Ronald Harriman

Ronald Morris Harriman, 87, passed away from heart failure on August 29, 2026, in Nampa, Idaho.

Ron was born November 9, 1938, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Virgil Harriman and Nora Ann (Ritzman) Harriman. He grew up with his older brother, Dennis, in a close-knit extended family near Ross Park. With grandparents from Sundsvall, Sweden, family was an important part of his upbringing. His childhood was filled with cousins, camping, fishing, and catching crawdads to cook over an open fire.

After graduating from Pocatello High School, Ron attended Idaho State University, studying forestry. He later earned a law degree from La Salle Extension University and passed the Idaho bar examination on his first attempt.

Ron married Donna Allen of Redmond, Oregon, on April 14, 1961. Soon afterward, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, with his final assignment at the West Point Military Hospital in West Point, New York.

Ron was the father of Lisa Dawn Shram (Ken), Mardie Engelhardt (Richard), and Shawn Harriman (Jenipher). He was lovingly known as “Grampy” to Tyson, Grant, Madison, Myles, Lexie, Delcee, and Dean Allen and many more, and adored his great-granddaughters, Emily and Remie. His beloved Yorkie, Riley, was a constant companion.

An entrepreneur throughout his life, Ron owned several businesses, including Harriman Construction, building commercial and residential projects in Idaho, Montana, and California. In 1993, he and his son Shawn established Harriman Appraisal in Boise.

Ron had a remarkable curiosity and natural gift for research. He generously shared his knowledge and time through community action groups, civic issues, and politics, and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.

Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Dawn; grandson, Grant; and brother, Dennis. He is survived by Donna, his wife of 65 years and his children, Mardie and Shawn.

Ron will be remembered for his intelligence, determination, curiosity, love of family, and a life that remained deeply rooted in Idaho.