On December 23rd Wilson F. (“Bill”) Harriman passed away peacefully in his home after struggling privately and gracefully with two forms of cancer for almost 25 years.
Bill was born in Springfield, VT to Bernard and Mary Harriman. After attending Springfield HS, Bill graduated from Middlebury College. Bill was an avid athlete; he loved baseball, soccer, tennis, biking, hiking, and especially ski racing. He started skiing at 2, and was on the Middlebury Ski Team for four years.
Bill moved to Aspen in 1970, where he worked construction and was a ski pro. In 1971, he was hired to coach the Aspen Ski Club. He loved mentoring and training the young racers, some of whom went on later to compete in the Olympics. He then was named the Chief of Course for the Aspen World Cup from 1981-86.
In 1981, Bill founded Harriman Construction (HCI), his own custom, fine homebuilding company that completed many challenging projects including award-winning homes, commercial properties, and unique structures. In the process of bringing an owner’s dream to reality, Bill was always most interested in the ongoing relationships he had with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and, most importantly, his valued employees. He was well-respected and known for his integrity.
He had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel the world, actively exploring cities and trekking mountains with his wife, while connecting and sharing life experiences with new friends.
Golf was one sport Bill could still do in the last year, and was always challenged and frustrated by how he could be so good one day (or hole) and so bad the next. He loved his men’s groups and always looked forward to playing and commiserating with the guys.
Bill was the consummate rock of a dad and adored his two sons, Peter and Toby. He never missed an opportunity to be there as a support for them in any way he could, encouraging them to find their own way.
Bill supported many nonprofits, including Aspen Jr Hockey, Aspen Ski Club, English in Action, AMFS, ACES, AVLT, and TACAW.
Bill is survived by his sister, Mary Lynda Smith, his ex wife Lisa Brunson, his sons, Peter Harriman (Missy), & Toby Harriman, two step sons, Michael Stege (Cory) and Matt Stege (Katy), his devoted wife and love of his life, Leelee Harriman, and five grandchildren.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the spring. Donations may be made in his name to RoaringForkInsight.org or Aspen Valley Land Trust (avlt.org).
