1969

cole.christine@comcast.net

Harry Ellis MBA ’69 received his healed body in heaven on Aug. 28, 2012, after losing his three-year battle to fully recover from illness.

Harry was born in New Haven, Conn., on Dec. 2, 1938. After graduating from Providence College, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Ord, he decided to stay in California where “there was no snow.”

He worked in Oakland for Kaiser, Sand and Gravel Division, for 10 years, and completed his MBA at Santa Clara University, and then began his long career in the wine industry in Bakersfield. In 1976, he moved to Napa where he worked for Beringer Winery, Franciscan Winery and ended his career as CFO at Geyser Peak Winery, retiring in 2000.

At Beringer, he first met Elaine, his best friend and wife of 34 years. His interests included history, classical and “old-time” country music, golf and hockey. One goal he completed was to visit every state in the union. In 2003, he and Elaine joined the international Christian organization, Operation Mobilization, as regional development associates. They traveled extensively for OM, visiting overseas ministries to the poor and oppressed, then returning home to relate stories to donors who shared their passion to bring freedom and hope.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Harry is survived by his brother Frank Ellis of Notre Dame, Ind.; his sister in-law, Judy Ellis, of North Haven, Conn.; and nieces and nephews on both east and west coasts. He was recently predeceased by his brother, David Ellis. Both family and friends will miss Harry’s gifts of encouraging others and his ability to see the humor in all things.

08 Nov 2018