1963—2018
On Friday, May 18, 2018, Olin Harris Jr, age 54, made his transition from life to eternal reward with his loving wife and family by his side. Olin was the fourth of five children to the union of Olin Harris, Sr. and Charlotte Mitchell Harris
Olin grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and attended Harrisburg High School where he excelled as a scholar in chemistry, physics, mathematics sports and student government. Olin served as President of the Harrisburg High School Class of 1981 and graduated at the top of his class. He was selected as a Smithsonian InstituteOAA, Marine Science Intern, in preparation for a career in oceanography prior to attending the University of Pittsburgh where he studied chemical engineering and philosophy.
Olin embarked upon a career in the hospitality industry in Washington, DC in 1987 at the American Café. He was passionate about food and wine and quickly honed his fine dining skills as a Captain at the historic Willard Hotel, home to the world’s political elite and The Inn at Little Washington, in Virginia.
Olin relocated to Napa, California where he continued his career in fine dining at The French Laundry, Press and also proudly served as a Captain at The Meadowood, one of only 13 properties in the world to earn the heralded Triple Five Star Award from Forbes Travel Guide and a prestigious Michelin 3-Star exceptional cuisine rating.
To celebrate his life, Olin leaves his beloved wife and daughter, Chikako and Milani Harris; brother, Michael G. Harris, sisters, Gina L. Harris; Charlotte M. Powell, Kirsten N. Keys, father and mother-in-law, Satoru and Kazumi Yokota; sister-in-law, Emiko Ota (Motoki) and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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