Donald Harris

Former Alaska legislator Donald Parker Harris, 83, died Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at his daughter's home in Wasilla.

Donald Harris was born Jan. 16, 1928, in San Diego to Richard Sr. and Maude Harris.

Raised in Montana, he graduated from high school in Park City in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army on the Korean Peninsula in 1946. Upon his honorable discharge, he studied engineering at Montana State College. While there, Don met several friends who sparked his interest in aviation, which led him north to Alaska in 1949. He worked briefly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Whittier from 1949-1950.

He married the love of his life, Alice Parent of Crooked Creek, on Aug. 7, 1954.

Don was an instrumental leader in the first years of our great state, and served as a Republican representative for District 17 (McGrath) under Alaska's first governor, William Egan, in the 1st Alaska State Legislature from 1959-1960, and the 2nd State Legislature from 1961-1962. He also served as Commissioner of Department of Public Works (DOTPF) from 1975-1978 under Gov. Jay Hammond. He also served on the state Board of Fish and Game, and as chairman of the McGrath School Board.

Don was owner of several construction companies and was a successful contractor for many years. He was an avid and adventurous bush pilot, and his skill in navigation while flying in the Interior was unmatched. He was also a successful gold miner in the Moore Creek and Deadwood Creek mines.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Maude Harris and his wife, Alice.

He is survived by his brothers, John Riley of East Helena, Mont., Richard Harris of Billings, Mont.; and sister, Nancy Riley of Ione, Wash.; the four children that he and Alice raised: daughters, Elizabeth Parent, Josephine Harris Royal, Donalene Harris Fleagle, and son, John Harris Sr.; grandchildren, Brian, Liam, Siobhan, Nicole, Renee, Einar, Clinton, Franklin, Douglas, Heather, Chelsea, John Jr., D.J. and Gavin; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was Saturday in McGrath, followed by burial at Harris Hill near the community of McGrath, on the Harris homestead overlooking the Kuskokwim River.