HARRISON, John Robert (Robbie)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ December 31, 2007 Ensign John Robert "Robbie" Harrison, 26, died Dec. 25, 2007, while serving in the U.S. Navy stationed at Okinawa, Japan. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined, but it appears to be due to complications related to a possible seizure he experienced while driving home from Torii Beach with his family. Robbie was born Feb. 24, 1981, in Mesa. He attended Blue Ridge schools kindergarten to sixth grade and Snowflake Junior High School where he was elected president in eighth grade. His family moved to Tempe where he attended and graduated from Marcos de Niza High School, graduating in 2000. He attended Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University, graduating May 2006 with a degree in civil engineering. Robbie started wrestling in the fourth grade. In junior high he could not figure out that basketball is not a contact sport and was asked to never try out again. He started every Saturday morning for many years by performing an act of service for anyone in need. Robbie served 2000-2002 in the Scotland Edinburgh mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very active in his church serving as Young Men's Teachers Quorum adviser, secretary and scoutmaster. Robbie joined the U.S. Navy Sept. 1, 2004, and, in August 2006, was commissioned an officer attending officer candidate school in Pensacola, Fla., and Civil Engineering Corps officers school in Port Hueneme, Calif. He was stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Foster where he worked as the residential officer in charge of construction. Robbie married Heather Leslee Winters of Delta, Utah, March 15, 2003, in the Manti, Utah, LDS Temple. They had a son, Patrick, and are expecting a baby in July. He lived every day as if it were his last. He refused to miss any opportunity to try something new or different including participating in all sports. He also loved cliff diving. He rebuilt his dune buggy every year "just because." He enjoyed dirt bikes, working out, camping and the outdoors, being with family and friends, spicy Mexican food and serving his country. He won many wrestling awards, graduated high school with honors and was a member of the National Engineering Honor Society. He was a father and husband with a life dream of serving his country. Robbie is survived by his wife; children; father John E. Harrison; brothers Todd and Matthew (Spot) of Rose, Okla.; mother Kris Teena Linch; sister Eric (Cami) Page of Casa Grande; and grandmother Geraldine Harrison of Taylor. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Boyd T. Hatch. A memorial service was held Dec. 29, in Okinawa Japan. Funeral services and burial will be in Delta, Utah, and will be announced due to military protocol. In lieu of flowers, Robbie had requested that family and friends perform two hours of service in his name. If you would like to report to the family your service write to 7864 S. 449 Road, Rose, OK 74364.