Clinton Harris

HARRIS
Clinton John
Age 61 of Coon Rapids

Clinton John Harris died April 4, 2017 after a courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer's. Clint was born August 20, 1955 to George and Mary Jane Harris in the Township of Neptune, New Jersey. Shortly after birth, his father's ministry took the family to the Philippines for 13 years, where Clint spent the majority of his youth. The family returned to Hazleton, PA in 1969 where Clint completed high school. After his father's ministry again moved the family, this time to South Dakota, Clint enrolled at Northern State University in Aberdeen and received a Bachelor of Science degree and met the love of his life, Dawn Marie Vetsch. Clint and "Punky" were married August 6, 1977 in Mobridge, SD. They established a life in Aberdeen, raising 3 children as Clint worked for Kessler's grocery store.

Clint moved his family to Pierre, SD in 1994 to begin a long and successful career in the lottery industry. After receiving a Masters of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota, Clint became acting Executive Director of the South Dakota Lottery in 2000 and oversaw 4 years of record revenue transferred to the state. In 2004, Clint was appointed by the Governor to lead the Minnesota State Lottery, moving his family to Coon Rapids, MN. With Clint at the helm, the Minnesota State Lottery rebounded from a troubling time and prospered with years of record performances. Until his retirement in 2011, Clint earned numerous industry achievements including being elected President of the North American Lottery Association, Chairman of the PowerballA� Game Group, Chairman of the Multi-State Lottery Association and receiving the Lottery Industry Statesman Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Public Gaming Research Institute. Clint's leadership was influential as he set up new and impactful lottery business partners and was a driving force behind establishments of lottery industry standards in use today. His colleagues in Minnesota, South Dakota and across the nation will fondly remember him as a consummate and caring professional.

Throughout his life, Clint always had time for his family, sneaking goodbye kisses to his wife in the morning, playing baseball with his 2 sons, walking his beloved dog Belle and being his daughter Samantha's best friend. Amongst his other pleasures in life were a day at the ballpark to watch a Twins baseball game, reading a John Grisham novel, a glass of red wine for dinner, hiking from Camp Remington to Mt. Rushmore and watching a Star Trek movie with his best friend. All will remember his smile.

Blessed to have shared his life, survivors include his wife of 40 years, Dawn "Punky" Harris of Coon Rapids, MN; three children, Eric (Abby) Harris, Pierre, SD, Chad Harris, Coon Rapids, MN, and Samantha Harris, Coon Rapids, MN; his beloved dog Belle; 3 grandchildren, Katelyn, Karly and Kelan who were his pride and joy; three sisters, Rebecca Schulte of Cumberland, RI, Priscilla (Wilson) Valentine of Juneau, Alaska and Anne Harris of Aberdeen, SD; two brothers, David (Carole) Harris of Yardley, PA and Matthew (Yvonne) Harris of Buchen, Germany. His parents preceded Clint in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11AM Tuesday, April 11 at CHURCH OF ST. TIMOTHY, 707 89th Ave NE, Blaine, followed by luncheon. Visitation will be 5-8PM Monday at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, with Prayer Vigil at 7PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established to commemorate Clint's brave fight and will support research activities by Regions Hospital Foundation.