News Room
Richard Harris: Businessman, surfer, author
PUBLISHED AUGUST 24, 1994
THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
"Who Taught You About Money?" That's
not a question. It's the
name
of Richard Harris' new book aimed at middle-school children and geared toward
teaching them about finances.
Harris, more known as a businessman or surfer than as an
author, said he wrote the book to help kids keep what they make or use
what they make. In rhyme, he
explains 25 basic money concepts
and the main character in a
banker.
The book is fun, but he's serious about the subject. By the
year
2000 he would like to see schools offer a mandatory class
that
teaches basic money management.
"I don't know if that will ever happen,
but this book is my
contribution," he said. "Maybe I'll
become known as the
Dr. Seuss of financial matters."
Full name: Richard Thomas Harris.
Hometown: East Ocean View, Norfolk.
What brought you to the Beach? In
1972, my 1971 Datsun
wagon
- looking for an improved lifestyle.
Birthdate: Feb. 24, 1945.
Occupation: Cigna Financial
Advisors Inc. - specializing in
wealth conservation and business
succession planning.
Nickname: Known among friends;
it might not be understood
by
others.
Marital status: Married Carol Craig, my high
school sweetheart,
28 years ago. She is my best friend.
Children: Kelly Needham married to Chuck, Corey
my youngest
daughter and Craig, my son.
What is your idea of a perfect day
off? Morning
devotions,
a
4-mile run in my neighborhood or the Boardwalk, beach
with
the
family and having them over for dinner.
Last smart thing you did: Took Carol to New
York City last
December for a weekend of shopping and the Radio
City
Christmas show.
Last dumb thing you did: Placed
my wife's car keys on the
hood
of my car so I'd be sure not to lose them and
drove off.
We're still looking.
Favorite meal: "Fruitte de mare," selected
seafood over angel
hair pasta bathed in marinara sauce.
Favorite movies: "Sleepless in Seattle," "Cool
Hand Luke,"
most
Steve McQueen movies, "Dragon, the
Bruce Lee Story."
Favorite song: "Amazing Grace" and
a "Pirate
Looks at 40" by
Buffet.
Last book read: Joshua (Old Testament)
and "The Client" by
John Grisham.
Hobbies: Fitness stuff. Dr. Ken Cooper's
book "Aerobics" in
1968
got me running, and I started with weight training in 1970.
If you could change one thing about
yourself, what
would it be?
I'd be better organized to optimize my time
and minimize
my
frustration.
If you could change one thing about
your spouse, what
would it be? Her attitude about working out.
Secret vice: I love desserts of practically any kind.
Favorite restaurant: Ship's
Cabin (Joe Hoggard helped me
get
my first date with Carol) and several Beach eateries.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner
and a movie or a
party
with dancing ... with friends.
Favorite TV shows: "Coach," "Home
Improvement," "Lois
and
Clark, the New Adventures of Superman."
Favorite sport: Wrestling, volleyball, surfing, tennis, biking.
Last vacation: Surfing in Costa Rica with Craig,
Chuck
(son-in-law) and Chris Gega (Corey's boyfriend).
Pets: Megan, a 10-year-old miniature schnauzer,
and Frisco, a
SPCA special ... devoted and useless.
Worst job: Laying hardwood floors in my home.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Any
positive
influence
I have on my children and the book I have just
written.
What would you like on your epitaph? He
lived, he loved,
he
laughed for his faith, his family and his friends
(in that order).
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