We knew we weren't going to get rich staying in our current position --
me as editor of Lost Treasure and Coy as the advertising director.
"You know," I told him. "Your father Lee used to talk about
this subject when he was the advertising director of Lost Treasure. He finally
had to buy the magazine in order to control his destiny."
He said, "Maybe I'll have to do the same thing one of these days."
When Lee Harris took over Lost Treasure in 1987, he turned it into a family
affair. Major roles were taken by Lee's wife Becki, who became the art director,
and his son Coy, who took over Lee's old job selling ads.
It wasn't a 9-to-5 job for Coy. He was still in college and was earning
extra money in his spare time. He later worked in a few other jobs -- including
selling cars -- but always kept his second job selling ads for Lost Treasure.
Finally, after getting married, he joined the company as ad director.
After Lee moved the entire operation from Tulsa to Grove, Coy got his own
office, where he began collecting computers and deer antlers.
As the magazine began computerizing, with desktop publishing replacing light
tables and X-Acto knives, Coy began using computer spreadsheets and databases
to keep track of his advertisers and their ads. He even became handy at
using the scanner and PageMaker to create ad ideas for potential advertisers.
Coy even gained the title of vice president. With the new title came new
responsibilities as the company added more magazines.
But work wasn't everything for Coy. He had a devilish sense of humor, pulling
practical jokes on everyone including his wife Charmon.
One of his proudest accomplishments was the birth of triplets - Coleman
Lee, Brooke Taylor and Coy Blake - less than a year ago. They were born
on April 19, 1995. Coy celebrated the anniversary of his own birthday the
next day -- his 31st.
It would be his last one. Coy died in his sleep on Jan. 10. He left behind
good friends, a close family, a loving wife and adorable triplets.
The last time I talked to Coy Harris, we talked about getting rich.
