Ken Harris' Obituary
Ken Harris, 68, of St. Pete Beach and formerly of Danville, CA, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Born in Jamaica, New York and raised in New Hyde Park, NY, Ken was the ultimate adventurer, mentor and leader. Ken graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY. He later went on to receive his BS in Management and Economics and a MS in Accounting, both from State University of New York as well as a MS in Management Information Systems from Colorado State University. He had a vast and extensive work history; EVP and COO for Security Pacific Information Services, SVP, COO and CIO for Pepsico, Inc, SVP and CIO for Nike, SVP and CIO for Gap Inc., CEO of Retail.IN.Genius® and lastly SVP, CIO of Shaklee Corporation.
Ken’s passion as an outdoorsman shown whether hiking the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park or Mount Fuji, to the back country of New Zealand, or the wilds of Angkor Wat he never met a challenge to unsurmountable. He spent years rafting, backpacking, cycling, skiing and running in over 15 worldwide marathons. He was a prolific writer of poetry, an author of many business and journal articles, active in Big Brothers and a mentor to many young executives.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Gloria Ciesla, brother Kevin Ciesla and step-mother, Donnie Ciesla. Ken is survived by his wife Pam (Schultz) Harris, son Brett Randolph Harris, brothers Bill and Mary Ciesla of Northport, NY, Gary Ciesla of Highland Falls, NY; stepbrothers John Diamler, Charles Diamler; stepsister Maureen Dovi; 4 nieces and 1 nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken’s name may be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center: www.mdanderson.org/gift. Address: PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or Suncoast Hospice at www.suncoasthospicefoundation.org. Address: 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.
Ken’s free-spirited soul and quick-witted personality will be lovingly remembered.
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