Lewiston Lewiston Morning Tribune,

Ernest E. Harrison, 84, Sunday, June 17, 2007


June 5, 1923-June 13, 2007


It is with deep regret that the family of Ernest E. Harrison inform the people of the Lewis-Clark Valley of his passing at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2007.


Ernie, as everyone called him, was a regular human fixture in the community. As an art teacher for Lewiston High School for 22 years, he was a major influence on countless amateur and professional artists from the area, including the world-renowned ultra-naturalist Stephen Lyman. If you didn't know Ernie as a teacher, you probably knew him as a uniquely dedicated Christian and Methodist minister. Or ... perhaps he married you and your spouse or you were a witness to one of his highly creative wedding ceremonies performed by parachute, in a hot-air balloon or even in a high-rise crane.


If you were one of the fortunate people to spend some time in conversation with Ernie you might have learned that he served as a medic on a troop transport ship in the Far East during World War II, or that he had a passion for hot rods during his youth in Southern California, or that he'd rather be on a golf course with friends than anywhere else in the world.


Ernie leaves behind his wife, Irene; daughters, Joline, Cyndy and Lauren; sons, Dana and Todd; as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many people whose lives he enriched with his presence in this community he loved so.


Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the First Baptist Church at 812 Eighth St. in Lewiston. If Ernie were able to eulogize his own service he would probably say, "Do not fear my death as I am going home to be with my Lord. Do not mourn my passing, rather, celebrate my life." And we might reply ... "Thanks Ernie, for enriching our lives."


Ernie's family requests that instead of flowers, a gift to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund will be greatly appreciated and hope that each in attendance will sign the guest register.

The Bengal's Purr, May 22, 1964,

Mr. Harrison, Art Instructor, Likes LHS


Art is to sit on, is the view of Mr. Ernie Harrison, LHS art and crafts instructor, who builds furniture as a hobby. A new resident of Lewiston Mr. Harrison moved here last summer from Paradise, Calif., where he taught art and a special yearbook class for four years.


Born in Beaver City, Neb., the art teacher attended high school at Englewood, Calif. He spent three years in the Navy, during which he traveled to 12 different countries , as far away as Bombay, India.


Mr. Harrison received his college education at Chico State College in northern California, where he majored in art and minored in social studies.


Mr. Harrison's major interest outside of school is church, and he teaches Sunday School. A tennis enthusiast in high school, he is also interested in ceramics sculpture leather craft, painting, and any pastime related to art.


As Art Honor Society advisor, he hopes to see the organization more active next year. "I want to continue in education and work on my master's degree, and I may teach art in college sometime," Mr. Harrison commented.


The new faculty member's interest leans toward contemporary (modern) art. His wish is to have his future art classes two hours long. "I like Lewiston, the school and the students," he said, "and I will be teaching here next year.