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Frank Ephraim Harris

1929 - 2023

Frank Harris Obituary

Frank Ephraim Harris

August 26, 1929 ~ March 9, 2023

Frank Ephraim Harris passed away on March 9, 2023. Frank was born on August 26, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts to Frank E. Harris. and Wilhelmina "Willie" Sellers. His father was a retired Army colonel who graduated from West Point Academy and served in the Spanish American War. After his father's death in 1947, Frank's mother Willie was the Superintendent of the Adams Mansion National Historic Site in Quincy, MA until her retirement at age 90.

Frank attended Milton Academy in Milton, MA. After earning an A.B. in Chemistry at Harvard, he did a PhD in Physical Chemistry at Berkeley, where he spent three years as Assistant Professor. He joined the faculty at Stanford University, moving to the University of Utah in 1969, where he was a Professor of Physics and Chemistry. In 1998 he was appointed Resident Adjunct at the Quantum Theory Project at the University of Florida, the only person to have been awarded that title.

Frank contributed much to atomic and molecular quantum mechanics, theoretical and computational. As one of the top theoretical physicists in the world, he authored nearly 250 published papers and three books. Over the years, he had a wide range of interests, including studies of electronic structure and properties of atoms, molecules, and solids, as well as study and development of highly technical mathematical aspects of quantum chemistry.

In addition to his science, Frank led some of the more robust hikes through the Norwegian and Swedish mountains as part of the total experience of the Scandinavian Summer Schools in the 1960's. He was very well traveled and could pick up a new language quickly. He especially enjoyed visiting Sanibel Island and Mexico. Frank was also an accomplished musician, with a special interest in composing and playing piano rags. He maintained his witty ripostes to the end.

Frank was an inspiration, friend, colleague, and mentor to many. He was 93. He is survived by his partner, Sharon Carlson, Park City, UT, sons Neil Harris, Las Vegas and Samuel Harris (Kerrie Meier), Park City, and daughter Heather Harris (Robert Leavy), Park City. He is survived by his brothers George S. Harris, Bethesda, MD and A. Brooks Harris, Newtown Square, PA.

No services are planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 17 to Mar. 22, 2023.

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Tony Koures

June 26, 2023

I had the honor of being Frank's final Ph.D. student in the field of computational chemistry. Throughout my time with him, I enjoyed both productive academic discussions and pleasant social interactions. Frank was an exceptional mentor whose guidance paved the way for my successful career. He remained a dependable source of advice, not just in science but in life, long after I graduated. To this day, I regard him as my academic father and early career life coach. His passing is a great loss, and he will be deeply missed. May he now rest in peace.

David Ailion

April 15, 2023

Frank was one of my very best friends. He and I would regularly have coffee in my office when we would regularly solve the problems of the Nation, the State, the University, and the Department. When I was a young Asst Professor in the 1960s, Frank served as an informal mentor to me and was unfailingly encouraging. I already miss him and will probably miss him all my life.
David Ailion

Grace

April 11, 2023

His daughter,Heather Anne, loved him unconditionally until her last day -March 28, 2023.

Henk Monkhorst

March 20, 2023

Frank will be remembered by me as the greatest influence on my life and career in this country. I am sure that many family members, friends and colleagues hold similar views. He was a special force, of many kinds and colors.

Nancy

March 19, 2023

Josef Michl

March 19, 2023

I owe much to Frank. In fact, most of my scientific career. He was wonderfully supportive. And hiking with him in southern Utah was fun - I remember best a trip over the shoulder of Navajo Mountain to Rainbow Bridge.

Bill Guillory

March 18, 2023

I remember when I interviewed for the chemistry department, Frank took off his shoes and we talked. I thoroughly enjoyed him! I considered him a great friend, although we didn't hang out a lot. Bill Guillory

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