ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 30, 1996 TAG: 9612020080
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: NEWS OBIT
SOURCE: The Washington Post
Fairfax Del. Robert Harris, 60, whose knowledge of the Virginia budget and how it affected Northern Virginia was unsurpassed, died Friday at the Northern Virginia Hospice in Arlington.
His daughter, Heather V. Harris-Winkler, said her father died of respiratory failure as a complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although he had suffered with the disease for eight years, Harris did not disclose his ailment until September, when he notified legislative colleagues in a letter.
He lost his sight earlier this year as a result of his illness but had recovered enough vision in one eye to see his family in recent days, according to his daughter.
Harris had served in the House of Delegates since 1974. His greatest interest was in funding for higher education, which he championed as the second-ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee. His other committee assignments included Transportation, General Laws, and the Chesapeake and its Tributaries.
Republican Gov. George Allen, who will call a special election to fill the remaining year of Harris's term, said in a statement Friday night that Harris ``represented the best of public service in Virginia. His many years of dedicated service were characterized by integrity and genuine care for those he represented.''
In addition to his daughter, of Annandale, he is survived by his wife of 39 years, Millicent Rader Harris.
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