Emmett Harris

April 3, 1948 - July 15, 2020
Emmett Harris

In Loving Memory

Gator, That photo I added was not Emmett. We were in Hawaii in Dec 2015. We had actually just driven out to see Emmett's condo over on the beach. We were eating dinner and our son Sam, who adored Emmett, and had him sell his 16 yr old Subaru, said, "There's Emmett, right behind us." Well it wasn't, but it sure was his doppelganger. I got a sneak photo of the guy and sent it right to Emmett. He thought it was so great that he had me send it to his friends, since he didn't know how to forward it. We all know how he "loved" technology. We are so sad about his passing. When you called John last spring with a question, I was so frustrated that I didn't have your number or a way to check up or call Emmett. He adored you. He spoke so often of you. Emmett even kept our family red, white and blue photo on his board. So sweet. We have been taking our cars to him forever! Really, over 40 years. My dad, Dr. Wally Jenkins was your grandparent's doctor. When I was young, back in the early 70's we would drive my dad, who also had vision problems, down to Harold's to get our old cars fixed. Emmett and my dad had similar personalities-quiet, humble, cared for others and the same birthday, April 3rd! Every used car we've ever had and our new ones, had to first get Emmett's stamp of approval. He was so honest, fair, caring, handsome, real and sacrifice for others! I have referred lots of my friends to him over the years. We loved him. We're so sad. I sent his obituary to all my kids and my siblings. I was just wondering what ever happened and looked this up today. I know he hated funerals, so I'm guessing he didn't have one or even let this be in the paper. Please know we care. I'd love to have you email me Paul's info and get in touch with him and start going to him as our mechanic. Love, John, Diane, Brittany Ally, Parley, Sam Baldwin
Diane and John Baldwin
salt lake city, UT
Emmett was that kind of man you just know is purely honest. I was his customer and grew up around the corner from EP Auto. He helped my family and I and countless friends by providing honest service in a field that is unfortunately saturated with deception. He knew the good he was doing and did it. I was so sad to hear of his passing as of yesterday. My condolences go out to Emmett's family.
Mitch Poen
salt lake city, UT
Emmett, I'm feeling such sorrow upon hearing of your sudden death. Our friendship was a steady stream of sharing through the years, and you kept that friendship alive even after my family and I left Salt Lake for the northwest, to take up residence in our own private Idaho, something for which I will always be grateful. You were a true friend, with the biggest of hearts. I will miss you. Rest in peace Emmett, you have given much love, and for that you will be loved in return even though you are no longer with us. I first met Emmett at the Steak Pit at Snowbird when I was a teenager in the early 80’s, I bussed tables at night. He would done there once a week. He came late, brought rum, and always asked for a booth so he could socialize with the Steak Pit crew both during and after dinner. Although I'm not sure how it evolved, he was the Steak Pit ”mechanic”, keeping the tired and abused cars we all owned running and more or less reliable. He would also throw summertime pool parties at his house and invite the crew. They were always great fun with music, laughter and really good Bloody Marys. I think he was quite amused when I started working on my own cars, he and Paul would let me have a bay at the EP garage for my auto repairs. He was very generous with his time, and his advice, and patiently accepted me showing up periodically to take up floor space but providing very little revenue. I spent many hours at the garage back then, and it seemed that most of them were spent in the Naugahyde chair next to his desk, sharing our tall tales. The Garage was a social network of it's own, and Emmett was the CEO who kept us informed of what others of whom we might have lost contact with, we're doing, long after we had left Snowbird and headed off in different directions. He was the best of friends, giving more than he expected in return. Thanks for the memories old friend, we will miss you. Pam
Pamela Hansen
sagle, ID
So shocked and saddened by the news of Emmett's passing. EP Auto gave him purpose...now, gone much too soon. He was our mechanic for years - knowledgeable, honest, interesting and easy to talk to anytime we needed to stop in with a car question. We also considered him a friend. Rest in Peace Emmett.
Jim and Eileen Brown
salt lake city, UT
Oh to go back some 50 years. Dragging State Street, racing State Street, partying with the car club. So very many great memories! Rest in Peace and know you were loved! Sherrie Gates Dirkson
Sherrie Gates Dirkson
midvale, UT
A very nice and deserving remembrance was written for Emmet. However, not complete. Our brother Emmett was born to parents that loved him very much, Harold N. Harris and Nona Robinson Harris. He had two brothers, H. Lee (Sheila) and Kelly (Marie Ann). Emmett also had many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A large family that asked about him often. I could go back to secret stories we have shared while growing up on Harvard Avenue but I will spare us both the embarrassment. A special thanks to Gator and his family for the love and care that was given to Emmett over the years and especially at the end. I will continue to love and miss you my brother. May you rest in peace. Lee
Lee Harris
south jordan, UT
Oh, Emmett, when I saw your obituary I felt like the air was sucked out of my lungs and I had to call Kathy to ask what happened. I will miss you and our conversations that I sometimes stopped by to have even when my car wasn’t in the shop!!! I first came to you on the recommendation of Clint & Kathy. Then by necessity, I called one evening from my grandmother’s house and my grandfather’s name came up on your caller ID, you told me that you use to work on his cars, his brother’s cars, and my uncle’s cars...so it was meant to be that you were my mechanic!!! You were so kind to me and offered great advice about my cars, and like so many others, you & Paul kept our cars running and fixed small things for free. I could not have asked for better mechanics than you & Paul, you made a great team. I am so deeply sorry that you were forced to give up your livelihood, which I believe gave your life purpose and helped develop so many great friends!!! You shared how much you loved Gator, how much you cared for Susan & Kathy and what blessings they were in your life!!! To all of us who loved and cherished Emmett, may we be blessed with Comfort, Peace and Wonderful Memories!!!
Cindy Heller
west jordan, UT
I can't remember when I met Emmett...at least 20 years ago, but probably much longer. He fixed my cars, but more than that. He always gave me a good price and explained it in detail, worried that I kept the car in good condition, and sent me on my way with no fee when the fix was minor. He entertained me with stories of epic (and common) scams and taught me how to avoid them. The only other person who did this for me, in my life, was my own father. Needless to say, the world has lost a dear and honest man. Thank you, Emmett, God speed.
Jackie Solon
salt lake city, UT
We met in the National Guard many years ago! Many great times and experiences never to forget! I will miss him! Gator, you are his pride and joy---all the best to you and your family!
Kent Labrum
salt lake city, UT
Aaron, this is Emmett, I say we simply disconnect it. You will have to look at the engine light, but you can black it out and not worry about this.... Emmett, I will forever have you in mind as I look for the Green Flash on the horizon line, as the sun sets over the ocean. May you be surrounded by beautiful women in tour new world. You are my friend. Peace bro.
Aaron Clinger
millcreek, UT
My family has been taking their vehicles to Emmett and Paul for at least 25 years. I always trusted them completely and liked them immensely. Many times I would be talking with a coworker or neighbor and mention that I had the best mechanic in SLC, and they would insist that theirs was the best, and it would turn out that we were both talking about EP. Many condolences to his family.
Stephanie Jewett
fairfield, ID
We’ll always remember winter & summer widow maker hill climbs, dune buggies at Eureka, fishing and hunting at Joe’s valley, fishing at Rock Creek, boating at Pine View, Willard Bay, Utah Lake, huge parties at Mutt’s house, but most of all, what a Great person Emmett was! Wishing you, Gator, and your family all the best. We miss you Mutt, you went to soon.
Steve & Paula Chipman
renton , WA
Mutt was a very good friend for many years. I have many fun and crazy memories of the times we spent together with friends and family. You will be missed my friend. Gator, I hope you and your family are well and I certainly wish you all the comfort in the world at this time. Never forget the good times we all shared. My condolences.
Paul Astorga
salt lake, UT
Emmett was an honest, kind, and generous man. I took my cars to E & P for at least 20 years. He (and Paul) were always willing to help fix (for no charge) a small issue with my car. “Just drop on by” he’d tell me, and I’d drop by, they’d fix it, and off I’d go. He’d often allow me to make payments if the cost was more than I could afford at one time. I doubt many other mechanics would do that (now or in the recent past). It was a pleasure knowing Emmett. My condolences to his family and friends.
Felicia Alvarez
salt lake city, UT
Emmett and Paul took care of our family’s cars for the last 20-25 years. Emmett always treated each of us with fairness, kindness, and a sense of humor. When I stopped by the shop at the end of a long day, I could always trust that Emmett would be good for a story. He valued his reputation for honesty...he earned it. My condolences to all in your family.
Osman “Oz” Sanyet
salt lake city,
My deepest condolences to friends, associates. and fami May the Lord keep watch over family and fill you with Love and Grace.
AC Rainey
federal way,
We are so sorry for your loss. He would fix our cars and he was always fair. He was a great friend of the family for a long time. He will be missed.
Carolyn Gulbransen
salt lake, UT
When I met Emmet about 20 years ago, I like him immediately! He was always honest and straightforward, happy and kind. I enjoyed sitting in his office or at his home chatting about anything and everything. He was so easy to talk to. I was hoping to sit by your pool with a cool drink and shoot the shit this summer. You went too fast. I did not get a chance to say goodbye. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Karen Keeley
sandy, UT