Following the war, he worked for the States Steamship Company of Vancouver until 1948. He made his way through the ranks—Jr. 3rd mate, 3rd mate, 2nd mate—and, in April, 1947, at the age of twenty-two, he received his chief mate license (second in command).
In July 1947, the ship was in Portland for two weeks for repairs, so he invited a longtime friend, Jean Faul, to fly out for a visit. She accepted and flew to visit him and relatives living in Corvallis. Jean had just completed nursing and a post-pediatrics course. The trip west ended in their marriage on July 13, 1947, at First Methodist Church in Corvallis. Neither Harris nor Jean had been in Corvallis before. Their honeymoon was a trip to the coast—the first time Jean had ever seen an ocean.
In July 1948, Harris decided that “going to sea” was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. There was an opening at the Portland office of the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office for a nautical scientist. He applied and was hired as manager of the office. He planned to continue his education part-time at Portland State University. Approximately one year later, the government decided to close the Portland office. A family friend of Jean’s parents referred Harris to a U.S. Bank management officer at the main branch, in Portland. The officer happened to be ex-maritime, and he was so impressed that Harris held a chief mate’s license at his age that he hired Harris immediately.
Harris embarked on his new career on November 17, 1949, as a trainee at Citizen’s Branch (U.S. National) in Southeast Portland. He became a father for the first time on November 18, 1949. Harris was employed by U.S. National Bank from 1949 until 1980, working his way through the ranks. His tenure included operations, loan management, twelve years as a bank manager at three larger branches, and nine years as vice president of commercial loans, including three years as vice president and group manager and senior commercial loan officer.
Harris retired from U.S. National Bank on October 17, 1980. His retirement didn’t last long before he accepted a new challenge. On October 17, 1980, he started work as president, chief executive officer and board member of Citizen’s Bank of Corvallis. Harris retired from Citizen’s Bank in 1988, and was appointed director emeritus. During his retirement he consulted for independent banks and reviewed loan portfolios.