Carl Martin Harris, 83 years old, passed away on Feb. 3, 2026. Born Jan. 8, 1943, a lifetime resident of Harney County, who only recently moved to Sutherlin, Ore. for health care with his son, Scott and wife, Carol Harris.

Carl attended school in Hines and Burns and graduated from BUHS with the class of 1961. He married Phyllis Boswell, his high school sweetheart, and together they raised three children, Scott, Traci and Gina. 

In 1960, Carl started working for the Edward Hines Lumber Company. He started in the mill, then moved to other outside jobs, finally moving to falling timber. He worked for multiple different companies through this logging career spanning from 1960 to about 1997. It was around 1998 when he surprised the entire family and switched careers to long-haul trucking, driving semi-trucks across the country. This switch of careers was a total shock and surprise to friends and family because he hated driving! 

Carl was a big supporter of the local youth sports in Burns, coaching Jaycee track, little league baseball and basketball. Through his children, he also supported Boy Scouts, volleyball, wrestling, track and tennis along with the summer swimming team. He was a member of the Burns Elks Lodge, where he became a member in 1964. 

Throughout Carl’s life, he was an avid hunter and sportsman, enjoyed being outdoors with friends, family and coworkers. The time he worked in the woods would form lasting bonds that he would cherish his entire life. He spoke often of those men with fond memories and hilarious stories. This also included time spent with our “Other Brother”, Joe Cronin out at the ranch or just checking in with welcomed phone calls. 

Carl was preceded in death by his father, George Harris (1985); mother, Viola (Adkins) Harris (1991); grandson, Joshua Harris (2011); and Phyllis Boswell Harris (2022).  He is survived by his brother, Clayton Harris of Hines; son, Scott (Carol) of Sutherlin, Ore.; daughter, Traci of Reno; and daughter Gina Dingman (Cameron) of West Jordan, Utah; along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026.