Alan Ray Harris

Alan Ray Harris, outdoorsman, writer, and educator, passed away on 10 September 2026 in St George, Utah. He was born on 1 October 1945 to Laphene “Don” and Alberta “Roberta” (Weber) Harris in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Jane (Jurinak), his sister Melanie (Blair), daughters Andrea (Marshall) and Allison, stepson Jonathan (Kay), and granddaughters McCall, Lexie and Jada.

Al taught English and debate at Sky View High School (1968-74) and at Kanab High School (1977-78). He shared his love of the natural world with his students. He relished critical thought and imbued a competitive spirit in his debate squads (“Do it my way and win”). He operated a river rafting and outfitting company that ran tours on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon; owned a lodge and guided flyfishing trips into Yellowstone; and guided flyfishing trips on little known waters in southern Utah. He shared his experiences in articles published in Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, and Fly Fisherman magazines.

On a cold night in February 1991 in Bozeman Montana, Alan Ray Harris gave his life to Jesus Christ and was born again. He was an active Christian the rest of his life, serving in his congregations and community. Al asked that in remembrance, “Let it be said that I was a man of the outdoors who came to appreciate our God and the wonders of his creation even more after I came to Christ.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Southland Bible Church, 196 E Arrowweed Way Washington, UT, on 24 November 2026 at 4:00pm.