Spindletop Center mourns passing of board trustee

Spindletop Center announced Oct. 20 that Gus Harris, a trustee for Spindletop Center since 1980, died Monday, Oct. 18.

“I am heartbroken that our long-time board member, Gus Harris, died suddenly,” said Holly Borel, chief executive officer of Spindletop Center. “His 41 years of service to the center and the most vulnerable in our communities can’t be measured and his loss will be hard felt.”

Gus worked as a successful engineer for DuPont for over 40 years before retirement. In addition to that, Gus served as a Spindletop Center board member representing Orange County for 41 years, 6 of those years as the board chair, and was on the board of the Texas Council Risk Management Fund for more than 20 years.

Gus left a lasting impact on Southeast Texas by playing an important role in the growth of the community, Spindletop explained in the announcement. During his retirement, he served as the Chief Properties Officer of the local Stark Foundation, helping them build the popular attraction known as the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange.

“Gus had a calm, thoughtful manner,” said Borel. “His knowledge and experience (were) unmatched.”

Spindletop Center is a nonprofit health care organization specializing in behavioral health care, programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use services for each stage of life. The center serves more than 10,000 people annually throughout Jefferson, Hardin, Orange and Chambers counties and has campuses in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Silsbee. Spindletop Center promotes healthy living in the Southeast Texas community through “innovative and best-practice options that meet the unique needs of every family.” 

The mission of the Spindletop Center is to help people help themselves by providing resources and supports. To learn more, visit spindletopcenter.org.