Harry Ellis Rice, 92

Harry Ellis Rice, 92 , of West Portsmouth, passed away Thursday evening, April 8, 2010 at SOMC. He was born in West Portsmouth, on April 6, 1918 to the late Newton (Father) & Rebecca (Mother) Rice.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deskie (Rose) Rice, one son David (Sharon) Rice of Wheelersburg, 4 daughters; Mary Lou (Junior) Coleman of West Portsmouth, Judy Jackson of Portsmouth, Patricia Marcum of Lucasville, Janet (Michael) Hensley of McDermott, two step sons; Bill (Sherry) Rose of Wichita Falls, Tx and Jack (Joy) Rose of Tiffin, Oh, two nieces; Hazel Piatt of West Portsmouth, Donna Milstead of Jacksonville, FL, one nephew; Robert (Carolyn) Rice. He leaves 23 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren.

In addition to his father and mother, he was preceded in death by two daughters; Carolyn Sue Thayer and Rebecca Collins, two brothers; Guy and Ed Rice, one sister; Elsie Appleton and two wives; Alma (Henderson) Rice and Virginia (Jordan) Rice.

He graduated from Lucasville Valley High School in 1934 and was a retired truck driver for Reinhardt Transfer of Wheelersburg, Ohio.

Harry Rice dedicated his life to rabbits. Harry was a master rabbit breeder, master showman, master promoter, and a master judge for the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). He first joined the ARBA in 1933, and in 1994 became an honorary life member. In 1940, Harry received his ARBA Registrar and Judge Licenses. Harry judged in over 41 States and several Canadian provinces, and officiated at over 3,000 rabbit shows in his lifetime. These 41 states and Canadian provinces were all seen behind the wheel of a semi truck or car, since Harry Rice would not get on an airplane. He was one of the greatest judges the ARBA ever had and was also one of the association's most admired senior judges.

Harry was a member of numerous local, state and national rabbit clubs; however his love was always with the New Zealand and Dutch Rabbits. Harry joined the American Federation of New Zealand Rabbit Breeders, Which was the first national club, on November 1,1949. He purchased his first New Zealand's in 1938, at the Columbus, Ohio Convention. Harry skillfully served the national New Zealand club as secretary for many years. He was an active member of the Portsmouth Rabbit Breeders, and a Hall of Fame Member of the Ohio State Rabbits Breeders. He was inducted into the American Rabbit Breeders Association Hall of Fame in 1990, the highest award that can be bestowed on a member. He was elected to serve on the American Rabbit Breeders Association Board of Directors, as well as on numerous committees. Along with his wife Deskie they formed the well known KO Rabbitry in Portsmouth, Ohio. The KO Rabbitry was known throughout the rabbit world as a producer of top notch breeding animals and quality show stock. The 2001-2005 ARBA Standard of Perfection, Which was dedicated to Harry sums up best, he was "The Sage of Portsmouth".

Funeral Services will be 11:30am Monday, April 12, 2010 at the Roger W Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth, with Pastor Mark Seevers officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park. Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 2 until 5PM on Sunday
and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Portsmouth Rabbit Breeders Association, C/O Mr. Ted Stidham, President, 317 Pine Lane, Lucasville, Ohio 45648 or the American Rabbit Breeders Association of America, Inc. PO Box 5667, Bloomington, Illinois 61702. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com