William Harrison

Bill (William H.) Harrison was born on Sept. 4, 1925, in Concordia, Kansas, and passed away on Aug. 14, 2017, in Taos, New Mexico. Bill leaves behind a proud family -- including his four daughters Susan Gumucio, Sarah Jackson, Jane Michel and Nancy Campbell; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Bill graduated in 1949 from Kansas University, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Bill was a respected and vital part of the Taos community for over 40 years. As Manager of the Taos Chamber of Commerce in 1975, he co-founded the Taos Fall Arts Festival. He and his wife of 58 years, Marge, owned and enjoyed running the Shriver Gallery for 18 years until their retirement in 1998. Bill volunteered his time for numerous philanthropic organizations in Taos including Lions Club, Shared Table, Habitat for Humanity and the Taos Historic Museums. Bill proudly served his country in WWII with the U.S. Navy at Clark Field in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the nation’s highest decoration for heroism in aerial flight and three air medals. A Celebration of Life was held for Bill on Aug. 25, 2017, at the Rivera Family Funeral Home Chapel in Taos. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Taos Historical Museums.