After a valiant battle against cancer, Kelly Harris passed away peacefully on November 16, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Kelly was a compassionate, calm and loving man. In his quiet and resolute way, Kelly was able to accomplish all he set out to do. Kelly had a steadiness and fortitude that was truly admirable. Kelly deeply loved his family and treasured his many friends. He was always there to help his wife, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, sister and all who needed a strong shoulder or an extra hand. Kelly stood above the rest. He was a true gentleman among men.
Kelly, the eldest child of Terry and Judy Harris, was born May 8, 1966 in Helena, Montana. Kelly attended Hawthorn Elementary School and graduated from Helena Capitol High School in 1984. Kelly began his professional endeavors working for his father at Capitol Office Equipment & Design, followed by his long-time career as manager at Hub of the Valley and The Laibation Station. Kelly’s leadership in the Helena Bar & Restaurant community spanned 29 years, during which he was elected Vice-President of the Tri-County Tavern Associations in November 2015 and served until his passing. Kelly was a mainstay for many of his patrons. No matter what happened in their lives or what happened in the world, Kelly was there with a kind word and a welcoming smile. Everyone who walked through the door was considered a friend, many of whom became true life-long friends. Kelly was a prince of Helena’s bar scene. His presence will be greatly missed.
Kelly married the love of his life, Stacy Wagner, on March 10, 2004 in Las Vegas. Together, they built a wonderful and loving life together. Stacy brought three children, Bryan Brown and twins Mariah Brown Voss and Cody Brown, into their lives. Kelly being a man of integrity and honor was a dedicated and loving husband and stepfather and formed a loving bond with his stepchildren. Stacy says Kelly made a huge positive difference in all of their lives. Stacy and Kelly had a great marriage; she took exceptional care of Kelly each and every day and he was proud of that.
Kelly was active in the Helena community. He was involved in the Tri County Taverns Association, Helena Lions Club and the Moose Lodge. Kelly and Bruce McCullough were co-founders of Tri-County Home Free Program in Helena which provided free rides for impaired drivers. The program was heavily endorsed by local law enforcement and the DUI Task Force.
Kelly was an outdoorsman and enjoyed the adventure. He was an accomplished hunter and made many memories hunting with his grandfather, Luke Screnar, his father and his uncles. Kelly also enjoyed camping and shared many camping adventures with Stacy’s family and friends, especially during his ongoing cancer treatment. Kelly was a life-long dedicated Kansas City Chiefs fan, and last year, jubilantly watched his team finally win, its first Super Bowl Championship and also a fan of Kurt Busch NASCAR driver.
Kelly was predeceased in death by his grandparents Luke and Eva Screnar, Carl Harris and Peg Harris. Kelly is survived by his wife of 21 years, Stacy Harris; his three stepchildren Bryan (Tayler) Brown, Mariah (Steven) Voss and Cody (Amanda) Brown; grandchildren Karyhana Britt, Braydon Brown, Barrett Orth, Landyn Brown, Karson Voss and Remington Brown; his parents Terry and Judy Harris; his sister Jody Harris; his nephew Brock Harris and his niece Alecia Harris; all of Helena; and his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Lynn Wagner. Additionally, Kelly is survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelly will be dearly missed, but he will forever live in of our hearts.
Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 22nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 23rd at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be announced. Due to COVID-19 social distancing will be practiced and masks will be mandatory during all services.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday November 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 23, 2020
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 22, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday November 23, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 23, 2020
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jody Harris says
Love you bro 😔
Tom Naegele says
Harris Family & Friend’s,
Supportive Prayers sent to you all. Kelly was such a good guy. You can now Rest In Peace and no pain. 🙏
Jim and Sally says
We are so sorry to hear that Kelly passed but know he is now pain free. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead. God Bless. All our Love.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Rick O’Connell says
Terry, Judy and Jodi. So sorry to hear of Kelly passing. He fought a good fight. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Rick and Jan
Tom Juhl says
Terry & Judy sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing, May he Rest In Peace now………..
Mariah Voss says
We love and miss you dad! You are truly missed and seems so unreal, but in the end your fight is over and you can rest in peace. Thank you for being the best dad to us kids and thank you for loving my mother unconditionally. 💜
Kevin Bartsch says
Terry and family- Very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts. Take care.
Jim Nolan says
I didn’t know Kelly, but any son of Terry’s has to be a stand up guy. My prayers and thoughts to Terry and his family in this difficult time
dean retz says
Terry-Judy-Jody: The Retz family Dean, Sue, Kim , Darren and Chip share our thoughts and condolences on your loss.
It makes us all remember to live and love on a daily basis. God bless.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Judy, Terry & Jody:
We remember Kelly as a little boy growing up on Power Street..fond memories of the kids growing up in the area of Hawthorne School.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Terry Judy Jodi
Our thoughts.and prayers are with you May God Bless Kelly ……
Allen / Glenda
Shelley,Butch says
Stacy,Terri,Judy,Jodi
Sorry to hear about Kelly please know all our prayers ,hugs and love are with you
Shannon says
Stacy, Jodi, Terry and Judy, I was so sad to hear about Kelly’s passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless
Shauna Corcoran says
Stacy, Cody, Brian, and Mariah, We are incredibly sorry to hear about Kelly’s passing! He has brought such joy to so many! I can’t imagine the pain you are all feeling from the loss! Please know that we love you all and you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Pat and Shauna Corcoran!
Hugh Adair says
Kelly was my childhood friend. Memories of biking west side of Helena, skiing Bridger Bowl ,and just laughing and enjoying each other’s friendship. He may of passed but those fond memories will not. My deepest sympathy to Terry, Judy and Jodi.
Sharon Redpath says
Terry, Judy & family,
I was so devastated when I learned of your loss. I am so sorry & please know you are in my thoughts & prayers. I remember Kelly as a young boy, in Gt Falls, with his energy & zest for life. The wonderful memories you have of Kelly will help to get you thru this very difficult time. God bless you all!
Bob Pennington says
Harris family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kelly was a great man. We had a lot of great times growing up.
Elaine C. Harris says
Stacy and family
Terry,Judy,jody,Brock,Alecia
My heartfelt love and condolences to all of you (us) on Kelly’s passing. He fought the good fight.Kelly’s gentle demeanor and quiet ways will forever be cherished in our hearts and minds. He was loved..what a legacy. I’m sure his Uncle George and little Gram were there to greet him in Heaven.
Love and God’s Peace to everyone
Elaine, AuntE
AnneCarpenter says
My thoughts and prayers to all his family members! Kelly was a great guy and will be missed!
Lorna Smith says
Stacey & Family, was so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing, God Bless you
Jennell Perros says
Harris Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Kelly.
With love, Jennell
Stacie Stoddard says
Stacey, Uncle Terry, Aunt Judy, Jodi, Brock, Alecia
It’s hard for me to understand why we had to lose another Harris family member, it doesn’t feel real. My heart aches for all of you. Clearly from the condolences on this page, Kelly was very much loved and respected. What a terrible loss to so many people. I always looked at Kelly as a people watcher, he wasn’t real talkative it was
like he was some kind of observer, which is probably how he ended up working in the bar for so long. He was a very likable guy, a good listener.
As cousins living in different states we didn’t get nearly the time together as we would have liked to. My last time seeing Kelly was at my dads funeral. He came all that way, in intense pain, but he was there to support our family. I’m so thankful that I got to see him. He was still so hopeful that he would get better. He tried harder than anyone I know to beat the cancer. I had another opportunity to talk to him about six weeks ago and he was so positive. After everything he had been through the only thing he complained about was the pain, he didn’t know how some days could be much more intense than other days.
I know my dad was there waiting for him with open arms and especially our grandmother.
To all of you, I’m just sorry. Kelly will be missed.
Love to all of you
Stacie
Dina Schulke says
Terry, Judy, Jody, Stacey, Brock and Alecia,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kelly was a wonderful great guy. I remember in High School my mother making Kelly red velvet curtains for his blazer. Kelly was so proud of those curtains. And Kelly helping us deliver Christmas present to a needy family with a hug smile. Kelly and Stacey live next door to my mom. My father passed away the night of Kelly’s fundraiser, my mom and dad were supposed to meet me there and never showed up. Kelly saw me out in the yard that night when he came home and gave me a big hug and told me how sorry he was. Kelly was such a kind caring person, we all will miss him deeply.
Dina B
Michael says
To Kelly. Drinking coors light party balls at the lake. Party’s at easy st. Malibu monkeys at the nugget. Trying to get me to believe that wwf is real “ not”. Bridger and big sky. Hiding the keg in the old Chevy blazer from the cops cause the windows were so tinted. Worked awesome. Talking you into stepping over your comfort zone on occasion. I didn’t get you into to much trouble. Thanks for all the memories Kelly. I will miss you my friend.
Norris
Janelle (Peterson) Howell says
Jody, Terry, Judy and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Kelly’s passing. I know there is little anyone can say to ease the pain but he knows how much you all loved him and all the good memories you have will live on. I remember all those fun days at your house on Power street. Know that we are thinking of you during this time.
Love,
Janelle and family
Karrie Wackerli says
To Kelly’s entire family, we send our love and condolences.
I have great memories of Kelly growing up. The house on Power, playing in that big yard, walking to the donut store from little Grams house, Capital Office. The Hub.
Thank you Kelly for always supporting our family. You will be missed Cuz! Give my Daddy and Lil Gram hugs from us all.
You were always a stand up guy Kelly.
All our Love
Todd & Karrie Wackerli
Lynn Zanto says
Jody so sorry to you and all your family. Keeping you close to my heart ❤️
Lynn (Antonietti) Zanto
Jody says
We prayed for a miracle, but God chose mercy. For his suffering, not soon enough; for his loving family and friends and this community, far too soon. Our hearts and fervent prayers go out to all who loved and appreciated this kind, caring, hard-working, brilliant and humble man. Deepest condolences from Stubby and Jody Williams.
David Jeseritz says
My sincerest condolences to Kelly’s family.
James Morris backstrom says
Terry, Judy, & jody, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Always remember the good times. Your old friend.
Jim & Denise Backstrom
Tal Redpath says
Terry, Judy, & Jody –
Keep Kelly in your heart and treasure the memories. I will always remember his easy smile, as well as his calm and unassuming manner.
My best to all of you,
Tal Redpath
Aunt Patty and Uncle Jimmy says
Stacy , Judy, Terry and Jody.
Oh, the memories: watching you grow into the kind, companionate, true gentleman you were……Family Christmas gatherings at your childhood home with Grama and Grampa, aunts, uncles and cousins, good food, vicious games of “99” and hysterically funny games of Balderdash and of course the crowd on the stairs for the annual Christmas photo……the shadow box frames of elk we gave you that hung in your home…..meeting your charming new girl friend , Stacy, for the 1st time and hearing about your Las Vegas wedding from your new bride. Stacy is a treasure…..skiing at Bridges Bowl and Targhee….attending Mariah’s beautiful and fun wedding held in the gorgeous mountains of Montana…..and so many more memories…..you were loved by many and many loved you in return….You were a true gentleman and will be missed. Your spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Hugh Marlyn says
Staci,Terry, Judy and Jody, there is no word to express the sadness that your family is going through. Jim and I send our sympathy and condolences. We have wonderful memories of Kelly and will be everlasting. The last time I talked to Kelly I was able to tell him how much I cared for him and also the fond memories we had for him. He was a sweet and gentle soul. We were fortunate to have Kelly pass through our lives. Jim (Hugh) & Scooter (Marlyn) Adair
Gary and Sandra Mihelish says
Terry, Judy, Jody
Please know our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful memories of Kelly will be with you forever. We are keeping you in our thoughts during these hard times.
Love you,
Sandy and Gary
Karen Dimmitt says
Dear Judy and family, I am so sorry for this trenendous loss. My heart aches for you Judy.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Terry, Judi and the rest of the family, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to all of you.
Robert Farrar says
I knew Kelly many years and funny when you don’t see someone for a long time you notice the changes people have gone through. I never noticed that about Kelly, he was always the same person. I read what others say about him I agree he was a gentle soul, a problem solver and always a good friend. Rest in peace,
Robert and Kathy Farrar
Sandra Organ Marcinek says
To Stacy, Terry, Jody, Judy and continued family, I send my deepest thoughts and prayers to you for your loss. I love the stories you shared with me Stacy about your loving husband and children. I know this has got to be so hard on you and can only say I am glad you two found each other to love. God Bless you and surround you all with his loving presence.
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
So sorry for you loss of your wonderful son. My thoughts are with you.
Jackie Lamphier says
Judy and Terry. So very sorry to hear about Kelly. So sad..Our prayers are with you and all of Kelly’s family members. Sincerely, Jackie and Paul Lamphier, Post Falls Idaho.
Nan Hicks says
Thinking of all of Kelly’s family and sending healing prayers and hugs. Keep all your fond memories of Kelly close to your heart and he’ll be just a memory away. 💕 Nan
Nancy O'Dell says
Aunt Nancy says
It begin with taking part in naming you Kelly Mitchell…to the baptismal Godmother…to sharing your birthdays, family holidays & special events…to hunting with grandpa Luke & making potica & pumpkin pies with grandma Eva. I’ve been privileged to watch you grow up into a loving caring man. You will be missed!
All my love & prayers to the family
The Britt Family says
Stacy and family–Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kent Richards says
So sorry for your loss. Kelly was taken way too early.
Jamey Lu says
Judy, Tery, Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing, it just breaks my heart.
He was such a good friend, a treasured and true friend to me and my family for so many years.
He shared so many laughs and significant events with us.
My prayers are with you all, knowing he is at peace.
I love you all
Jamey Lu
Larry Johns says
To Terry and family, our sincere condolences. Larry and Jeanne Johns.
Lorraine Finstad says
Stacy,I am so sorry for your loss. Kelly was a good man who will always be in our hearts and memories. God Bless you and yours.
Kathy Krebsbach says
Judy, Terry, Jodi and Family,
I was so sadden to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Our fond memories of the wonderful times on the ski hill at Grand Targee and Bridger will always be remembered. We hope you all can take solice that Kelly is now enjoying all his outdoor adventures he loves, chasing snow snakes and mogel mice with our heavenly father. God Bless you all.
Kathy Clausen Krebsbach, and family
Brad Culver says
Terry and Judy, we are so sorry to hear of of your son Kelly’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brad & Robie Culver
Quentin You ndeele says
RIP Kelly….. prayers out to the family, he was a good guy… I remember growing up with him, I am so sorry for your loss.