For over half a century, LaPhene “Don” Harris made a name for himself as one of the mainstays of the Colorado Plateau.  His calloused hands and strong arms helped shape the modern commercial river industry, and he witnessed firsthand the evolution of river running over the course of his career.  Don was present for some of the most significant river trips of the twentieth century, and helped bridge the gap between early river men like Norm Nevills and Bert Loper to the river runners of the modern era.

Born in Soda Springs, Idaho, Harris moved to southeastern Utah as an employee of the USGS.  In the late 1930s, he and Nevills built the first cataract boats in existence, helping to launch Nevills’ first expedition down the Grand Canyon from Green River, Utah.  In 1939, Harris also joined Bert Loper on his first expedition through the Grand Canyon, and he famously led Loper’s final expedition ten years later in which Loper suffered a heart attack and died on the river.  With his partner Jack Brennan, Harris launched Harris-Brennan River expeitions and cemented his legacy as one of the early commercial river runners.

Given the title of “super boatman” by his long-time friend Bert Loper, Don Harris led commercial trips for over thirty years and private trips for over half a century.  He was a founding member of the Western River Guides Association, a protégé of pioneers, and a legend in his own right.  From Cataract boats, to outboard motors, to inflatable pontoons, Harris witnessed classic changes in boating technology duringhis lifetime and adapted to them all.  He lived until the age of ninety-two, leaving a legacy of longevity, respectability, and fondness by his peery that was matched by few.