DATE: Thursday, September 4, 1997           TAG: 9709040726

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B9   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: PENTWATER, MICH.                  LENGTH:   36 lines

BERNARD C. HARRIS

Bernard C. Harris, founder and chairman of Bernard C. Harris Publishing Co., died on the morning of Sept. 2, 1997, after a short illness. Since childhood, Mr. Harris enjoyed spending his summers in Pentwater, Mich. He died there surrounded by family.

Mr. Harris was born in Victoria, B.C., and grew up in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Ill. He attended St. George's High School followed by Loyola University of Chicago. During this time, as an Eagle Scout, he remained active in scouting and was known as an accomplished Boy Scout leader. This leadership led him into the U.S. Navy during World War II where he served as a lieutenant in the South Pacific.

After the war, Mr. Harris married Charlotte Kenny, and returned to his business career in directory publishing. In 1963, he moved his family to the New York area to start his own business in the same field. In the 35 years since, the company grew over to 2,000 employees with headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., and branches in Norfolk, Nashville and Austin. Mr. Harris retired from the management of the company in 1989, but remained chairman of the board until his death. The company management is in the hands of Mr. Harris' son, William, with two other children active in the firm.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlotte K. Harris; five children, William K. of Stamford, Conn., Thomas T. of Tucson, Ariz., Charles K. of New York City, Mary Pat of Virginia Beach, Robert O. of Virginia Beach. In addition, Mr. Harris leaves behind eight grandchildren.

A funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Pentwater, by the Rev. Fr. Charles Brown. Interment will be in Pentwater Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Tate Funeral Home, Pentwater. Any memorial contributions should be directed to the Mason County Hospice, Ludington, Mich. KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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