Hal Ray Harmon, 81, prominent business owner, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died unexpectedly at sea on a cruise ship sailing home from the Hawaiian Islands January 3, 2001. He lived every minute to the fullest and celebrated life to the very end.
He was born to Laurence Barnes Harmon and Minnie Oberhansly Harmon Aug 14, 1919, in Provo, UT where his father was principal of Provo High School. His solid work ethic was established very early as he worked as a newspaper boy to help support his family during the Depression. A 1936 graduate of South High School, Hal attended the University of Utah where he served as editor of the Utah Chronicle, member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, President of the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Press Association and a member of Owl and Key. He supported himself through college by working summers at Yellowstone Park.
He served with honor as a captain in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific. His military service continued for over 25 years as a Lt. Colonel in the Utah National Guard. In 1946, he graduated from the University of Utah, established Harmon Advertising Service and married the beautiful Lois McKean June 14. They felt the greatest achievement of their union was their five children, 20 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Harmon Advertising was originally located at 22 S. Main and later moved to the Crandall Building where Hal currently worked. His professional achievements included Crusade for Freedom, Board of Governors Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and president of Salt Lake Exchange Club.
He was a high priest in the Monument Park LDS 17th Ward. His favorite callings were Sunday School class president and ward and stake newsletter editor. Hal received his endowments in the Salt Lake LDS Temple July 29, 1997.
Hal found pleasure in many things: gathering his family together at the cabin, playing chess, telling a good joke, attending Jazz and Ute games, traveling, reading and teaching water aerobics at Salt Lake Regional Hospital. He also enjoyed serving as president of the Oberhansly Family Association and his St. George condominiums.
Survived by his wife, Lois McKean Harmon; brother, Robert H. Harmon (Carolee); sister-in-law, Carol McKean Livingston (Dan); children, Kathleen Harmon Gardner, Kent McKean Harmon (Sharon), Dr. H. Craig Harmon (Marianne), Mary Ann Harmon Hatch (Brad), Suzanne Harmon Doutre (Craig); grandchildren, Mark, Todd, Scott and Lisa Gardner; Ryan, Kristy (Hixson) and Nicole Harmon; Christopher, Andrea, Jennifer, Matthew, Lauren and Rachel Harmon; Angela (McKellar), Jonathan, Elder Nicholas, Heather and Natalie Hatch; Chase and Madison Doutre; and great-grandchild, Joseph McKellar. Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Laurence Clair Harmon, Howard Kent Harmon.
Services are pending with future notice to be published. Directors, Larkin Mortuary.