Robert Harris' Obituary
Robert Gene Harris, affectionately known as “Bob” to many, was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Born on November 12, 1944, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he was the second of four children born through the union of Thelma and James Harris. He was raised in Berkeley, California with his siblings James Jr., Gladys, and Mary, and the family attended Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where Robert was baptized as a child. His childhood nickname of “Cheata” was given to him by his father for the crooked way he crawled as a baby. Growing up he was very active in the Boy Scouts and played youth sports in the community.
Robert graduated from Berkeley High School in 1962, where he was a member of the football and track and field teams. He then attended Contra Costa College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1965. He next graduated from Fresno State University in 1967, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. He completed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, obtaining a master’s degree in Public Health in 1973.
Robert dedicated his entire professional career to the field of non-profit community healthcare. In 1971, he joined the West Oakland Health Center, where he remained for over 30 years. As the Director of Personnel, his vision and dedication were evident in the policies and procedures he developed, furthering the Center’s mission as a community anchor for healthcare. In 2001, he joined the Center for Elder’s Independence, where he finished his distinguished career as a Center Director, empowering seniors to remain in their homes while managing their medical, nutritional, and independent living needs.
Robert’s hobbies reflected his competitive nature, and love for sports and family. As a young adult, he played racquetball almost daily, and rarely missed tuning into college and professional sports. He was particularly proud of his brother having played football for the New York Jets, and he loved all of the Bay Area sports teams, often taking his children to see games in person. Robert also played a mean game of Backgammon, and he and Vince spent many late nights playing the game over serious trash talking that unfortunately cannot be repeated here. Robert loved to barbecue for family gatherings and holidays, and he and his longtime partner Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the country to visit family.
Of all aspects of his life, it was Robert’s role as a father that he cherished above all. When his children were growing up, he and their mother Leilani could always be found in the stands at their games and on countless trips to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Robert proudly boasted his children’s accomplishments to everyone he knew, and during his final hospitalization, his doctors and nurses were treated to all the details regarding Malik’s work as a realtor and cases Ayana handled as a judge.
Tall in stature, Robert will be remembered as a fun-loving person with a heart as big as he was. He always went out of his way for family and friends and was the go-to for daily phone calls, funny stories, and life advice. Robert cared for his nieces as if they were his own, and when he became a grandfather, his heart grew even bigger than anyone thought possible. Affectionately known as “Grandpooh,” he loved spending time with his grandchildren and getting updates on every aspect of their lives.
Robert passed away on March 4, 2024, at the age of 79. Predeceased by his parents, his memory will be kept alive by his children Malik Harris and Judge Ayana Harris (Samuel Brinson), his longtime partner Betty J. Clack, his brother James Harris, his sisters Gladys Harris and Mary Dupree, his bonus sons Vincent Washington and Adisa Septuri, his grandchildren Kaliah and Elijah Harris; Kaidyn, Kylan and Kace Brinson; Alastaj’a Ringgold; Neema and Sanai Septuri; and a host of other family and friends. Robert’s loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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