HARRER, Ronald (Rocky) Lee

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/29/2006 Ronald "Rocky" Lee Harrer, 79, died Dec. 18, 2006, due to complications of Parkinson's Disease. Rocky was born in Sturgis, Mich. Oct. 29, 1928 to Leopold Grant Harrer and Marie McCurly Harrer. After moving from Sturgis, then South Bend, Ind., Rocky relocated to Phoenix in 1945. Rocky graduated from North High in Phoenix, enlisted in the Air Force, and served three years, most of it in Alaska. He specialized in radar and was the commander of his post. On Jan. 12, 1952, Rocky married Marilyn "Lynn" L. Webster. They had three children, John Webster Harrer, Charles Lee Harrer and Mary-Lee Harrer. Rocky was a self made engineer specializing in "flow technology." He made a good living, enjoyed his work, and retired at the age of 64. As a young man, Rocky was very active and capable of fixing and repairing anything. If Rocky couldn't be found, he was surely in the garage with a project. Rocky loved boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horses. Before he retired he designed and built a small ranch in Cave Creek where he raised and boarded German Warm blood horses. He loved animals and always reminisced about how he had wanted to be a veterinarian. After retiring, he worked as a volunteer campground host for the Forest Service in the White Mountains. Having to move to a lower elevation, Rocky packed up his fifth-wheel and took a drive to St. Johns. He never left. Rocky was known for his good humor, candor and wit. He was an excellent storyteller and had the ability to put a funny twist on things. He is survived by his sister, Doris Greer of St. Johns; daughter, Marylee Harrer of Bozeman, Mont.; sons, John and Charles Harrer of Phoenix; dogs, Sorda and Timone. Rocky had four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by those who came to know him and love him. A memorial service was held Dec. 28, at the St. Johns Senior Citizen Center. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Johns Senior Center.