Benjamin Harris III

HARRIS III, BENJAMIN P. died on Sunday June 28 at the age of 78. Ben was a graduate of Pomfret School, Yale University, and Harvard Law School. From 1961 until his retirement he practiced corporate law at Edwards & Angell LLP (now Locke Lord LLP). He cared deeply about Rhode Island, where he was born, and dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He joined the Board of the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1975 and retired as Chairman in 2011. He was a past Director of The Providence Journal Company. For forty-five years he served on the Board of Women and Infants Hospital, seven of which as Chairman. The hospital honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in 2003 and recognized him as an Honorary Trustee in 2008. The March of Dimes recognized him as the 2004 Citizen of the Year. He was on the Board at Care New England from the time it was formed in 1996 until 2011, and he continued to be active on various committees until his death. He was a Warden at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence and a Trustee Emeritus at Pomfret School. Little Compton held a special place in his heart. It was there that he began a lifelong devotion to the game of golf. Not only did he love the game, but he wanted others to share his passion. Whether playing a round with his family, competing in a match, attending a US Open, or watching professional golf on TV, the game gave him great pleasure. He was an active member of The Agawam Hunt, the Sakonnet Golf Club, and Yeamans Hall Club in Charleston, SC. Both at the Agawam and in Sakonnet, he served as club President. Until his death, he was Secretary at Yeamans Hall. Through golf as in life, he made many enduring friendships, in Little Compton, Providence, Charleston, and elsewhere. Ben is survived by his wife Anne of 52 years, his sons Christopher and John, his sister Kathleen Anderson, and his four grandchildren, Melissa, Nathaniel, William, and Benjamin. A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at 175 Mathewson Street in Providence on Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 am. Donations can be made in his honor to Women and Infants Hospital - Development Foundation, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905.