"Len" J. Harrington

Born on February 26, 1947 to Paul and Rita (Hebert) Harrington of Erath, LA, Len, 70, passed away at 5:32 PM on October 10, 2017 at UCDMC after valiant efforts by the ER team to save his life. Len touched countless lives with his music, kindness, generosity and jokes. He leaves behind his devoted companion of 22 years, Beverley Kathleen Eddy, and their many pets. He is survived by his sister, Deanna Granger, brothers Glenn and Leland, niece and godchild, Monica G. Calvert, his stepson, Michael, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and many beloved aunts and uncles. Len joined theArmyNat'l. Guard in his junior year in HS and served for six years. After he graduated from Erath HS in 1965, he studied architecture and music education at University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. In 1972 he began his career as a professional musician and composer. (Please see online link below for detailed overview of his career.) In 1992, after twenty years in the music industry and having achieved his goals of teaching others to play traditional Cajun music, creating appreciation for his culture internationally, and promoting tourism to Louisiana, Len traveled the US and settled in Sacramento in 1995 where he taught diatonic accordion, fiddle and guitar, and continued writing songs, adding plays and children's short stories to accompany them. Len loved gardening, woodworking, taking long walks downtown and listening to live music at the Torch Club and other venues. He loved encouraging talented young people to pursue their dreams and disillusioned down and outers to envision happy employment using their gifts and skills. He will be remembered for his smiling green eyes, warm chuckle, punning humor, and his dogs that followed him about, but mostly for his kind words and service to others. A private service and visitation was held at Sierra View Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life for family and friends is to be announced at a future date. To share memories, please go towww.sacramentofuneralandcremation.com. In lieu of flowers and to those wishing to make a memorial contribution, you may do so to the charity, local food bank, shelter or mission of your own choosing, or simply commit an act of random kindness for yourself or another in his memory. (Please check back as this obituary will be updated by the family after the holiday.)