In Memoriam

It is with a deep sense of loss that Millennium Institute announces the passing of two of our most dedicated supporters, Mr. Steingrímur Hermansson and Mr. John A. (Jay) Harris.

Mr. Steingrímur Hermannsson passed away on February 1, 2010, and Mr. Jay Harris passed away on December 29, 2009.

Steingrímur Hermannsson, June 22, 1928 – February 1, 2010

Mr. Hermannsson served on the Board of Trustees of Millennium Institute from October 1987 to October 2006. He contributed immensely to MI, promoting our values, and inspiring us with his deep sense of service and dedication to making the world a better place to live. The longstanding public service experience he brought to MI’s Board was very useful in the development of our strategy to work with national. We will miss his company and wisdom. 

A native of Iceland, Mr. Hermannsson was a Prime Minister of Iceland (1983-1987, and 1988-1991), and Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland (1994-1998).  He also served in several other capacities in the government, including Minister for Foreign Affairs (1987-1988), Minister of Fisheries and of Communications (1980-1983), and Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs and Agriculture (1978-1979).  He was a member of Iceland’s Parliament from 1971-1994. 

Mr. Hermannsson was educated at the California Institute of Technology and Illinois Institute of Technology. His memoirs, published in three volumes between 1998 and 2000, became bestsellers.

After retirement, Mr. Hermannsson dedicated his life to environmental issues, including serving on MI’s board. He is survived by his widow, Edda Gudmundsdóttir and six children.

John A. (Jay) Harris, September 12 1928– December 29, 2009

Mr. Harris was involved in numerous environmental, population, energy, agricultural and peace organizations, dedicating both his time and financial resources to improving our planet.

Mr. Harris was a strong supporter of MI, providing the initial grant, and for several years after, supporting development of our Threshold 21 model. The grants provided through his foundation – Changing Horizons - were instrumental in conducting research to develop the Threshold 21-USA model that focuses on energy conservation and more sustainable growth. In providing the grant, he hoped that the model would foster open and non-ideological discussion about energy sustainability in America. This hope is being realized; and we are confident that his vision will continue to live on through the many initiatives he supported.

Mr. Harris was not just a donor. He was also a friend of our founder, Dr. Gerald Barney, as well as our current Board Chair, Dr. John Shilling, and President, Dr. Hans Herren. His passing is a great loss for all of us committed to making our planet a better one to live in, but we at MI will continue his efforts and the important work he so generously supported over the years.

A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Harris was educated at Princeton University and University of Philadelphia.  He is survived by his widow, Lawrie Ryerson; sons, Shepard and Andy Harris; grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.