PCO Harris Remembered as a Mentor

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The pest control industry and city of Alexandria, Va., lost a friend, mentor and activist with news that the body of Lenny Harris, age 53, was recovered from a well in Fort Washington, Md., on Jan 26. Harris had been missing since September of last year and was last seen talking on his cell phone before he disappeared from an Alexandria recreation center. According to the Washington Post, police arrested 49-year-old Linwood Johnson of Temple Hills in the slaying. Officers said robbery was the motive and the two men knew each other.

Harris was founder and owner of U-Can-Trust Pest and Termite Service, Alexandria, Va. He also owned a T-shirt sales business and is remembered for his willingness to give advice to young entrepreneurs, including Cleveland Dixon, president, Holiday Termite & Pest Control, Alexandria, Va.

“Lenny was a successful small businessperson who was very involved in the community,” Dixon said. “He was always looking out for the underserved. He was an extremely selfless person. He will be missed.”

Harris was a respected figure in the community. The longtime Alexandria resident was a respected activist who founded the nonprofit Operation Hope, which provides free mentoring and career-development services. A Facebook tribute page was set up on behalf of Harris at which former Alexandria City Council Woman Joyce Woodson wrote, “There is a big loss in Alexandria. Not many left willing to speak truth to power. Pray for his family and thank God Lenny was with us here to help us see the light... if only for a short time.”