Olin J. Harris

	Olin J. Harris, 67, of Springfield, Ill., passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at 7:30 a.m. at his residence.
	Mr. Harris was an Artist for the Department of Natural Resources, State of Illinois, since 1970.  He was hired to provide4 artwork for the Department of Conservation, which at that time oversaw parks and historic sites throughout Illinois.  Many were in need of artwork and displays to enhance the premises.
	Mr. Harris began working and living at Silver Springs State Park.  While working there, he built displays at Galena and at Illinois Beach.  In addition, since he was the only artist who did original painting, he created artwork featuring Abraham Lincoln at some of the historic sites.  He was transferred to Springfield headquarters in 1973 and worked out of a workshop and art studio at the Departments Pawnee warehouse.
	 As the Department of Natural Resources official artist, his work is enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Illinois State sites.  His artwork appears in Illinois Issues magazine, DNR publications and note cards and decorates its offices. 
	He was renowned for his work featuring birds.  For 10 years, he shared his enthusiasm for art with students at the University of Illinois at Springfield, where he was an adjunct professor in publication design.  it was during this time period that he prepared artwork for his book, An Artists Book of Birds which was published in 1996. 
	 Mr. Harris was a graduate of University of Missouri and University of Illinois.  He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict.
	Mr. Harris was born December 18, 1933 at Tamaroa, the son of Olin K. and Carmen Ehler Harris.  He married Suzanne Sue Benoit on August 6, 1968.
	Surviving are his wife, Sue Harris; two daughters, Brittan (Michael W. Myers) Harris and Bettina B. Harris, both of Springfield; one son, Blake O. Harris of Springfield; three sisters, Betty (Eugene) Leidig of Addison, Colleen (Harold) Stanley of Springfield and Jeannette (Leon) Eisenhauer of Mohamet and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousin.
	Funeral services were Saturday, December 8 at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield with Spiritual Leader Karen Kelly officiating.  Interment was in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
	Friends called Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield.
	 Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
