In Memory of Roger Harris
(January 15, 1949 – January 15, 2024)
Dr. Roger A. Harris
Dedicated Rotarian
Dr. Roger A. Harris was a well-known and respected orthodontist who served the Indio community for 42 years. His dental practice was located directly across the street from where the Indio City Hall stands today. More than just a healthcare professional, Roger was a deeply involved community member. He participated in many local organizations and gave generously of his time and talents.
He was especially committed to supporting local youth. Roger coached Little League baseball for many years and provided free dental exams to elementary school students in the Desert Sands Unified School District. His early contributions to the community were recognized when he was named “Young Man of the Year” by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Roger became a member of the Rotary Club of Indio on January 15, 1961. Over his remarkable 62 years of service, he served as Club President during the 1967–1968 term and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was known for his enthusiasm at the Rotary Club's annual fireworks booth and for helping organize the Math Field Day for local students.
One of Roger’s most impactful contributions came in the 1970s, when he helped administer the oral polio vaccine to thousands of children at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. Families drove through in their cars, and each child received two drops of vaccine on their tongue — a vital step in fighting the spread of polio.
Outside of his professional and civic life, Roger loved traveling the world with his wife of 65 years, Sandra. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and deep-sea fishing with his sons, reeling in marlin, albacore, and sailfish. In later years, he found joy in freshwater fishing near Mammoth Lakes, California — a tradition he passed on to his grandchildren.
A devoted USC Trojan fan, Roger never missed a home football game and proudly held season tickets for many years. He was also a passionate supporter of his children and grandchildren, cheering them on at their academic and athletic events.
In honor of Dr. Roger A. Harris and his life of "Service Above Self," the Rotary Club of Indio has donated a new USA flagpole for the new Indio City Hall in 2024. The flagpole stands just across Towne Street from Roger’s former dental office and commemorates both his legacy and the Rotary Club of Indio’s 75th anniversary (January 15, 1949 – January 15, 2024).
