The Circle of Joe
Joseph Patrick Harris--Joe to all; Joe the son, Joe the brother, Joe the husband, the father, the uncle, Joe the most excellent friend, Joe the...so many things to all of us--tragically died last Thursday, October 25. It is not possible to sum up all of Joe, but what feels like the most appropriate umbrella is Joe the Giver. And, as we all know, most of what he gave away were smiles, humor, laughter, food, fun, song, and love. He was selfless in that way, and a born friend-maker.
Joe was able to experience a Circle of Trust with his beloved brother John and family friend Alex. The Circle of Trust is something custom-designed by John and Alex. It consists of a beach run and ocean swim followed by gathering in a circle drawn in the sand. In the circle, there is trust and whatever one wants to share or express, it can be done in the circle. Joe got in that circle with his brother and with Alex, and he was so much the better for it.
This site is the Circle of Joe and it is for all of you. Please step into the Circle and talk to Joe, tell us of Joe, share what you wish to say about Joe, to Joe. We all love Joe stories and there are many. All are welcome into the Circle of Joe, all are grateful to have been enveloped in the Circle of Joe's love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Harris Children's Trust
800 South Figueroa, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Contribute
Help grow Joe's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
I just heard of Joe's loss, so many years after it happened. I knew Joe when we both attended UC Santa Cruz and lived on the same hall in A Dorm at Porter College, in the 80's. Sometimes on the hall, we'd have little get-togethers and Joe was always a bright light, so positive and a brilliant problem solver, on a dime. I've often thought of one time when I stayed up all night to study for a test and Joe happened to walk by when I was slumped outside the Applied Science building, on the verge of tears from fatigue. He asked, "What's wrong, my tired flower?" It made me laugh and feel better instantly. You never know who's life you will touch. I hope Joe knows that he made mine -- and all the friends we had in common at Porter -- a little sunnier. Sending love and blessings to Joe's family.
Abby C
12th September 2023
Only found out about Joes passing 2 yrs ago and somehow found this page today.I remember Joe laughing and climbing a high link fence,(after a play,behind loyola)full of beans(energy) his heavy hair in his face and his wide easy smile.He was paying me some attention and i was a little shocked ,that this very sweet,cute,surfer boy was being so attentive to me.Joe never knew how that memory rested in my mind and remained so sharp and clear.I was sorry that i never had a chance to tell him how much his kindness meant to me.I can't help but wonder ,if we'd been close friends would things be different?.It's beautiful to see how loved he was and that his shining personality and goodness were appreciated.God rest you Joe, you are much missed.💖 Thank you for your kindess and that cherished memory.Jude
Jude
9th August 2020
Only found out about Joes passing 2 yrs ago and somehow found this page today.I remember Joe laughing and climbing a high link fence,(after a play,behind loyola)full of beans(energy) his heavy hair in his face and his wide easy smile.He was paying me some attention and i was a little shocked ,that this very sweet,cute,surfer boy was being so attentive to me.Joe never knew how that memory rested in my mind and remained so sharp and clear.I was sorry that i never had a chance to tell him how much his kindness meant to me.You can't help but wonder ,if we'd been close friends would things be different?.It's beautiful to see how loved he was and that his shining personality and goodness were appreciated.God rest you Joe, you are much missed.💖 Thank you for your kindess and that cherished memory.Jude
Jude
9th August 2020
Candles
Dear Joe,your light is greatly missed.May this candle remind you of this.
Lit by Jude r. matas on 9th August 2020
Thinking of you my friend, about to leave work and wishing to hell that I could call you on my ride home cuz I like to laugh when I'm driving. Love ya.
Lit by JH on 22nd May 2018
You are missed
Lit on 5th January 2018