on October 31, 1928 in Chadron, Nebraska to Lee and Lillian Harrison. He spent his childhood helping on his parent's ranch in Riverton, Wyoming where they raised sheep. In the harsh conditions of the Depression era, Wes recounted stories of their family often taking in other boys who worked for room and board.
It was a privilege to attend school on days where his father did not require help and Wes felt blessed to receive his 8th grade graduation papers from the small Wyoming school.
By high school, Wes and his family purchased the Hermosa ranch he has called home for the last 70 years of his life.
Wes graduated from Rapid City High School at age 18 and had many interesting stories to share of the boarding school he stayed at in Rapid during his senior year. Lifelong friends were made in these former years and a good time on Friday night meant riding your horse for miles to the town dance in Hermosa and riding home in the dark in the wee hours of the night!
It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Denevan.
Wes and Rosie were married on January 9, 1953 and celebrated their 54th anniversary before Rosie passed away in 2007. Wes and Rosie had four children: Zack, Cindy, Scott and Karen. Hard work and careful saving for the ranch they would one day own marked the early years of their marriage but through it all, Wes and Rosie always made time for each other.
They traveled the world together and enjoyed historical tours throughout Europe; tropical cruises in the Caribbean and adventures in Alaska. They had a zest for life and a romantic flame for each other that was evident to all.
Wes provided not only a secure and loving home for his family but also a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He instilled strong family values and his children knew that the long hours working in the hay-field together would be followed by a fun day at the lake camping and water-skiing when the work was done.
He expected a standard of excellence and set that example for his children in all he did.
Wes truly loved his occupation because he had an inherent joy that radiated through his smile, his laugh and his sense of humor.
He actually stated that he "retired" at age 19 because that was when he began ranching for himself, which he saw as following his dream, while others had to go to "work" in town.
The hardest part of ranching for Wes was dealing with the stress of unpredictable weather and cattle prices but the joy of bringing a new calf into the world on a fine spring day was a reminder of why he loved the honest life of ranching.
Wes loved the relationship he had with his neighbors and treasured their support and friendship. He could count on their help when he called and their fellowship when he wanted to visit. He was proud to be an integral part of the ranching community in the entire Hermosa area.
Wes felt blessed to live the life he loved as a cattle rancher and was still actively doing what he loved which included pitching hay to his cows the morning he was called home to be with the Lord.
Wes is survived by his four children; Zackoree Harrison of Durango, CO, Cindy (Jim) Lucas of Spearfish, Scott Harrison of Hermosa, Karen (Eddie ) Rypkema of Rapid City; six grandchildren, Dustin (Dori) Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Alissa Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Brianna Bernal of Havlock, NC, Leah (Chris) Schwartz of Lead, April and Aubree Rypkema of Rapid City; and five great-grandchildren; Finn and Beckley Harrison, and Alex, Jason and Kate Schwartz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Rosie Harrison.
Visitation will be Sun., Jan. 12 from 2pm to 4pm at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, and for one hour before services.
Services are set for 10:30am Mon., Jan. 13 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Elks Lodge in Rapid City. Interment will be at 2pm at Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa.
A memorial has been established to the Folsom Fire Dept. on Lower Spring Creek. Friends may sign Wes's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
Wes was the only child born on October 31, 1928 in Chadron, Nebraska to Lee and Lillian Harrison. He spent his childhood helping on his parent's ranch in Riverton, Wyoming where they raised sheep. In the harsh conditions of the Depression era, Wes recounted stories of their family often taking in other boys who worked for room and board.
It was a privilege to attend school on days where his father did not require help and Wes felt blessed to receive his 8th grade graduation papers from the small Wyoming school.
By high school, Wes and his family purchased the Hermosa ranch he has called home for the last 70 years of his life.
Wes graduated from Rapid City High School at age 18 and had many interesting stories to share of the boarding school he stayed at in Rapid during his senior year. Lifelong friends were made in these former years and a good time on Friday night meant riding your horse for miles to the town dance in Hermosa and riding home in the dark in the wee hours of the night!
It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Denevan.
Wes and Rosie were married on January 9, 1953 and celebrated their 54th anniversary before Rosie passed away in 2007. Wes and Rosie had four children: Zack, Cindy, Scott and Karen. Hard work and careful saving for the ranch they would one day own marked the early years of their marriage but through it all, Wes and Rosie always made time for each other.
They traveled the world together and enjoyed historical tours throughout Europe; tropical cruises in the Caribbean and adventures in Alaska. They had a zest for life and a romantic flame for each other that was evident to all.
Wes provided not only a secure and loving home for his family but also a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He instilled strong family values and his children knew that the long hours working in the hay-field together would be followed by a fun day at the lake camping and water-skiing when the work was done.
He expected a standard of excellence and set that example for his children in all he did.
Wes truly loved his occupation because he had an inherent joy that radiated through his smile, his laugh and his sense of humor.
He actually stated that he "retired" at age 19 because that was when he began ranching for himself, which he saw as following his dream, while others had to go to "work" in town.
The hardest part of ranching for Wes was dealing with the stress of unpredictable weather and cattle prices but the joy of bringing a new calf into the world on a fine spring day was a reminder of why he loved the honest life of ranching.
Wes loved the relationship he had with his neighbors and treasured their support and friendship. He could count on their help when he called and their fellowship when he wanted to visit. He was proud to be an integral part of the ranching community in the entire Hermosa area.
Wes felt blessed to live the life he loved as a cattle rancher and was still actively doing what he loved which included pitching hay to his cows the morning he was called home to be with the Lord.
Wes is survived by his four children; Zackoree Harrison of Durango, CO, Cindy (Jim) Lucas of Spearfish, Scott Harrison of Hermosa, Karen (Eddie ) Rypkema of Rapid City; six grandchildren, Dustin (Dori) Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Alissa Harrison of Vancouver, Canada, Brianna Bernal of Havlock, NC, Leah (Chris) Schwartz of Lead, April and Aubree Rypkema of Rapid City; and five great-grandchildren; Finn and Beckley Harrison, and Alex, Jason and Kate Schwartz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Rosie Harrison.
Visitation will be Sun., Jan. 12 from 2pm to 4pm at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, and for one hour before services.
Services are set for 10:30am Mon., Jan. 13 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. A reception and luncheon will follow at the Elks Lodge in Rapid City. Interment will be at 2pm at Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa.
A memorial has been established to the Folsom Fire Dept. on Lower Spring Creek. Friends may sign Wes's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
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