09/18/2026
Some projects mean more than we can put into words.
We recently had the honor of meeting Bonnie Harris, who brought us several metal pieces created by her late husband, Ken. After Ken passed away on May 1, 2022, following an 18-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, Bonnie discovered these pieces among his belongings. She hoped to have them finished and preserved so she could surprise their family with lasting gifts made by his hands.
Ken lived a life marked by service, creativity and a deep love for his family. He served for nine years in the United States Navy aboard a nuclear submarine during the 1970s. After leaving the Navy, he built a career in nuclear power and engineering, eventually retiring from Energy Northwest in 2018.
Retirement gave Ken more time to enjoy the things he loved: photography, British cars, roses, cooking, welding and working with metal. He had recently purchased a plasma cutter and created several special pieces for his family. He even set up his own powder-coating station, although he was only able to finish one piece before becoming ill.
Ken also lovingly restored two 1957 MGAs for his mother, bringing her many years of happiness, and enjoyed his own 1956 MGA. Of all the memories he created, one of the most special was teaching his granddaughter how to weld. He also left behind a beautiful collection of photographs—another lasting expression of the way he saw and appreciated the world.
When Bonnie brought Ken’s unfinished pieces to us, we wanted to give each one the care it deserved. Our team helped her select the right finish for every piece and smoothed out some of the rougher areas Ken had not been able to complete. Knowing these pieces will now be preserved and given to his family made this an especially meaningful project for all of us at CORE.
Despite everything he endured, Ken never complained. He lived each day by his favorite motto:
“I can complain because rosebushes have thorns, or rejoice because the thorn bush has a rose…it’s all up to me.”
Ken chose to see the rose.
Bonnie, thank you for trusting us with something so personal and precious. It was truly an honor to help complete Ken’s work and play a small part in preserving his legacy. We hope these pieces bring your family comfort, joy and a lasting reminder of the talented, loving man who created them. ❤️
