David Ira Harris was born July 15, 1942 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He was the oldest of 3 born to Jimmy and Jessie Harris. His siblings are Donna Weeden (Harry), and Dixie Knutson (Pete). Dave grew up on the Harris Family ranch near Ridge Montana. The distance was too great for a daily drive when he reached the age of high school, so off to Belle Fourche he went where he stayed with a widower friend of his mother’s and her son Harvey. To say that Dave was a prankster was an understatement and he loved to share stories and laugh about his adventures with Harvey. We still are not sure of the reasons, but Dave’s mom thought it a good idea for Dave to attend a “Christian High School” in South Dakota where that stint only lasted for half a year. It’s rumored that he caused a bit of mischief while there. During high school, Dave started playing for country dances. His piano ability spread to the point that old fiddlers in the area wanted to play music with him. He learned old country songs and while playing music was a passion – so was dancing.
After he graduated from high school, he worked for some neighbors in the Ridge country (where he furthered his skills as a prankster) while building his own herd of sheep. Dave became a pilot around the age of 21 being instructed and taught by his life-long friend and neighbor Francis Hayes. Bachelorhood was filled with ranching and flying and seemed easy for Dave until the flashy Joanne Wead came along. It only took 6 full years for Dave to convince Joanne to marry him, and they were married in 1968. As the years went on they had 4 children, leased land, ranched and farmed.
In 1986, they bought the Big Sheep Mountain Ranch north of Terry, Montana. In 1997, they sold that ranch and moved to Circle, Montana where they started Harris Spraying, Inc. In 2002 Dave was voted in as the “Common Sense” Sheriff of McCone County. He protected and served as Sheriff for 19 years.
Dave’s cooking skills included eggs, steak, and taters. Otherwise, he would eat just about anything that someone else would fix for him. He was also quoted saying, “Any landing that you can walk away from, is a good landing.” Not everyone got to see it, but Dave had a sarcastic, dry sense of humor. He loved listening and playing country music. He played the tuba, lead and rhythm guitar, and the piano. There was a time when he learned the fiddle and all the cats left the ranch. He tried, but according to Joanne, “He never really mastered it.” His children agreed.
Dave was a rancher, a farmer, a pilot, and a sheriff. When asked what his favorite thing was about being sheriff, he said it was “helping” people – pulling them out of the ditch when stuck or being there when families were dealing with tragedy or heartache. It’s a true reflection of who he was. The only time the family saw a temper in him was when a cow wouldn’t let her calf nurse. He wasn’t really big on “special days” like birthdays or anniversaries, but he would just pick ANY day and make it special.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Jessie Harris and his son Devin. Dave and Joanne had four children; Devin Harris (deceased July 15,1992); Brent Harris (Gaby) of Lake George, CO; Bill Harris (Renee) of Circle, MT; and Julianne Harris of Colorado Springs, CO. Dave has 7 grandchildren who love him dearly. Dave is loved by many and will be missed. He loved Jesus, and he desired to give everyone the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday December 11, 2023
Break Forth Bible Church
2815 West Towne Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
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LINDA ROGERS says
we are so sad to hear this our prayers are for comfort and peace to all of Dave’s family. lOVE TO ALL, mIKE & lINDA
Beccy Mader says
Praying for peace and comfort for all of you dear cousins!! So thankful for the Blessed Hope of Heaven!!
John K. Dynneson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave’s family, friends and neighbors.
John K. Dynneson / Richland County Sheriff
Glen Meier says
So long my fellow sheriff pilot. With the two brotherhoods we shared it was an instant friendship for me. I saw many attributes in you that reminded me of Sheriff Andy Taylor’s wisdom. He to was my hero. Enjoy your flying in the great beyond..
Pilot Sheriff Glen Meier
Louise Wilson says
My heart and prayers are with you all.
Rob Reukauf says
I am very sorry to see this. Dave was a good neighbor and friend. Our years together when he lived on Sheep Mountain were very memorable, and I always enjoyed visiting after the family moved to Circle. He and Joanne sang at my folks funerals, and Dave was very involved in the Terry community. He will be hard to replace, but we are all better for having known him.
Tim Sorley says
Condolences to the Harris family Dave was a man of true faith and integrity a life lived by honorable example RIP Dave
Marty Keltner says
Such a kind man, his smile and his sense of humor are just a few memories I have of Mr. Harris. I loved spending time with the Harris family growing up and as an adult, he is irreplaceable. My thoughts are with everyone who were closest to him.
Valarie Van Wechel says
My condolences to you at this time of grief. Dave was a wonderful person and Christ follower. What a beautiful example of a life well lived.
Brenda Wilson says
My first memory of Uncle Dave was going in the sheriff department to meet him! I told Bart I never thought I’d be going into a sheriff office to just visit someone for fun! But it was awesome I felt like I had know him for years! 💔Our deepest sympathies! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Uncle Dave was an amazing man! He will be missed by all who knew him! We are praying that all the wonderful memories will help to ease the pain!
Love you all!❤️🩹
Bart & Brenda Wilson and families
Andrea Miller says
To the whole Harris family during this time
Please remember the good time. My prayers go out to you all during this time.
Barb Smalis says
So sorry JoAnn, Brent, Bill, JulieAnn and your families. You have had an amazing role model to guide you. May your memories and thoughts of Dave with our Lord give you peace. We will all miss him.
Steve Harris says
Sorry for the loss here to Brent, Bill, JoAnn, JulieAnn, Dixie, Donna, and your families! Dave is a great cousin in our family! He gave me a front seat ride to count cattle from a Piper Cub without doors, in January! I sat on the chute top rail as his gate opened his quick bronc ride ’65 Jaycee Rodeo in Gillette. We laughed at his creative antics to send off Dixie and Pete on their wedding day. I heard his Eulogy of his dad James honoring a husband, dad , friend and rancher cattlemen! He was a true civil servant and leader. God gave us all a great family of good people. I thank God for David Harris being one of our best!
Valorie Ferrucci says
Harris family,… I’m so sorry for your loss..
Jess brost says
Dave was one of my closest neighbors, growing up around Dave was a tremendous blessing for me. I will always rember his smile and unique sense of humor, an amazing man of God , l was so blessed to have the Harris family in my life. Spiritual giants in a corrupt world.
On of my latest memories of Dave was watching him make a new family feel welcome, just taking time for them, what a great example for the rest of us.
GREATLY MISSED and never forgotten , thanks Dave
Jeff Faycosh says
Very sad to hear about Dave’s passing. He was an interesting and kind man. Prayers of comfort to his family.
William Klunder says
Sorry for your loss, Dave will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family.
Bill Klunder Prairie County Sheriff Ret.
Greg Berger says
My heartfelt condolences go out to each and every one of the Harris family. Dave was a true Christian, Patriot, and Conservative. I will cherish our talks in the post office and also just on the street. He always had time to visit and this always put a smile on my face. Funny story here kind of…the first year of women’s shooting, on the last night, he came to watch the ladies shoot. Afterwards, we were just joshing around down there at the Memorial Building and we decided to have a shoot off amongst a bunch of us. I was pitted against Dave. I was sweating bullets as I knew I was going to get my butt whupped…well, someone handed me a semi auto with a laser sight….needless to say, this is the only time I could say I out shot the Sheriff! I used to tease him of this sometimes. Rest in Peace, Dave, Rest in Peace.
Tedi Jo Williams says
This is a terrible loss for all of us. Dave was a great man with a kind heart and a tremendous ability to play the piano. He knew right from wrong and helped others to see it. I will miss him greatly.
Gerleman family says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
jean gonsioroski says
will miss him a lot but know he is flying in heaven with my son greg and grandson Luke
Burt Keltner says
Quick with a smile and even quicker with a helping hand, Dave was one of the best neighbors anyone could ever have. A wonderful man, and a wonderful family!
John Blain says
So sorry for your loss.
I always look up to Dave and will always respect him.
Blessings on you all.
John
Pauline Gackle says
Harris Family,
Dave will be greatly missed by our community, he was a godly and kind man. Our prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Celebrate his life and rejoice in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior. May the peace of God co cover you all!
Tom & Cheryl Larsen says
Our Hearts break for you all. It is also very hard for Tom to lose such a good child hood friend. Lots of memories. But we all know Dave is kicking up his heals with Jesus. He is home.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Tom and Cheryl Larsen
Alzada, Mt
Jana Wilson says
My deepest condolences to Dave’s family. He will be missed! He was such a good man!
Carolyn (Walloth) Thompson says
Sad to hear of your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers as you begin another phase of Life our Father has provided for you. It will be a challenge learning to let memories hold Dave in your hearts and memories. Hugs to you all, and. Prayers every day.
Tammy Dey says
Sorry for your loss of Dave. He will be missed. RIP Dave!
Scot Brown says
Dave was a super good neighbor and friend! He always had a sinister smirk that made me smile, and he was always fun to trade a few stories with. I witnessed his compassion as a Sheriff and Coroner too many times, but always appreciated his presence. My favorite story was when he offered to give me a ride home from Brockway Dairy Day once, actually he insisted, and I joyfully told him a few stories on the way home. Only lived a mile away as the crow flies, so it was on his way home. He did me a great favor as he did for so many! RIP Dave and my sincere condolences to all of his family.
Karen L Taylor says
Dave was such an awesome person and Sheriff. He will be greatly missed. I remember him playing the honky tonk piano and have a CD of him playing beautiful music. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Sending hugs and prayers to his family and friends.
Jeremy Vester says
Sheriff Dave, one of my hero’s, and a great example of a man who served the Lord. He honored God in his marriage, his family, his business, and while serving his community. I am forever grateful for this man and his family. May memories of joy bring you all comfort in the days ahead.
W.T. and Donna Tatem says
Sorry for you loss. Praying for you. Blessings and strength.
Karla Strader Dickson says
Fun memories of Dave bringing his boys to Daytona Beach for the first time. As kids, we were pretty proud of our older big cousin walking the beach with us in his shorts with Cowboy hat and boots on. He was a novelty for sure. To the Harris family, your Lakeland family sure are sorry for your loss. We love you.
Peggy and Chuck says
Dear Harris’ ,
We were so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He truly was one in a million and we so enjoyed visiting with him. When he gave his wry little smile, you knew he had his own thoughts on the subject but just wasn’t saying.
Please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts. We are so sorry for your loss.
Peggy and Chuck
Mike Benson says
I enjoyed working and visiting Dave. He always had a positive attitude and a good story. Rest in Peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Mike Benson
Glendive Police (Ret)
State Gambling Investigation
Candy Logan says
I worked with Dave for 19 years, he as McCone County Sheriff and myself in the McCone County Attorney Office. I always saw that he looked for that measure of good in people, and a desire for the kindest outcome in many situations.
I shed my tears the day of his retirement party, as it seemed like an ending to an important chapter.
I also saw and knew his true connection, and trust in GOD, and have a real certainty of his Joy as I write this, knowing he is complete and happy.
Michael Toavs says
Such a Great Guy. Used to always see him about Vida where he always caught me going a bit fast and gave me the slow down sign lol. Later in life had the opportunity to see him at Breakforth bible church every Sunday. What a great Man of God.
Skip and Donna Reynolds says
Our family grew next the Harris family attended school at Ridge had wonderful times together!
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family!! So sorry for your loss!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Skip and Donna Reynolds
Don and Vera Kuehn says
Our deepest sympathy for all the Harris family. We are so very sorry for your loss of husband, father and grandfather. May God give you comfort and peace at this time. Hugs and prayers!
Roger & Judy Bonefield says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We were so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He touched all the lives of those that knew him.Share the Memories for there are so many. God Bless. 🙏🙏🙏
Sincerely, The Bonefield’s (Roger & Judy)
Max and Vickie Miller says
Joanne and family: we’re so sad to see Dave’s passing! We remember all the fun times we had at your place when we lived in Belle Creek. You’re in our prayers! Dave was a treasure!
Joy Harris says
I could have never asked for a better Grandpa!
I only remember good times full of fun and laughter.
It is so comforting to know he is with Jesus having the best time!
Sonya Hance says
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing what a kind man and always so nice to everyone with a big smile RIP. Condolences to the family.
George Ferguson says
Fond and cherished memories of time spent in my early childhood in the Ridge community. Would have loved to have seen the old school mate one more time. Know we will however meet again in hereafter. Our condolences to the Harris Families, Friends and Community.
Mindy Nelson says
Law enforcement have always made me a bit nervous, but never Dave. Always a friendly and good natured guy! Caring and understanding with the unfortunate times we shared with him as a coroner. Dave will be missed!
Glenn and Katie Hageman says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Dave’s family. He was such a gentleman and highly respected and admired by many. Dave was a pillar of strength in the Terry community and always made our family feel welcome. Fond memories of him cutting a rug with his lovely JoAnne! May you continue to dance with the angels.
Bonnie & Ken Nelson says
So very sorry for your loss, Dave was a great guy and will be missed by many
Suze Brost Bayne says
Joy and Hospitality. When I think of Dave & Joanne, this is what comes to mind. Although they moved from the Ridge community in my teenage years, they left a lasting impression. My first paying job was as occasional babysitter to Devin, Brent & Bill. Three mini Daves! (I should have asked for a raise (o; ). Just kidding, I was actually amazed that someone would pay me to play with their kids! Meetings at their home where I first experienced the presence & power of the Holy Spirit. Good music & laughter. What a privilege to grow up around these special people! Now Dave has completed his journey here and gone on to be in the very presence of his Lord and Savior. I pray Romans 15:13 for his family and friends: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Raymond Wead says
I have known Dave before he married my sister Joanne. He was a great husband to my sister. He was also a wonderful friend. My children have great memories of being on the ranch and playing with their cousins. He will be deeply missed. We pray for the comfort and the strength of the Holy Spirit to minister to Joanne and all of her family. You are greatly loved.
Larry Switzer says
Dave was a great neighbor and a most generous person in all ways. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His faith has most certainly earned him a wonderful place with our Lord!
Dawn Grist Olson says
Sorry about your loss. I remember Dave helping with our branding. Prayers to the family
Carol Hanrahan says
My dad, John Mellor, grew up at Ridge. He was friends with the Harris family as long as he lived at Ridge. He enjoyed the entire family. My sympathy to all of the Harris’ family, in their loss of a wonderful husband, father, neughbor and friend.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Michael Woolridge says
Dave was great role model for any one. We didn’t live there long but it enjoyed his stories and wisdom. Dave and Joanne opened their home up to us for Thanksgiving one year and that kindness will never be forgotten.
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
Condolences to the family ,it is an honor to have known the singing sheriff , RIP .
GerriLucas says
Joanne I am so sorry to hear
Know that God is your comfort
Still you need hugs and love ❤️
Prayers 🙏
Gerri Lucas
Charlene Hayes Elston says
Dave spent a lot of time with the Hayes family at Ridge. Much of the time was spent making music together, playing with kids, talking about flying and actually flying. Through the six-generation friendship of the Hayes-Harris families, all of life’s joys and sorrows are shared. We offer our deepest condolences to Joanne and the entire Harris family.
With Love,
Francis Hayes and All of the Hayes Family.
Raph Finneman says
My heart goes out to you Joanne and the Harris family. I have great memories playing Guitar with Dave while he played the Piano. He was an amazing Piano player, easy to follow and played it flawlessly. He played by ear only and was such a pleasure to listen to him. It was easy to get goose bumps whenever he played. Dave was a man of God’s word and truth, and it showed in his personality and composer. Dave is in a great place now and singing with the Angels. Dave was a pleasure to be around and fun as he always had a comment ready for anything. Dave has left many impressions and memories with a lot of people that knew him. Dave and Joanne were a great couple and very admirable. They made great music together singing and playing Guitars.
My deepest condolences to Joanne and the Harris Family
Dawn Dannen says
I was very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Circle. He was a kind-hearted soul and was always willing to help. I am truly blessed that I got to meet him and consider him my friend. My condolences to his family. God truly gained another angel may he rest in peace.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Just read of Dave’s passing. He is now flying and dancing in heaven. Skin and I have lots of good memories of Dave. We cut wheat for them one year. Was great people to work for. Dave was one of my favorite person to dance with. Skin says that with those twinkling blue eyes and great smile who could not but love Dave. Praying for peace and strength that the Holy Spirit can bring to Joanne and all the Harris family. Keep his memories close to your heart as they will bring you comfort. God Bless.
Steve Zumpf says
Brent, I only met your dad once, but that was enough to make an impression. Very sorry for your loss. I lost my father a couple of years ago. I still think about him often. Remember the good memories and be comforted by knowing your dad is still watching over you.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
We are sure thinking of you all. I really enjoyed hanging out with Dave. We won’t make it tomorrow but sure will be thing of you all.
Cody Morris says
I have many fond memories of the Harris family, from Sunday school as a kid, to our time together in the Belle Creek Boxing Club, where Dave’s boys fought, and Dave refereed; From when my dad farmed for him on the Star Place, to Dave Playing guitar and piano for funerals, weddings (like my sisters’), and dances, and Joanne singing with him; to Dave announcing rodeos, and flying that spray plane……
Wonderful, friends, and mentors in Christ! And I will always remember the twinkle in Dave’s eye and grin on his face, and wondering what he was up to. My prayers are with the Harris family. I am so sorry that I cannot make it to the funeral or the graveside service!
Richard & Karen Wead says
Joining many others with our love and prayers for all the Harris family…
A beautiful song and memory comes from the mind and heart of Dave Harris who authored the lyrics and music of one of my favorites…. It was the year of the moon landing when the Holy Spirit anointed Dave to give all of us this wonderful melody:
Man’s wisdom has grown in such proportions,
That he’s even reached out and touched the moon
But his faith in his Creator has grown so small,
He doesn’t think he needs Jesus at all
But my friend, I know you need Jesus,
You need Him more than anything
He made the moon, He made the stars,
Created you in His likeness
Won’t you take Him for your Savior today
Heaven is sweeter today because Dave Harris is there…
Love,
Richard and Karen Wead
Ron and Kathy McFarland says
The first time I saw Dave in his sheriff’s uniform with his big cowboy hat I remember thinking what a perfect person to be sheriff of our little town. I was not wrong, and heard only good things as he served as our chief law enforcer for so many years. ……………. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Dave’s family. He was very special.
Mary Larsen Brown says
Dave was a wonderful friend and neighbor! Our family ranch was east of the Harris ranch and our family became acquainted with Dave more when he worked for Otto Borchgrevink, our next door neighbor and good friend! Otto owned land in Crook County WY, and they would drive thru our place on their way to work there. My mother Always had food and coffee and we shared many visits together! We shared many brandings, dockings and ordinary ranch work together! I always appreciated Dave’s great sense of humor and his mischievous spirit, he always had a big smile and was always a good “feeler”!
I remember one time, Jimmy, Jessie, Dave, Donna and Dixie came to visit us and Dave told my 2 brothers and I a scary story, about “ Who stole my liver”! And we were scared for a moment!
Love and prayers for Dave’s family and friends 💕🙏🙏
Justin Ferguson says
I always looked forward to seeing and visiting with Dave at our annual cropdusters convention in Great Falls. He always had a gentle spirit about him and a good old common sense approach when confronted with solving issues. I now look forward to that eternal reunion with him and our Lord. Prayers go up for his family.
Laurie (Morris) Gentry says
Will always remember Dave’s “prankster” sense of humor growing up as neighbors of the Harris family in the Ridge community. My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Harris family.
Lars Eggehorn says
My condolences to you Dixie and Pete
Georgina (Collins) Hughes says
I did not know Dave well but as a young person I did get the opportunity to spend some time at Dave and Joanne’s ranch with the young people from our church youth group. I couldn’t swim and had quite the scare in the stock pond. But the thing that I remember most fondly is his piano playing ability. My Dad only attended church at Christmas time and he loved watching Dave play the piano. I am so very sorry for the loss. I pray that God will comfort your family.
Janet & Thorval Jensen says
Dave Harris was in our Class of 1960 in Belle Fourche SD High school. Great personality and musical Talent. Sympathy to his Dave’s family and friends. I just received word of Dave’s passing and so sorry to be so late with our condolences. Will Pass on on To Dave’s classmates that I have E mails for.
Janet (Evans) Jensen and Thorval Jensen
Janet and Thorval Jensen says
Sympathy to Family of Dave Harris and our classmate of 1960 at Belle Fourche High School in Belle Fourche SD. Remember with honor of Dave part of our class and his musical ability to play by ear. Such a talent.