Attended Wanganui Collegiate School.

Wished to study medicine had circumstances allowed, but instead poured his energy into the management of the family property, Tasma, from the age of 21.

When first in the RNZAF he flew Wellesleys in Britain prior to being posted to No 76 Squadron and Halifax bombing missions over Germany.

On his return to civilian life, he resumed farming Tasma, as well as the neighbouring properties of Springfield and Otaha on behalf of his sister Joan and brother Richard Harrison, later Sir Richard, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Husband of Margaret. His children included a daughter called Sylvia.

He was active in community affairs and sports, switching his pre-war sport of rugby to golf as an Eagles player and stalwart and president of the Takapua Golf Club. He was a member and later chairman of the Waipawa Hospital Board, and also began painting.

In retirement he continued painting and spent a year with his wife on a campervan tour of Britain and Europe, recording their journey on canvas and visiting the art galleries en route. AWMM