By james art
Harry Monk
OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Harry Alan Monk. He peacefully went to be with the Lord on August 5, 2024 at the age of 77, living comfortably at his home in Huntington Beach after a short battle with lung cancer. Harry was born on February 17, 1947 in San Bernardino, California to Shirley Ruth and Clarence Monk.
Harry moved to Huntington Beach, California in 1952 with his mother Shirley and two sisters Maxine and Diane. Harry grew up and lived in Huntington Beach, where he studied architecture at Orange Coast College before working for the Huntington Beach Community Development Department. He then went on to practice architecture for some 50 years, completing numerous projects throughout Southern California. He was a passionate and respected residential designer who impacted the lives of hundreds of Orange County families through his work.
In addition to his professional achievements, Harry Monk was a devoted son, brother and father. Harry met Anna Long in the spring of 1978, they had one son, Joseph, and raised Joseph and his brother Christopher together. Harry’s calm nature made him a valued and loyal friend to all.
Harry surfed religiously in his youth and enjoyed traveling the coasts of California and South America looking for waves. In his spare time, Harry enjoyed gardening and growing palm trees, which brought him joy and relaxation. He was a close-knit member of the longtime Huntington Beach community. In his later years, Harry was an active member of Surf City Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was involved in volunteer service.
Harry Monk is survived by his sons, Joseph Monk and Christopher Lane; their mother, Anna Long; his aunt and uncle Claudia and Buck Tait; his niece and nephew Dana Gipson and Kenny Orris; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Maxine Allen and Diana Orris; his uncle, Robert Cripps; his parents, Shirley and Woodward Ruth; and his father, Clarence Monk.
A memorial service will be held at Surf City Church on November 8, 2024 at 11 a.m., with a reception and meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Surf City Church.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Always smiling and laughing, Harry Monk will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends and the body of work he helped create.