of 85. A loving and much beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he will be sorely missed by his many friends and extended family, who knew him for his infamous expressions, love of stories and generous spirit. David was a Valentine’s baby, born on February 14, 1931 in Hillsboro, MO to Mr. and Mrs.

Walter D. Harris. At age 10, following the death of his father, he moved with his

mother, Nelle, and brother, Walter, to Washington, DC, where David attended

Sacred Heart School, Gonzaga High School, and Central High School.

   He followed the events of World War II with interest as a youngster and decided to go to college at the United States Military Academy. He studied at the Sullivan School in Washington, DC in preparation for admission. He obtained

an appointment from Representative A.S.J. Carnahan of the 8th Congressional

District (Jefferson County) of Missouri, and in the summer of 1950 David joined

the Corps of Cadets at West Point, NY.

   Entering the Academy in 1950 was an experience that stayed with David a long

time. It meant a new form of life centered on discipline, managing time, following orders, and learning about things that mattered. David was quick to pick up friends to help deal with the demands and rigors of cadet life. His roommates quickly bonded with David to form meaningful lifelong friendships. He introduced himself as ‘Bucky’ and it stuck among the G-2 company classmates. He was also known as the “warm body,” because of his love of the red comforter issued as part of a cadet’s bedding, within which he could be found from time to

time. Bucky was much involved with cadet life and joined many clubs to enrich

college life. One club of which he was a member (Century Club) was not particularly sought out, though, because it required 100 or more punishment hours walking tours in Central Area. On many occasions, Bucky’s hours came from his roommates’ housecleaning mess. It was said that walking improved character.

   Bucky was known throughout the company by all classes. The younger members looked to him for leadership, the more senior members to provide what they considered to be enrichment. Cadet life was a time for growing, for learning, and for maturing into the officers and leaders of the future. Bucky was a guide in that process for his roommates who still remember those days with appreciation and fond memories.

   As graduation approached, Bucky chose to join the “Queen of Battle,” the Infantry. After service at Fort Benning, GA (Basic Infantry Course and jump

school) and Fort Bragg, NC (325 AIR, 82d Abn.), David spent a year in Keflavik,

Iceland (1956-57). As a lieutenant, Bucky was in charge of the honor guard at

Arlington National Cemetery that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This

was a high visibility job since those men had to be sharp and dedicated in front of the public. David was an inspirational leader there and contributed significantly to the mission. David continued his education at Stanford University and was awarded an MBA in 1961. This was followed by a prestige appointment overseas to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE), which was the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), at that

time located near Paris, France.

   It was in the city of Paris that David met the love and close companion of his

life, Erna Beckmann. Theirs was a happy, harmonious, and loving union, and just

before he died they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. As they departed

Paris for the United States, David left the Army for civilian life. He joined the U.S. Post Office Department starting as a budget officer. Early in his career he was selected to return to Paris to study the French postal system as the first junior executive ever to do so. Upon his return, he was subsequently appointed to be the Special Assistant to two Postmasters General, and later the (first) Executive Director of the Postal Rate Commission, and ultimately the Executive Secretary to the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service.

   David’s ability to work with nearly 50 presidential appointees from both political parties over the course of a career of some 45 years of government service is a testament to his diplomacy, integrity, discretion, and unfailing good humor. David and Erna have two children: Christopher and his wife, Rolanda; and Stefanie Harris Vasilakis and her husband, Apostolos. David was the delight of his grandchildren: Kristina, Andrew, Jennifer, Yanni, and Alexander. In his own words, David relished both “soaring with the eagles by day and hooting with the owls at night” (even while admonishing his children and

their friends regarding the same).

   Bucky will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure and honor to soar and hoot with this wonderful man.