Jeffrey William Harris

It is with profound sadness that we share the untimely passing of Jeff Harris, a beloved husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, who left us on October 13th, at the age of 59.

Jeff was a 30-year veteran of the fire service as a member of the Winter Park, Hermosa Cliff, Durango Fire Department, and Durango Fire Protection District organizations. He began his firefighter career as a volunteer and rose through the ranks to Deputy Chief of Logistics before retiring in early 2025.

Jeff was a leader, mentor, and hero. Working with his firefighter family, Jeff's drive to help people and keep the community safe was undeniable. His sense of humor, his passion for precision, and his compassion for people, animals, and community will forever remain with anyone who knew him.

A man of many interests outside of work, Jeff designed and built the house he and Erin lived in for 20 years. He was a craftsman and a creative who picked up painting in his 50’s. For years he built custom houses in the Durango area, delivering homes of the highest quality. Jeff loved family, cooking, gardening, music, motorsports, history—particularly World War II--and animals, including his cherished “brothers in the brown sweaters” Fergus and Mongo and cats Jude and Fiona.

He grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois where he was a graduate of Crystal Lake South High School. Jeff attended Marquette University.

Jeff is survived by his wife Erin (Calhoun), mother Beverly, brother John (Clarice), in-laws Linda and Charlie, brother-in-law Scott Calhoun, nephews Justin Calhoun and Emerson Harris, and nieces Alison Calhoun and Anna Harris, as well as a lifetime of friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his father, William John Harris.

A memorial will take place on Sunday, October 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the VFW, 1550 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301. Expressions of love and remembrance can be made to Durango Firefighter Fund, 103 Sheppard Drive, Durango CO 81303 or the charity of your choosing.