Egon Harrasser
Photographer:
Egon Harrasser – born in Munich, Bavaria on July 15, 1934
Parents: Karl F. Harrasser, Theresa Harrasser (Berger)
Had to move with my parents and grandmother from Munich to Berlin in 1936. Ordered by the Nazi regime to my father. He was given the job as “director of education and the national film board”. At the beginning my father and family had a very good life. But then the 2nd World War had begun. Beginning of September 1939 and lasted until the end of December 1945… miraculously we survived…
I decided to apply for an immigration visa to Canada and left Germany on January 17, 1953 and arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the 1st of February.
Since then I had a great job with a Canadian aerial survey and environmental studies firm which ultimately allowed me to work in the Canadian arctic. And subsequently in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. Also in Argentina, and spending vacation times in Brazil, Chile, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
I met the love of my life, Judi Levinson in Ottawa. We got married on December 30, 1957 in Ottawa, Canada. And left for our 3 1/2 months “ALL PAID HONEYMOON” to the Dominican Republic having a great time!
We have 3 sons. Ian and his wife live in Portland, OR. Also Sean and family live in Portland. Our youngest son Kevin and family live in Chico, CA.
Joined the REDDING BREAKFAST LIONS CLUB on July 1, 1983…
Visited other Lions Clubs in California, Oregon, and Washington. Also in other countries; Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Argentina.
Received the “Melvin Jones Fellow” award in 2020…
Note: He says he is retired from everything. But he is our go to person for finding sponsors. He does the graphics for the basketball event and Turtle Bay Run.
Is an avid runner. He usually wins in his class as there are not too many runners over 80.
Great job Egon!
Video of Egon receiving Melvin Jones Award.
2022
Message from Melanie Hunter:
It is with a very heavy heart that I am reaching out to let you know that Lion Egon Harasser passed away on Sunday, June 19th (Father’s Day).
Lion Ernie has been in touch with Lion Egon’s wife, Judi. She is doing as well as can be expected and she does have support from family and friends. The family is still discussing arrangements and they are uncertain at this time, when, where and/or if any type of services will be held. We will be sure to pass along any information we receive once plans are finalized.
As a relatively “new” Lion in the Redding Breakfast Club I have not known Lion Egon as long as many of you. However, I can honestly say that almost every memory and every thought I have about the club includes Lion Egon in one way or another. Aside from Lions, Egon was a frequent visitor to the same Starbucks I visit on the weekends and Scott and I spent countless hours sitting and chatting with him and listening to stories about his life. Never a dull moment or a lapse in the conversation.
I feel both honored and thankful to have known Lion Egon. He will be missed and he is leaving behind some very big (running) shoes to fill.
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Lupe Arness:
How sad—He was such a great person and a real trouper when it came to working on any Club project—and also in the community. Always so enthusiastic about whatever he was involved in.
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Norm & Kay Overbay:
I am so sad to hear this about my brother Lion. Our thoughts to Judi and family!
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Lion Ernie:
Several Lions, including myself, were in costume as the Easter Bunny, but Lion Egon was clearly the best. We are going to miss him.
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Lion George Shelburne:
Oh man, Egon will be missed. He was such a strong character that benefited our Lion’s Club. I guess now we will never hear his, “rest of his story”.
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Guy Piche:
