Bus-van accident claims the life of Craig "Lefty" Harris

A motor vehicle accident at the intersection of the Diagonal Highway and Niwot Road claimed the life of long-time Niwot resident and businessman Craig "Lefty" Harris.

According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the accident occurred at approximately 7:22 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 when an RTD bus collided with a Honda Odyssey van driven by Harris in the Longmont-bound lane of the Diagonal. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the CSP.

The bus driver, a 76-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No one else was on the bus at the time of the accident, and Harris was alone in the van.

Harris, 62, owned Lefty's Gourmet Pizza & Ice Cream at 364 2nd Avenue in Niwot with his wife Mary for over 27 years, and was well-known in the community. He was often seen at the cash register, in the kitchen, or making deliveries, and frequently joined his regular customers outside on the patio or in the dining area for conversation.

Prior to opening the pizzeria, he was active in the scientific community, and while a student at CU, was part of a team that discovered rings around Neptune. He maintained his interest in science throughout his life, and scientific issues were a frequent topic of conversation at the business.

Harris was a long-time supporter of the music performance and arts programs at Niwot High School. The restaurant remains open for business.