Richard D. Harrison, age 75, died August 19, 1998, at home in Salt Lake City of complications of the stroke he suffered in 1996.
Dick was born May 19, 1923, in Salt Lake City to William Z. and Mary Francis Sappington Harrison. He attended the University of Utah, and graduated from Stanford University in economics and the University of Michigan Law School.Dick was the CEO and Chairman of Fleming Companies, the nation's largest wholesale grocery supply company. He served as a member of the boards of Quaker Oats, Kerr-McGee, Neurogen, and Coleman Companies. He also served on boards for the Food Marketing Institute, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the National-American Wholesale Grocers Association, the University of Utah National Advisory Council, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Dick was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews; inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian College; and received the Herbert Hoover award from the National-American Wholesale Grocers Association.
In World War II, Dick flew 38 missions over Japan as pilot of a B-29. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.
Dick loved his family, travel, golf, and his country.
He is survived by his wife, Marian; his children, Amy Wellington, Leslie Harrison, Julie (Chuck) Cox, Susan (Tom) Hart, Alyse (James) Marlatt, and Richard Harrison, Jr. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren; and step-daughters, Kristina (Ken) Burton, and Kathleen (Tim) Weiler. His sister, Betty Oakason; and brother, Tom Harrison also survive him.
The family is deeply grateful to Rod and Verna Jo Hollingshead for the love and care they shared with Dick.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. where friends and family may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and an hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the University Health Sciences Center, c/o Development Office, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132; or to Neighborhood House.
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