Keith Lee Harriman

Keith Lee Harriman, 79, of Vian, Oklahoma, passed away on August 7, 2026. He was born on November 2, 1946, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Otis Harriman and Helen Eckels Harriman George.

Keith grew up in Southern California and attended school in Newhall, California. After graduating, he was ready to leave what he called his “one-horse town” and set out to find his own path. He eventually landed in Mill Valley, California, where he worked for New York Life. It didn’t take him long to realize, however, that insurance was not his calling.

Then came a trip that would shape much of his life. Keith visited the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and immediately knew there was nowhere else he would rather be. He moved to Lake Tahoe, where he spent every opportunity he could on the slopes and became an avid snow skier.

Of course, a love of skiing required a way to support it, so Keith went to work operating heavy equipment, including excavation and snow removal. Wanting to eventually own his own business, he returned to Southern California, where he worked with union companies and became skilled in operating a wide variety of heavy equipment. Before long, he purchased equipment of his own and was on his way to building the life he envisioned.

While living in Southern California, Keith met Diana in 1984 at a Parents Without Partners dance. For Keith and Diana, it was love at first sight.

Keith never lost his desire to return to Lake Tahoe, and in 1989, he and Diana moved to the North Shore with their children, Shawn, Sean, and Andrea. It was a wonderful place to live, play, and raise their family, surrounded by the mountains and outdoor life Keith loved so much.

In 2011, Keith and Diana decided it was time for another adventure. They purchased an RV and spent the next five years traveling throughout the United States, following the good weather and enjoying life on the road. Their travels eventually led them to Gold Canyon, Arizona, where they managed a resort for seven years.

After retiring once again, Keith and Diana moved to Oklahoma to be closer to Diana’s family. There, near the lakes of Oklahoma, Keith was finally able to slow down, relax, enjoy his music, and play his beloved harmonicas every day. Everyone who knew Keith knew how much music meant to him.

As his health declined, breathing difficulties made it harder for Keith to play his harmonicas as often as he wished. We like to think that today, he is playing them again—freely, loudly, and without any trouble at all.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Otis Harriman; his mother, Helen Eckels Harriman George; his stepfather, Al George; and his sister, Bonna George.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Diana Harriman; daughter, Andrea Wyatt; sons, Shawn Lee Harriman and Sean Wyatt; mother-in-law, Billy Anne Pipkin; sister, Aanda Slocum; brother-in-law, Randy Pipkin; grandchildren, Ariel Wyatt, Beau Mason, Vanessa Wyatt, and Anthony Elbeck; great-grandchildren, Leilani Wyatt and Kaiden Wyatt; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Keith lived a life filled with adventure, hard work, family, mountains, travel, music, and the freedom to follow wherever life led him. Those who loved him will remember his independent spirit, his passion for the things he enjoyed, and, perhaps most of all, the sound of his harmonicas.

A Celebration of Life honoring Keith will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that those wishing to honor Keith’s memory consider making a donation to one of his favorite charities:

ASPCA - https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1

American Lung Association - https://donate.American Lung Association/page/FUNLTWAXLLP