Birth date: Jan 30, 1944 Death date: Nov 14, 2019
Harris Keith Shellito, 75, Weslaco, Texas, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Harris was born January 30, 1944, to Harold and Myrtle (Ellis) Shellito in Fargo, ND. He was one of 6 children. Harris grew up on a farm and l Read Obituary
Mr. Shellito was my fourth and fifth grade phy. ed instructor... From fall of 1985 'til the spring of 1987. At Thomas Edison Elementary School in Moorhead, MN. I will always remember him as a kind hearted man. He often told us kids about how great it was to see the Statue of Liberty whilst coming home from military service. A great teacher and a kind soul he was.
I was talking to my wrestler son today about my wrestling coach and how much of an inspiration he was in my life. I thought, well let’s find him on google. I was very saddened to find his obituary.
I met him when I was in the fourth grade and he coached a bunch of fourth fifth and sixth graders. I went to geargetown and they busses us into Moorhead for wrestling practice. I went through some tough social times and left wrestling through my jr high years, but I in my high school Junior year, a friend suggested that I get back into it. I did. That was in 81. I went in with little confidence and some fear. The first day he came in, I recognized him as my grade school coach. I always thought he was amazing and although I was never a star wrestler, he improved my confidence to the point where I felt I could make it through Marine Corps boot camp. I did that too. Even though my high school wrestling career was only two seasons, I hold him at the very top of my most influential teachers along with assistant coach Paul Marquardt.
Rest In Peace Mr. Shellito, and Semper Fi!
My deepest condolences go out to the entire Shellito family. As a former Spud at MHS, I knew Harris as both a skilled wrestler and as a great coach. He was a tough guy with a big heart, who instilled mental toughness and the idea of perfecting technique - right there on the mat with you. A true student of the sport, Harris blessed us with a number of different judo throws that he taught, to give us more options to defeat the opponent. He was truly an inspiration and will be missed by many. May God bless the family and give you true peace - the same peace that Harris has at this time.
Koshi guruma, Harris, Koshi guruma!!
Sad loss for the Spud wrestling community. He was a great coach and mentor. Many of us are who we are today because of him. I learned a lot about life from working out in that wrestling room with Coach Shellito. Thanks for the memories, might have to see if I can locate an old Fiat and have a beer.
When I was Assistant Manager at Rio Valley there was a dance and I will never forget dancing with Harris. What a sweet man and a beautiful wife.
Harris was one of my best wrestling coaches, mentors and a friend too I ever had in my many years as an athlete. Great sense of humor to help us relax before matches, and gave great pre-match massages to help us relieve tension. Just a great guy and I wish had life not been so busy, filled with job relocations, raising a family, etc. after I finished wrestling at NDSU, that I could have stayed in touch better. RIP Harris, you made a difference in a lot of young mens lives. Hope we can re-connect in heaven.
