[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO HARRY BALLARD HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Harry Ballard 
Harris, an outstanding gentleman and dedicated community member of 
Cisco, Utah. Harry has led a full life, including eighty years working 
as a cowboy and rancher and thirty years working for the State Highway 
Department of Utah. He recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday and 
it is a privilege to recognize his contributions to his community and 
his zest for life before this body of Congress and this Nation.
  Harry grew up in Elgin, Utah, and began working as a ranch hand 
driving cattle at the age of sixteen. He worked for the Utah State 
Highway Department for thirty years in a remote area where sanding was 
shoveled by hand and medical care was not readily accessible. As a 
result, Harris became both a part-time medic and deputy sheriff. In 
1975 he was awarded the outstanding male employee for his service to 
the state.
  Harry also took river sediment samples for the Moab U.S. Geological 
Survey and received the John Campanius Holm award and the Thomas 
Jefferson award for providing weather information to the National 
Weather Service for more than thirty-seven years. He also served his 
community as an election judge and part-time school board member.
  Harry married Wava Robb in 1937 and together they ran a small service 
station and the post office, where they encountered many interesting 
people from all over the world. There is even a Johnny Cash song that 
was inspired by an adventure in Cisco when Harry helped him change a 
flat tire.
  After his wife's death in 1969, he married Ruth Maxine a few years 
later. Through their joint role working at the highway 128 service 
station they were named the 1986-1987 Tourism Ambassadors for the 
Canyonlands Travel Region. They promoted the area through colorful 
signs that talked of the scenic attractions of the area, recreational 
opportunities, locations of local churches and services to tourists and 
natives alike.
  Mr. Speaker, Harry Ballard Harris is an outstanding member of his 
local Utah community who has served his local government and the people 
of Utah with dedication and pride for several years and remains a 
constant fixture of the lives of the people around him. I am honored to 
stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to recognize his 
life and service. Thanks for all your hard work Harry and I look 
forward to congratulating you on your 100th birthday!

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