He immediately created a sensation when he headed the committee that enticed Melbourne's 1964 premiership captain Ron Barassi to join Carlton as captain-coach.
Under Harris's presidency, Barassi immediately established a new era of discipline at Princes Park and Carlton finished sixth in his first season at the club.
In 1970, Carlton saw Barassi lead the club to what many regard as its finest achievement - recovering from 44 points down at half-time to defeat Collingwood in the Grand Final.
Harris had acted as a broker on behalf of the then Treasurer, Jim Cairns in an attempt to obtain a proposed $2 billion loan from some Middle Eastern countries.
Everyone at Carlton extends their deepest sympathies to the Harris family on the passing of a man whose contributions to this club may never be surpassed.