|
It is with great regret and sorrow that we must
notify you of the death of our classmate, Bob Harris, on 28 June in Austin, TX,
after a year-long struggle with cancer. Bob is survived by his sons Dirk and
Erik; daughter-in-law, Monica; grandchildren, Ingrid and Camille; brothers,
William and Royce; and sisters, Anne and Margaret.
Services will be held at Fort Sam Houston
National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX, on 21 July at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory
may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to Erik at 12304 Meuse
Cv, Austin, TX 78727-5340.
Well done, Bob. Be thou at peace.
Remembrances:
Class Memorial Pages\C-2 Bob Harris.pdf
I first had the pleasure of serving with Bob at
Dexheim, Germany, in the 12th Engineer Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division.
Bob was one of five members of '61 in the battalion during 1963-65. I became a
great admirer of his positive attitude, sincerity, dedication and spunk.
In 1969, when in command of the 8th Engineer Battalion (of the 1st Cavalry
Division), I fought to have Bob assigned to the battalion. He served
energetically and magnificently as the S-3 and, then, the XO.
Bob was a friend. He was as loyal as the day is long... loyal to his Country, to
his God, to his family, to his mission and to his people. I prized his judgment
and his advice. He was absolutely set on doing things the right way and was
always one thought ahead of developing problems.
My only regret is that I didn't have more opportunities to serve with this fine
man and outstanding soldier.
Scott Smith '56
Bob and I went to the 12th
Engineer Bn in Dexheim, Germany for our first assignment. Five new lieutenants
from '61 joined the 12th after its return from Berlin and did the normal tasks
we were trained to do at USMA and Ft Belvoir. Mostly we worked hard, got
married, had kids and enjoyed the friendship of each other and the great
pleasure of soldiering.
Bob Harris stood out among our classmates as one who did his job superbly but
probably enjoyed his assignment more than most of us. He was selfless in
assisting his soldiers, and was a master at training and leading his troops, be
they individuals, squads, platoons, or companies. He was respected by all with
whom he came in contact; respected as a man, a leader, and as a soldier.
Bob personified the values ingrained in him at West Point and brought his
selfless commitment to service to every job he had throughout his distinguished
career. West Point, his classmates, his family and the many soldiers he
influenced are all proud of his contributions to our country and are equally
proud of our service with him. Bob was truly a good person.
Bill Reno, Classmate
When, recently, I e-mailed news
of Bob Harris' death to a soldier who had served in combat with Major Harris,
here was the response:
"I was just a 19-year-old, but I never saw him not doing his duty. I never
experienced him not standing up for us. I never experienced him not being
willing to coach and help us.
"He always worked hard, he was serious about what he did, and he pursued it
diligently. His position of running the S-3 was critical to everything we did.
If he didn't do his job well, the entire battalion didn't function...and it
functioned pretty darn well!
"Major Harris was a good soldier, a good officer and a good human being. He
cared about us."
Scott Smith '56
Obituaries:
COL Robert "Bob" Frank Harris passed away in
Austin, Texas, on June 28 after a year-long struggle with cancer. Bob was born
in Calhoun County Alabama on 12/8/1938. He graduated from the U.S. Military
Academy in West Point in 1961 and served our country for 30 years in Germany,
Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt and numerous stateside assignments. Bob was
especially proud of his service in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, and
Corps of Engineers assignments as Detroit District Engineer and Fort Hood Post
Engineer. Bob enjoyed his retirement in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. sailing, fishing
and playing squash. He was also recruited into a second career as dockmaster at
the Independent Boatyard and Marina where he was known to all as COL Bob. In
2008, he moved to Austin, Texas, to be closer to family. He is survived by his
sons Dirk and Erik; daughter-in-law, Monica; grandchildren, Ingrid and Camille;
brothers, William and Royce; and sisters, Anne and Margaret.
Eric Harris (Son) Assembly/Taps Memorial Article:
|
