Frank Ephraim Harris

1929 - 2023

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.