Harrison Reimer, 80
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
Harrison Carl Reimer, 80, was born on Oct. 30, 1943, in Kalispell. He passed away on April 2, 2024, in San Bernardino, California, after a brief illness.
Harrison was the second child born to Ben and Olga Reimer.
He attended Kalispell elementary schools and graduated from Flathead High School in 1961.
He learned his craft of making rifle barrels from Hall Sharon in Kalispell. He continued working with Jerry Cunningham, retiring in 1995.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising Griffon hunting dogs.
After retiring, Harrison moved to Pinon Hills, California.
He didn't just retire, but started on a new hobby turned business called Skypoke Original Metal Yard and Garden Art. He used recycled tools, shovels, drill bits, rakes and metal scraps to craft whimsical birds, butterflies and sunflowers. He welded everything himself. He gave motion to his creatures by incorporating valve springs from cars so they rocked in the breeze. He traveled to craft fairs and outdoor markets, up and down the West Coast, and as far east as Tucson, Arizona and up to Kalispell.
He was written up in the Orange County Register in California along with other artisans at the Long Beach show. Customers took his sculptures as far as New York City.
Besides his metal sculptures, Harrison raised Flemish giant rabbits, quail, chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats. His favorite, Dolly, loved to travel with him and walked on her leash. He took her to petting zoos to show people that they make great pets.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olga Reimer and his brothers, John Reimer and Aaron Reimer, and his brother-in-law, Robert Gentry.
He is survived by his sisters, Irene Reimer-Gentry and Judy McWhorter (Bob McWhorter). He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.