Harold Ellis House

Harold Ellis House, age 62, died Friday, November 13, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born January 31, 1958 in Warrenton, Virginia to the late Ewing Michael House and Wilma Lee Wood House. He lived in Nokesville for most of his life and treasured his family, farm and community. Growing up on his family’s dairy, Dutchland Farms, Harold cultivated a life long love of agriculture. As a member of the Prince William 4-H Dairy Club, he showed Holstein dairy cows at local and regional fairs. While a member of the Nokesville FFA club at Brentsville District High School, he was awarded the American Farmer Degree and was part of the dairy judging team that won the state contest in 1974; individually he placed 8th at the National Contest the same year. He continued his education at Virginia Tech graduating in 1980 with a BS in Dairy Science. During his time there he was an active member of the Dairy Club and member of the Alpha Zeta Honor Fraternity. Following graduation, Harold’s profession centered on dairy cattle genetics, working as District Sales Manager for Manco Genetics in Southwest Virginia. He was promoted to Sales Director, helping dairy farmers in the Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina area. In 1987, he returned to the family farm where he dedicated his life to developing the family dairy herd. He also served the greater agriculture community as president of the Prince William/Fauquier Holstein Association, director of the Virginia Holstein Association, and Chairman of the Northern Virginia Farm Service Agency. He was currently serving on the board of directors for Genex Cooperative (URUS), a global company, affording him the opportunity to help shape the direction of animal agriculture genetics for years to come. Additionally his service gave him opportunities to travel and meet farmers from around the world. He found this service with Genex to be especially meaningful and fulfilling. Harold was raised in Greenwich Presbyterian Church, where he once served as a deacon, and also was an attendee at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. Harold is survived by his High School sweetheart and wife of 42 years Donna Kline. They had three children, Daniel House and wife Rebecca (Weyers Cave, VA), Lora Vasquez and husband Javier (Manassas Park, VA), and Brian House and wife Laura (Union Bridge, MD) and 6 grandchildren, Bethany, Leo, Sasha, Hailey, Emma, Kathleen, and an additional grandson due in February. Harold’s grandchildren held a special place in his heart, Grandad could always make them laugh and smile. He had two brothers Paul House and wife Mary (Nokesville, VA) and Dale House and wife Lisa (Nokesville, VA). Harold is predeceased by his parents, his Sister Julia (Judy) Mayhugh, her husband William (Billy), and Sister-in-law, Flora House. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, Nov, 18th at1:30 pm followed by interment at Valley View Cemetery. A live stream of the service will be available at www.greenwichpres.org/livestream and the family would be honored if you could join them virtually. Due to current limitations on gatherings, the family invites you to share memories of Harold via e-mail to Lora at Flutist625@gmail.com. Condolences may also be shared at www.piercefh.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the following causes: Dairy Science Scholarship Endowment at Virginia Tech. Checks can be made out to the Virginia Tech Foundation, mailed to Virginia Tech Foundation 902 Prices Fork Road, Suite 4500, Blacksburg, VA 24061 with “Dairy Science Scholarship” written on the memo line. Farthest Corners. Checks can be made out to Farthest Corners, mailed to Farthest Corners 15305 Vint Hill RD, Nokesville, VA 20181 with “Memorial Harold House” written on the memo line.

Harold Ellis House

January 31, 1958 - November 13, 2020