George Heineck Harris

George Heineck Harris, age 88, of Batavia, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 2, 1934, the son of Raymond and Arvilla (Heineck) Harris.

Born in Colfax, Washington, George was raised in Northern Idaho and Spokane, Washington.  He attended Washington State University, graduating in Police Science and Administration.   At the time, this program was one of only three college level programs in the U.S.  The others were at Berkley and Michigan State.

It was during his sophomore year in college that he met Caroll.  She was an Alpha Chi and George was a Sig Ep.  During a Greek social event, it was George’s good fortune to meet Caroll.  While the intent of the social was to meet several others, George and Caroll spent the entire evening dancing together to the exclusion of others.  George married the love of his life, Caroll, three years later.

Raised by parents who were music teachers, during grade school George took piano, coronet and baritone lessons.  This was followed with choir membership in both high school and college. 

Receiving an ROTC commission, George served three years as an officer in the Army, serving in Counter Intelligence with additional training as a polygraph examiner, interrogator and anti-eavesdropping specialist.  He was stationed in Manhattan and traveled the New England states.

After military service and a 13-month stay in Miami, being homesick for the Pacific North West, the family moved to Seattle where George operated a security consulting business for ten years. 

Unexpectedly, George received an offer he could not refuse. This required a family move from the beautiful NW to Chicago, where he became the Retail Security Director for Cluett Peabody, at that time, a major clothing manufacturer and retailer.  This was followed by 19 years as Ace Hardware’s first Security, Safety and Property Manager.  

George had a passion for flying.  He owned a fixed gear Cardinal and traveled extensively throughout the country for both pleasure and business. 

Putting roots down in Batavia, the family quickly found a home at Chapelstreet Church (previously First Baptist Church of Geneva) where they made life long friends.  Caroll became a church secretary and George joined the choir.  George quickly became involved with the Business Board and was instrumental in the building of the new sanctuary, the gym addition and site selection for the West campus.  

George’s interest in pipe organs started in high school.  He was intrigued with their history, construction, the blending of both wood and tin pipes and both electronic and pneumonic control.  He took organ lessons in both high school and college.

With this background, it was only natural for him to purchase an 8 rank organ from a Jewish synagogue in NE Indiana.  His family rented a truck and hauled some 450 pipes, turbine blower and a two manual keyboard to Batavia.  Installation required building a dedicated room in their basement and cutting holes in their first floor front closet to accommodate some of the larger pipes.

George was a devoted Christian.  Having experienced the value of closed circuit television during his military training, George installed four generations of TV equipment in the church sanctuary and the first installation of cameras at the West campus.  Video was truly his passion and his desire was to use this as an avenue to minister to others.

George served two terms on Riverwood’s Board of Directors and spent many days volunteering on numerous building projects.  He also served on the President’s Council for several years at Judson University.

George is survived by his wife Caroll of 66 years, son Brian (Darla), daughter Pamela, daughter Sultana (Lionel) from Turkmenistan; 6 grandchildren James (Briana), Ashley, Brandy (Alex), Jessica, Wilna, and Madison; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva with Pastor Brian Coffey officiating.

Interment will be held at a later date in Scio, Oregon.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 3 from 2:00 – 7:00 pm at the family home, 37W739 Morningside Lane, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134 would be appreciated.  

Arrangements by Malone Funeral Home, in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

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