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Fred R. Harris
1930 - 2024
Fred R. Harris
1930 - 2024
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2024
Fred Harris Obituary
Fred R. Harris was a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma who once chaired the Democratic National Committee and twice sought a presidential nomination.
We invite you to share condolences for Fred R. Harris in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: AP Photo/Jake Schoellkopf)
14 Entries
Susan Feil
December 2, 2025
A very special man missed by many.
Dick Mason
November 21, 2025
Being involved in Fred's 1976 Presidential campaign changed my life. I will be forever grateful.
Dick Mason
December 14, 2024
What Fred Harris meant to me - Dick Mason - Rio Rancho, NM
I was 22 when JFK was assassinated. Being Irish Catholic from the Boston area, that was like a member of the family being killed. That was followed by the assassinations of Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy (I was involved in his campaign as a volunteer). Then came the defeat of George McGovern in 1972. I was pretty much disillusioned with the political process.
Then I read Fred Harris´s "The New Populism" and once again was energized. I became involved in his campaign. His first unofficial Massachusetts office was in the living room of my apartment in Somerville. We had a small group of volunteers that organized for Fred. We had our own bumper stickers and buttons made up and helped organize a hot dog and beans fundraising event. Fred loved the idea that we had a local cab driver who organized a "Cab Drivers for Fred" group.
I remember picking Fred and LaDonna up in Hartford Connecticut and driving him to a fundraising event in New Bedford, MA, Fred looked really tired and napped in the backseat of my station wagon. I was concerned about him, but LaDonna told me not to worry he will be fine once we get to the next event. She was right, as soon as he got out of the car Fred looked refreshed and ready to go, He wowed the New Bedford crowd.
Our group also helped organize a multi-issue town hall at Faneuil Hall in Boston. We provided the moderators for each of the issue group´s breakout sessions.
Eventually the professionals took over the campaign , as it should be, and we mainly traveled to New Hampshire to help turn out supporters for the first in the nation primary.
I remember being in the hotel in Manchester NH the night Fred lost the primary All of us were bummed out, but Fred lifted us all up with his humor and grace. One thing he said really sticks in my memory. Fred said and I paraphrase, "Well we said we were for the little people. I guess they were too little to reach the lever". For you younger folks, you had to pull a lever after you had made your selections. That is what recorded the vote.
On a personal note, Fred empowered me to embrace my working-class roots. I was working in corporate America and tried to play down my working-class background. Hearing Fred embrace his humble beginnings empowered me to embrace my own roots. Like Fred, that was where my real values were developed.
One additional note; I helped organize for an endorsement event conducted by influential multi-issue event.
I had to join the group in order to get Fred on the agenda. Fred ended up getting the most votes, but not enough for the endorsement. I remained an active member of that group and in 1990 became chair and remained in that position for 8 years. Fred was indirectly for that connection.
Forever grateful to Fred
Janet Everett
December 12, 2024
Prof. Harris was a brilliant teacher and an excellent human being. It was like learning from a great, ancient scholar with humor, voice and demeanor of Foghorn Leghorn...I loved every minute of it! His contributions to the world were undeniable and he will be missed. Mahalo Sir
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Leslie Bush
December 10, 2024
Fred Harris was truly an inspiration to me. He was my very favorite professor at UNM. His classes were always full, so I registered as early as possible to get in. I never ever missed a day of class. He taught me so much. I will never forget him.
Paul Hain
December 9, 2024
Fred was my colleague at UNM and brought good sense and good humor to a political science department that often needed both. It was a privilege to be his friend and colleague.
Marci (McCandless) McLean
December 1, 2024
Fred Harris changed my family's life forever (and for the better). Some of my best memories growing up (in both OKC and McLean, VA) involved the Harris family. He was an amazing, brilliant man with a kind heart and a great sense of humor, and he led with the best interests of the people of Oklahoma as his priority.
RB
December 1, 2024
Prayers and condolences to the Harris family. May God be with you in your time of loss.
Carson loveless
November 30, 2024
Condolences to his family
Mr. Jr.
November 28, 2024
My condolences.
Randolph A. Crawford
November 27, 2024
I was traveling with my father, Eugene R. Crawford to Washington D.C. My dad had met Fred Harris years before, and had become good friends with him. During this trip, we had dinner at Fred Harris's home, and they discussed several issues concerning American Indians. I would see Fred Harris from time to time at public events, book signings, etc. I accompanied Fred Harris, along with several dozen people to Taos Pueblo for the celebration of the return of the Blue Lake area. I was able to spend a week at his home outside Albuquerque during this period. I do miss him, and hearing him talk.
Elizabeth Bell
November 26, 2024
RIP Fred
Debra Proctor
November 25, 2024
Had the good fortune to meet Mr. Fred Harris a couple of times and then we all enjoyed the time we had with him at the DNC Convention in Chicago.
These pics taken August 21, 2024.
RIP Fred Harris, A True Warrior for Democracy
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