On Wednesday, May 22, 2019, Donald Martin Harris (Don), father, brother and friend to many, passed away at age 85. Don was born March 14, 1934, in Colfax, to Willie and Melcena (Brownfield) Harris, as their first of seven children.
Having graduated from Nezperce High School, Don attended the University of Idaho and earned a degree in theater arts. Following college, he became a high school English and drama teacher in Arco, Idaho, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Kay Douglas. Don and Kay were married in June 1960, and after working as Forest Service fire lookouts and attending the University of Oregon for graduate studies, they welcomed their first son, Lin, the following year in Eugene, Ore. They then moved to McCall, where Don taught high school for two years and their second son, Brian, was born. Don next began a career with the Forest Service that would span over 30 years. While stationed in Billings, Mont., their third son, Steven, was born.
Don’s career with the Forest Service was spent on several national forests including the Payette, Nez Perce, St. Joe, Beaverhead-Deer Lodge, Custer and the Tongass National Forest. Highlights of his career included his early years as an aerial fire observer and spending seven years in Alaska on Petersburg Island.
Don enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family playing card and board games. As a self-taught student of history, literature and arts, and sciences, everyone wanted Don on their Trivial Pursuit team. Don was an avid music lover and played the piano throughout his life. He is best known for his great smile, quick wit, friendly demeanor and his kind and compassionate spirit. He will be greatly missed by many.
Don was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brothers, Darold and Bob. He is survived by his three sons, Lin (Jerre Koskie) and grandchildren Jason, Jennifer and Justina; Brian (Kristi Korfanta) of McCall and grandchildren Tristan, Tucker and Taryn; Steven (Michelle Miller) of McCall and grandchildren Jade and Hailee; four great-grandchildren; his siblings Maxine (Riggers), Bill, Ken and Greg; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
A funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at the Christian Church in Nezperce, with viewing beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the service. Lunch will be served at the church following the burial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nezperce School Music Program for construction of their Music Maker’s Space (recording studio), Nezperce School, Attn: Music Makers, P.O. Box 279, Nezperce, Idaho 83543. Condolences may be sent to the Harris Family, 1704 Spruce Lane, McCall, Idaho 83638.
