CCNZ Life Member Brian Harris passed away in Auckland on 8 January at 90 years of age.

A long-time supporter of CCNZ’s predecessor the Contractors’ Federation, Brian Harris held the role of Auckland Branch Secretary for 33 years from 1964-1997, serving and assisting 14 different branch chairs, as well as contributing widely to the branch and attending 30 national conferences in a row.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said Mr Harris deserved acknowledgement for the length and quality of his service.

“Brian Harris devoted a large portion of his life to supporting New Zealand’s civil construction companies. While I didn’t know him personally, he was obviously very well respected by contractors and clearly enjoyed working with them."

An accountant by trade, he was heavily involved in contracting. He was married to Josie Margan, the niece of longstanding Contractors Federation President Noel ‘Baldy’ Margan.

Mr Harris was also an Auckland Branch Life Member, and was presented with a gold-plated excavator from former branch chair Don Wilkinson when he finished up as Auckland Branch Secretary in 1997 (pictured right).

Mr Wilkinson paid a warm tribute to Mr Harris’ service for New Zealand’s contractors over his long involvement with the association.

“Totally trustworthy, Brian was the epitome of honesty and integrity, and was a very competent secretary and friend for the many Branch Chairmen who led the branch. He became a dear friend during his service to the Branch and continued to be so to the end.”

A service celebrating the life of Brian Harris will be held at All Saints Church, Selwyn Road, Howick at 11.00am on Friday 15 January. No flowers please.

Those wishing to share memories can email current Auckland Branch Secretary Joyce Tilbrook at Auckland@civilcontractors.co.nz, or visit the memorial page. A live stream of the service will be available, please contact Resthaven Funerals on (09) 533-7493 or fd@resthavenfunerals.co.nz to receive a link.

Brian and Josie Harris pictured centre, with Bart Batten (left), Auckland Branch Chair at the time Brian became secretary (1964-73), and  Auckland Branch Chair at the time Brian was awarded Branch Life Membership Steve Scott (right).  

Cover image: Peter Tritt (left) and Brian Harris (right) are awarded Life Membership at National Conference by President Jim Juno (centre).

Images provided courtesy of the Contractor Magazine digital archive.