Harold Eugene Harris

Harold Harris, a beloved husband, father, educator, and community member, passed away on December 3, 2024, surrounded by family and love. Born the third child to Dean and Genevieve Harris on September 11, 1954, Harold grew up in Grand Junction, where he attended Nisley Elementary, Bookcliff Junior High, and Central High School. His formative years in these schools laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education and community service. After graduating from Central High School, Harold pursued higher education at then Mesa College in Grand Junction, earning a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and becoming one of the first graduates with a four-year degree from that institution. 

While developing the Great Clay and Color Factory, a summer enrichment program at Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Harold became interested in Early Childhood Education. He returned to Mesa College in the fall of 1981 to complete the requirements for becoming a childcare center director. In October 1982, Harold opened Kids Campus Preschool, which became a cornerstone of early childhood education in Mesa County for over 35 years. During this time, he organized enriching adventures for children through his school-age summer camp program and served the community by participating in the Colorado Preschool Program, ensuring access to quality Early Childhood Education for all. 

Harold married Elizabeth Fetter on June 25, 1988. They welcomed three children and a son-in-law to their lives: Daniel Graison Harris, Jacob Dean Deloy Harris, and Margaret Grace (Kace) Perry, and grandchildren, Harper Glenn Perry and Nash Daniel Perry. Harold's deep love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life, from his unwavering support of his children's dreams to his cherished moments with his beloved dog, Toki. 

During Harold's career, he was instrumental in establishing the annual craft fair at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts and served on their board of Directors, actively participated in the Central High School class of 1972 scholarship Committee, played a significant role in planning and attending his 50th class reunion, and continued to serve the community after Kids Campus closed. 

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings, Genna Pride, Kenneth Harris, and Roger Harris. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Appleton Christian Church 2510 I-70 Frontage Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Ron Halsey Scholarship for disabled students at the CMU Foundation.