Memories of Gene Harris (1933-2000)

My wife Merle and I are sitting in the huge Jordan Ballroom at Boise State University along with almost 1,000 others. On stage are musicians, a grand piano draped with flowers, blow-up photos, and two oversized video screens. The Governor of Idaho, Dirk Kempthorne, the former governor Phil Batt and the mayor of Boise, H. Brent Coles are scheduled to speak. Reverend Henry Webb begins the opening prayer. There is an unforgettable feeling of sorrow mixed with celebration in the air.