Not everyone may know this about my dad, but besides his love for God, his family, the Bible and the church, he not only loved to eat but also to cook. I am thankful for this side of my dad, because for those of you who know me I too love to eat and to cook

1) My dad appreciated food from other countries. I am not sure if this came from his military experience and travel oversees but he loved to eat food from other cultures, especially spicy food. Chinese and Mexican food were two of his favorites. He frequently took us to Chinatown in San Francisco and Oakland to introduce us to authentic Chinese food and Dim Sum. He liked to try out his Mandarin or Cantonese on the waiters. He always put lots of hot chili oil on his food. Today I still enjoy great Chinese food and like to order spicy dishes too. I also seek out international festivals and opportunities to try out food from other cultures wherever I am. I am thankful for this appreciation my dad gave me which included a love for people from other cultures and an appreciation for the value that comes from differences. 

2) My dad loved to eat. Breakfast out at a restaurant was one of his favorites especially as he and my mom got older. It was one of the cheapest meals and they looked for places open 24 hours or very early since they were early risers. They had a favorite in Alameda, CA and San Leandro, CA they frequented a lot. He also loved my mom’s cooking (except broccoli) and looked forward to coming home from work and finding dinner on the table. We ate meals together as a family and talked a lot about food. He also loved fancy steak restaurants like the ones his boss at work treated them to once a year. I think this is one reason I am a foodie and love trying new restaurants. I enjoy taking pictures of my food and posting them on Yelp to share my love of food with others. 

3) My dad loved to cook. He was a chef after he got out of the Army for a Christian group called the Navigators. He seemed to appreciate this experience and what he learned about cooking. He knew how to make fancy French and other kinds of sauces. Two of my favorite things he made were eclairs and a baked Alaska. He didn’t cook too often but he regularly helped cook parts of the Thanksgiving meal. He experimented with different kinds of stuffing including one with Oysters I did not like. I enjoy cooking, too, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday meal. It is hard now that we have to have Thanksgiving without you, dad, but you did teach me to be thankful and I am thankful for all that you taught me, especially related to food. 

Many people may not know this but my dad loved music, loved to sing, and loved to dance. In fact he would wake us up on Saturdays and Sundays by singing and playing music on the radio or tape player.  A few years before he died he sang in a church choir for a Christmas production. He practiced daily for weeks in preparation. My husband and I drove from Utah to see him perform and his sister Ellie and her husband Mike also came to watch the performance. He did very well. I am sure he is enjoying singing in heaven now. 

Here are some his favorite arists I remember from some of his favorite singers:

Chuck Girard
Name Above all Names  https://youtu.be/v-TiBYKsW24
The Warrior https://youtu.be/22ynkr_6S-U

Phillips, Craig and Dean
Great I am https://youtu.be/tSCoklghR3U
Revelation https://youtu.be/S3LK3wIHnVE

Mercy Me
I can Only Imagine https://youtu.be/AOjY02Ccu-M

George Beverle Shea
I'd Rather Have Jesus https://youtu.be/2tbu9kQEcnk
Victory in Jesus https://youtu.be/K-QW7dvfggU



 

(Written by Ken Harris- shared on this site by his daughter, Sarah Brasiel)
Ken born 2-10-1937

6/13/58   (21 years old)
I asked Jesus for forgiveness and to come into my life

6/14/58
I went to Quincy, CA to serve at Oakland's family camp in the kitchen. Met some neat young people. At the end of the camp I returned to Oakland, and lived with my parents. I met Karen at camp and visited her church, Castlemont Bible Chapel. It was great, but I was not ready for a relationship which she had hoped for. While walking at Lake Merit, I met an old school buddy, Pat Casey. He asked me to come to his church and play on their basketball team. The church was Lakeside Baptist. I went and met some great people: The Neilsons, Andersons, and a great pastor, Pastor Lindholm.

9/16/58
I enrolled at Oakland City College. There I met up again with Jack Blanche, who had led me to Jesus. He encouraged me to meet with him and do a simple Bible study. The Navigators with whom he was involved stressed Bible Study and character application. On's church was one's own choice (Biblical, of course). He later invited me to a Bible study at the Navigator home where he lived. I really had struggles going. I had many fears. But I pressed through and went to the study. It was a blessed decision on my part. The Navigators stressed Scripture (Bible) memory. I served in their conferences and got close to their Oakland staff. 

(Date unknown)
I transferred to San Jose State College and lived with Dave Acker whom I met at the Navigators. I took basic undergraduate courses. Eventually Jack Blanche came to San Jose, so the three of us lived in an apartment together. 

(Date unknown)
Jack informed me that there was an opening in the Navigator home in Oakland. John Crawford , the area representative invited me. I agreed and moved back to Oakland to this home (even though my parents still lived in Oakland). There were probably 4 other guys living there. To cover our expenses we had to work. Also John's wife Helen lived there and was a dear lady. Earnest Romine ownder of Horspool & Romine Manufacturing was a good friend of John Crawford and he opened up jobs for the Navigator Men. I worked in the machine shop for approximately 3 months. (Later I would work there for 38 years). John told me there was an opening at the Navigators headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO, and asked if I woudl like to go. I said, "Yes." Shortly after I bussed to the Colorado Springs, Glen Erie & Castle in the Garden of the Gods area.  Wow, what a beautiful place!

(Date unknown)
Here I was assigned to the Kitchen to wash dishes at first. I lived in a dorm with other guys. We had Bible studies and attended conference meetings where famous Christian leaders spoke: Bill Bright, Campus Crusade; John Walvord, Multnomah Bible College; Dr. Charles Farah and Navigator Leaders: Loren Sunny, Leroy Ehims. Here I met Jim Wilson who was the supervisor of the kitchen. I eventually became a cook and the lead person in the kitchen. Jim was an unusual man. He was formerly a gambler, butcher, probably married a couple of times before becoming a Christian. He retained some of the hardness. But I really loved or honored him. I served him well and God blessed me. One day, I received a letter from my dad saying, "I am ashamed that you are my son. Why don't you come home, settle down, get married, and live like a normal human being?" I was sitting on the beautiful lawn, and surroundings at Glen Erie. I opened my Bible and the verse that struck me was, "When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take me up." After 2-3 years at Glen Erie, I returned to Hayward where my parents now lived. 

(Date unknown)
One day I went to San Francisco to apply for a job at Manning's Coffee Shop. I had learned to cook and wanted to seek work in this field. On the way to my car I saw John Crawford and 4 men coming down the hill. He commented, "Why did you not tell me you had returned to the area?" So I reconnected with him and the Navigators. I also reconnected with Horspool and Romine where I worked another 3 months. The Navigator's started a ministry to students at Chico State in Chico, CA. John asked me if I wanted to participate. I said yes and enrolled there. I majored in Business Education, hoping to teach in High School. At this time the Charismatic movement began. I went to some meetings and was very interested. Coincidentally, Jim Wilson had left the Navigators at Glen Erie and moved back to Pacific Grove, Monterey, CA. He was also loosely connected with this Charismatic movement. A buddy and I visited Him in Pacific Grove from Chico. John Crawford and the Navigators belived this was error and warned me. Jim Wilson in the mean time married Audrey and they lived in a residential area in colorado Springs. There were 3 homes establishing a loose communal group. 

9/1/66 (29 years old)
However, I was hundry, curious. I moved to Colorado Springs, CO and joined up with Jim Wilson. Another couple, 3 of us single guys lived in this communal setup. Then with the help of Audrey's inheritance money and money from Victor Maze, we purchased an 11 bedroom home up on Cheyenne Blvd. It was a great place. Dr. Marv Dunnaway, his wife Jane and their 3 children also moved in. They are dear folks. At this time I was 30 years old. I was reading about Joseph in Genesis. When he was 30 Pharoh gave him his daughter to be his wife. The thought came to me, "Maybe I am ready to get married." It seemed before this I was so involved in other things that marriage was not in my thinking. 

1/28/67 (30 years old)
That week a young Air Force medic, Marjorie A. Earnest, came to the home to learn about Jesus. Her 14 year old sister had been killed in a car accident and she was distraught seeking answers. Dr. Marv and Jane led Marge to receive Jesus as her savior on that day's visit. They came downstairs after and Marge met me doing something in the hallway. I was impressed at that moment atht she would be my wife. That night at dinnder, Dr. Marv said that tomorrow Margie Earnest would be coming over for dinner. He said, "She is the girl for Ken." This seemed strange since there were 3 of us single guys at the table. 

4/14/68 (31 years old)
MARRIAGE! Marge and I were married in thi sHome. At the time I thought this had to be the greatest Wedding ever! Especially becuase it seemed like our Christian family were so excited for us and served to make it a great day. We felt so loved! Special guests included my dad and mom, Margie's dad adn mom, my aunt Annie and Bob, Leroy (my sister in-law's Dad). Jim Wilson and Dr. P.J. Andresen officiated. Dr. Marv was the best man. Monte Crouch was maid of honor. She was an Air Force friend. Margie's dad standing on the Home roof said, "God is here."

2/21/1974 started permanent job at Horspool and Romine and stayed there for 38 years 

9/3/1975 (38 years old)
Dad visited Shiloh and Pastor Violet Kitely spoke. I knew it was God. I signed up for Shiloh Bible college. 


Other notes by Ken Harris in his final months:

God is my father: No man cometh to the Father but by me. God the father is Holy, in Love He authored salvation, a plan for man. I can call him "Abba Father."

Destiny, Eternal Life: God so loved the world that he gave his unique son that whoever believed in him, Jesus, should not perish but have eternal life. 

Received a sprititual birth - God's spirit indwelling my spirit giving His life. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirt of God is spirit.

Forgiveness - Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. All people have sinned adn come short of the glory of God.

Jesus, Savior from Sin - You shall call his name, Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

Prayer - He is to ask nothing in my name, now ask and you shall receive.

Placed in His body -   Where He is Shepherd, with Shepherds, Teachers, and Brethern. 

 

My dad has had many interesting church experiences. Before I was born he was a chef for the Navigators, an international Christian organization with outreach near military bases and colleges. My dad was in Colorado Springs and had finished his service in the Army. This is where he met my mom who was in the Air Force and also recently finished her time of service. From what I remember when they were first married they even lived in a Christian home/apartment complex that was part of this organization. Then when they moved to California he and my mom went to a church that the U.S. Government has identified as a cult. He figured this out and decided to leave while my mom and us kids stayed for a little while longer eventually following him to his new church, Shiloh Christian Fellowship in Oakland. I think many of my fathers best memories are from his time attending, serving, and teaching at Shiloh. There are very few churches like Shiloh, because there were so many people from different races/ethnicities and even economic groups but there was a definite family feel. The gospel music was great. My dad loved the teaching that he received there and he ended up getting a degree in theology from the Shiloh Bible College and ended up teaching bible college courses. I think Hermaneutics and homiletics were his favorite to teach. Shiloh also had a K-12 school that we attended. I went to school there starting in 7th grade through 12th grade. The school closed at the end of my senior year. There were also kids programs like Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and also programs like boy scouts called the Royal Rangers that my dad taught in. He was my Sunday school teacher when I was in the 6th grade and I remember him creating an entire replica of David's Tabernacle out of cardboard and clay. He even spray painted parts gold to look more realistic. He had a passion for making the Bible come to life. In fact, most of my life, when my dad was not working or taking us on adventures (camping, swimming) he was reading/studying the Bible. When teaching Bible College, Sunday School, or preparing for any Bible lesson, he spent hours preparing. Eventually with the advent of the computer things were a little easier, but in the beginning he would handwrite or type handouts for his students. Bible stories were a part of all of our holiday celebrations. We would reach the story of Christ's birth at Christmas, and even act it out what drawing and props, and his death at Eater. For most of our life we did not have a TV and we did not celebrate Halloween. So my parents found ways to make the Bible interesting by having us celebrate the different Biblical feasts, such as the Feasts of Tabernacles. I remember them covering tables with blankets and we slept under the tables like tents. Also we celebrated passover. One of my dad's favorite annual church events I think was the summer Church camp at Mission Springs near Santa Cruz. There would be great special speakers, swimming where he loved lifting kids up and throwing them in the water, and watermellon and hot chocolate after the night service. I think we camped the first few years and then started staying in a cabin. The other one of my dad's favorite annual events was the Harvest Festival, which we did instead of Halloween. He was very involved at times in seting it up and attending some of the games. Each year he helped he would also dress up in a costume of his own design. As a creative/artistic person he made some great costumes. My dad had a great heart for people, especially people others might not appreciate. After church we would be waiting for my dad, hungry, and he was taking time befriending someone probably most people would not talk to. He would give people rides home, sometimes invite them over for lunch or take them out to lunch. In the last few years of his life he and my mom made a hard decision to leave Oakland, CA where he grew up and spent so many years to move to Roseville, CA to be closer to my sister when my dad retired. This took a long time for him to decide because he really hated to leave Shiloh. Then a few years later they made another hard decision which was to move to San Antonio, TX to be closer to my youngest brother, Tim. Their last stop before leaving CA was to drive by Shiloh and say goodbye to the pastors. Shiloh left a lasting impression on my dad because of the love of the people there. 

I shared of my dad's passing on the Shiloh Facebook Page and so many people responded with condolences, fond memories of time with my dad that I thought I would share them here. Some people from Shiloh also shared on my facebook page and on my brother and sisters page. So I try to capture the memories and thoughts here:

Linda O'Reilly Padron-Silva I remembered your Dad coming to Shiloh by himself. I finally asked him do you have family he said I'm pray everyday for her and my children. Not to long Marge came and the children came. I loved the way how Ken and Marge was a wonderful example how to keep the children quite. I followed their lead in one of my daughter's. The other no problems. What a beautiful family. God Bless you Marge, Jesus will be you in those quite times.

Bob Dunham I'm sorry. He was a dear man who will be sorely missed.

Gregory J Smith Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear this about your father. We're praying for your family but also rejoicing that he is now free and in the presence of the Lord

Lana Clausen I'm so sorry, Sarah. I'm glad you remained close despite any physical distance. I'll always remember him as a man full of faith. God bless you all.

Christina Goerss So sorry for your loss, Sarah. You are your family are in my prayers. He is with his Father now. God's blessings to you all.

David Lai I'm sorry to hear this about your father. I lived across the street from your parents in Oakland back in the 80's. We had some good times of fellowship. Will be praying for your family.

Maria Morales-Carrero Sarah Brasiel, I am truly sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family! I worked with your dad many years ago in Berkley. He was a man of integrity, patience, kind, caring and of high standards! I learned from watching him work that his loyalty knew no bounds... A hard working husband and father who loved you guys dearly! I have cherished thru the years the lessons I learned from his style of working! May he truly rest in the arms of our Father! A solider has graduated to heaven!!! 

Deborah Jose Hirvonen So very sorry about your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I have nice memories of him. a very nice man to say the least 

Felecia Munson Sarah, we're sooo sorry for your loss. Your Dad was an amazing man, so kind, so generous, so willing to go the extra mile for others. We will be praying for your family! Please tell your Mom we are praying! Love you guys!

Robert Volk Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that Sarah. Our prayers are with you.

Pam Nichols Steinberg Sarah, Ken fought such a long hard battle, I will always remember him and his smile. Praying for you, your mom, and family.

Bonnie Davis Dear Sarah, I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray the Lord will comfort each one of you as only he can. Your dad was a wonderful man.

Jerry Cook We are so sorry Sarah we will look forward to share about dad a champion of a man. Prayers and love for you all. Love from us all

Linda O'Reilly Padron-Silva We know that your Dad has no more pain. The moment he died he was already in Jesus presents, Praise Sweet Jesus, Hallelujah. I'm looking forward to share when I first met your Dad.
God Bless You, Sarah and your family

Carmen Torres So sad and sorry. I Remember him and your mom so well. My prayers are with your family.

Deirdre Ancira Sarah, so sorry to hear about your dad. He was wonderful, kind, thoughtful, caring, Jesus lovin'...and the list goes on. Will be keeping y'all in prayer!

Pam Wofford-Griffin Thank you for sharing Sarah. Sending love and prayers your way

Brenda Alferes Anderson What a beautiful tribute to such a patient, loving man. I remember him always with a ready smile and a laugh. The Lord bless you and comfort you and your family during this time.

Jan Novak A precious man. So sorry, Sarah. Praying for you and family.

Rachel Ann Griffing Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry for this loss to you and your family. I didn't know your dad very well, but knew what outstanding children he and your mother raised in a very turbulent time. My heart and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. As fellow Texans, please let me offer my support and that of the Griffing family. You know how to reach me should you need anything. Much love and His Peace.

Terrie Springer Beautiful tribute , Sarah. We remember his smile and his friendliness.

Deanna Ankersmit Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad always had such a sweet spirit. I pray for peace and comfort for your entire family.

Irene Rodriguez So very sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and your family.

Abby Rose Thank you for your message Sarah, I pray the Holy Spirit will give you & all your family strength & peace at this time, continued prayers, 

Kandee Jones Thinking of you all with love.....especially your dear mom.

Kris Barstad Kelley Sarah, we're so sorry at your loss. We'll be glad to post on your dad's memorial website. He was a good, kind, special guy. You have wonderful parents and we'll be praying for your family. 

Joan Miller I'm so sorry Sarah, praying for your family, your dad is a wonderful man.

Morris Whitwer I'm also sorry to hear about your loss. I sure appreciated and respected Ken. He was such a friendly person with a big heart and smile. I have good memories of him. Praying for you all at this time.

Michelle Gocha Frank We are so sorry for your loss. Please tell your mom hello and that we are praying for your family.

Jenny Anne Jenkins Monteiro Thank you Sarah for sharing this. We love you mom and your dad. It's such a difficult season, the one of leaving this time on earth to pass upward to Jesus. Your dad was such a godly example to us and all he met. He gave away the love God gave to Him and walked by the Spirit. We have such wonderful memories of our time together with him in pioneer Club. What a great man, husband and father he was. A true example. Praying for you all. Give your mom our love. Ray & Jenny Monteiro

E Naomi Varos-Martinez He was our neighbor and friend for so many years at Humboldt Ave. He loved his family and such great example of his Christian faith. He always had a great smile and was such wonderful friend to my husband. You will be missed. Praying for the family especially Margie that they had so much love for each other.

Bud Petersen So sorry, he was a great guy. He's pain free now! Much comfort to you all!

Nadine Tomasello Ross I'm so very sorry for your loss Joel. I remember your dad at Shiloh and he was such a nice man. Your mom is so sweet too.

Jerry Cook What a good man faithful and true it was was always great spending time with Ken know matter what you were doing. Always appreciated his love and encouragement. We are praying for all the family. All our love.

David Cook What a great family man, very nice person and someone I looked to and I also worked with him at his job!. He will be missed by many.

Zach Beardsley Im so sorry to hear this Joel, your dad was a great man and he will be missed here on earth

Guillermo Nava I remember his calm easy going spirit, he was always such a nice man!!

Bonnie Davis Dear Joel, I woke up this morning to the sad news about your dad. I am so very sorry. You dad was such an example of the kind of Christian we should all strive to be. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.

Debbie Thomas So sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.

Carol Clemons I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, Joel. Fraser and I send you and your family our sympathies and love over your loss. Ken was a fine man and I'm sorry he had to suffer with cancer. May God give you all comfort and peace. Blessings and love to your Mom...

Nina Quinteros So sorry to hear that brother Ken has gone to be with the Lord. Our neighbor from Humble St in Oakland, always cheerfully open his door at home to welcome the Quinteros to have coffee, and the famous homemade cookie your lovely mother Margie made when we visit. Awww, those are memorable days that will always stay in our heart . I pray peace and strength for you and your family 
Love you guys!!
Jose and Nina Quinteros

Tamara Stickevers I am so very sorry, Joel... I have been thinking and praying for you and your whole family. I pray you all find some peace and comfort through your loss. 

Melinda Ramos You are in our thoughts and prayers, Joel. Your dad and your family were always a blessing to us. Give our love to your mom, sisters and brother. God bless, Javier and Melinda

Felecia Munson Joel you are all in our prayers! Jesus give them your peace which passes all understanding!!

Yesenia Lopez Praying for you Joel! The Harris family is very dear to our hearts. Old neighbors, friends and bible college instructor. He's in the presence of the Lord 

Jessica Harris Oh wow...i have very fond memories of your dad at Shiloh when I was young. I'll be praying for you and your family!!!

Patricia Eckel Love and prayers to you all. I'm so thankful that I talked with your mom and dad last week.

Marilyn Clausen Yes, and amen to everyone's comments. We were in the same "home fellowship group" with them...at least one of them, as we had our own for awhile, too, so there were many different ones back in the 1970's and 1980's. But your dad supported his wife, your mom, in all that they did for others in others' times of need. I'm sure they gave a lot of their money to help others. I admired their service and dedication. Will be praying for your mom and for you kids.....it's not easy, I do know!

Janis Andreatta Martinelli I so remember your Dad, Sarah...he came to Shiloh Bible College at about the same time as my husband and I...he was so nice...it wasn't long after, that your Mom started coming....they were so very nice. Your Dad just glowed when your Mom came along to church with him. It was a joy to be around them both...please give your Mom our love. To be honest, we are so surprised to hear of his passing...much love to you all.

Patricia Eckel: Margie, Ken and I are kindred spirits. I loved hanging out with them during the six months break I had from china. Margie and I are both Ohioans and military sisters. I love them. So thankful I spoke to them both a couple of weeks ago. I miss Ken. Looking forward to Margie one day coming up to ohio to visit me. Smooches.

Carmen Torres. (I copied it over from a post made on my page, Sarah) He was a wonderful man, always smiling and willing to help. Really liked him (and your mom). Comfort and peace to all your family

 Joan Miller I have always loved watching couples and seeing the love they have. Your dad caught my attention several times as I'd see how he was so tender and loving with your mom it was clear he adored her. And that really touched my heart. And he was always so kind when he talked to people you never felt like he was in a hurry to go somewhere else he made you feel like you were important. Praying for you Marge and your family.


Diane Zoggas Nishwitz I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I remember him and your mom They always had a smile on their face and made everybody feel so welcome in their home. My heart goes out to you and your family will be praying for all of you