Leon R. Harris

1929 - 2022

October 15, 1929 - June 1, 2022 Leon Harris, Illustrator and Art Director passed away at the age of 92 in the Seattle area. Leon had spent his career in the Motion Picture Industry, beginning soon after completing art school, including the Chouinard Art Institute (predecessor to CalArts) in the early 1950s. As a continuity illustrator, Leon helped design the production of over 100 films throughout his 40+ year career, including 'Diner', 'Dick Tracy', 'Taps', 'Silver Streak', 'The Sound of Music' and 'West Side Story'. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Art Direction for 'Star Trek – The Motion Picture'.
Leon's life was adventurous – he, his wife Gloria and his sons Kevin and Peter moved around the world, living in Australia, England, Wales, Hawaii, the Bahamas and other locales. He loved sailing, or any chance to be out on the water, reading historical biographies, working outdoors, and meaningful conversation with friends and family. He was curious about what others thought and believed in and showed genuine interest in both the strengths and flaws of humankind.
Leon was born in Ventura, California and has lived for the past 30 years in Washington State. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his son Kevin, his daughters-in-law Barbara and Karyl, and his four grandchildren: Cameron, Maggie, Daniel and Alec.
'Remember, the thing you strive for isn't perfection; it's not the easy win or the avoidance of failure. It's the gift of growth, and the opportunity for evolution. Life in a box is not life well lived' – Jonathan Fields
The family will hold a celebration of Leon's life in the Seattle area.