The chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Harmons Grocery Stores — who started working at his parents' store in 1947 at age 7 — died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006.
Terry Reese Harmon was 66.
Jake and Irene Harmon began the family-owned grocery business in 1932, and Terry Harmon held several positions at the company before becoming CEO in 1976.
"Terry's passing is a real loss to us at Harmons, both professionally and personally," said Harmons' chief operating officer, Darrell Jensen. "Terry was very tender-hearted and loved people. His love for others was at the core of everything he did. He personally supported many charities and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need."
The Harmons lived at their first store, The Market Spot. A tractor-trailer crash demolished the store and missed the young Terry Harmon by 6 inches, according to information from the company.
Starting anew at 3955 S. 4000 West in 1945, the Harmons taught Terry Harmon the grocery business. He and his future wife, Doreen Latsis, worked in the store's bakery department and married in 1958.
When the Granger store was destroyed by fire in 1971, the then- 31-year-old Harmon encouraged his parents to build a supercenter on the site. Terry and Doreen Harmon took the helm of the company when Jake Harmon died in 1976. The company grew from two to 11 stores.
Mr. Harmon is the father of Bob and Randy Harmon, the company spokesmen, and daughter Jamie. He also is survived by his wife.
The Harmon family will continue to operate the business.
"This was accomplished with the help of many dedicated, loved and trusted associates whom he respected deeply," Bob Harmon said. "Dad always believed that his and the company's success were due to the people who surrounded him.
"This genuinely selfless and sincere man was most proud that his children and grandchildren joined him on the road to success. When Dad spoke of family, he meant his immediate family and the 2,000 associates that he enjoyed seeing succeed."
Mr. Harmon served as president and board member of the Utah Food Industry Association; was a member of the national Grocery Association, the Asparagus Club and Honorary Lions Club; and was recipient of The Spirit of America Award sponsored by the National Grocer Association.
Viewing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, and at 11 a.m. Monday at the North Jordan Stake Center, 4000 W. 3900 South. A funeral will follow at noon.