Vale Bruce Harris

Many in the industry will be saddened to learn of the death of Bruce Harris who passed away at RNSH on 19th June at the grand age of 94.

Harris had a long and distinguished career with SSC&B Lintas (Lintas) beginning in 1946, at the age of 22, when he joined as a trainee copywriter.  In 1953 he moved to Lintas London for a year as Copy Group Head before returning to Lintas Sydney in 1954 as Copy Chief.

After a two-year stint with George Patterson he returned to Lintas and rose through the ranks from Creative Director to Managing Director and in 1976 he was appointed Chairman.

Bruce was instrumental in building the agency’s success during the seventies, he was a great advocate for women in advertising, and made lifelong friends with his colleagues at Lintas and Unilever. He was a gentleman, kind, considerate, fun and enthusiastic and throughout his life he enjoyed encouraging people to realise their potential. At Lintas he loved being organised by Susie Henry, his PA extraordinaire.

In 1978, whilst still at Lintas, Bruce was appointed to represent the Advertising Industry on the Children’s Program Committee then chaired by Dr. Patricia Edgar. It was a committee set up to provide advice to the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal. Bruce served on the committee for eight years, until 1986.

In 1981 Bruce retired from Lintas and poured his efforts into the performing arts and to youth. In 1984 he was able to bring together two close personal friends Frank Meaney and Jack Neary. The three of them collaborated in realising a unique and visionary project – the Schools Variety Spectacular – later known as the Schools Spectacular. In November 2013, the show celebrated its 30th year of sell-out houses at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.   

He produced eight television specials with the Ten Network from 1993-2001 and was Chairman and co-founder of the Talent Development Project, 1991-2004.  During the years when Bruce was actively involved in these projects he helped support the beginnings of the careers of distinguished Australian entertainers like Human Nature, John Foreman, Emma Pask, Felicity Urqhuart and Darren Coggan.

In January 2014 Bruce was awarded an AM in the Order of Australia, Australia Day Awards for significant service to the performing arts through a range of administrative roles, and to youth.

Bruce is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Jennifer, Vicki and Merrilee and seven grandchildren.