Hallard Benjamin Harmon passed away on January 2, 2014 in the serenity of his home in Midvale, Utah enveloped by the love of his immediate family.
Hal was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 4, 1920 to Benjamin Michael Harman and Maude Brandley Harman. He grew up exploring the east side neighborhoods, often on roller skates or his bicycle with his dog Skippy riding shotgun in a basket attached to the handlebars. Hal attended the Salt Lake public schools. He graduated from East High School where he was a varsity athlete in football and track. As a member of the East Ski Club, Hal joined other outdoor enthusiasts who were among the early skiers of the Cottonwood Canyons. These experiences led to lasting friendships and an abiding love of the Wasatch Mountains. Hal attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, California and later returned to Salt Lake where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees at the University of Utah. He married Barbara Hausler Harmon on September 5, 1945 at Salt Lake's First Unitarian Church. They shared over fifty-three years together and raised a family of four children who will always be grateful for their constant love and support.
Fatherhood came naturally to Hal. He was a fabulous dad who taught us many lessons through his own example. His respect for others and the environment, humility, patience and logical approach to life were always evident whether on a ski slope, wading a trout stream, sharing time in a duck blind, trailer camping or helping with homework assignments. He encouraged our individual interests, knew most of our friends and took joy in our accomplishments. He also demonstrated these traits and characteristics to his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who all adored their Poppy.
Hal was an esteemed and beloved physician who was well known throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Intermountain area. As a member of the "old time" Holy Cross Hospital staff for more than three decades, his skills as a general surgeon and clinical instructor were highly sought by fellow physicians, nurses, interns, surgical residents and patients. Hal's rock solid clinical judgment and compassion were the hallmarks of a long-lasting career that touched the lives of thousands of people. We frequently hear stories from former patients, peers and operating room staff about Hal's kindness, openness to the ideas of others and his unique ability to show empathy. Dr. Hal Harmon's patients knew they were always heard, understood, valued and respected. These stories make us immensely proud of him and add depth and character to his outstanding legacy as a physician. Following his retirement from the operating room, Hal became an accomplished welder after taking several courses from professor David C. Westley at Salt Lake Community College. He enjoyed designing and welding pieces of beautiful metal art and furniture for his family. He was a life-long learner and an avid reader across a wide range of subjects. He remained engaged in medicine for several years through part-time work at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Salt Lake City where he took medical histories and performed physical examinations. Only recently did he stop maintaining his medical license and discontinue his attendance at the Ogden Surgical-Medical Society's annual meetings. He was a member of the Utah Westerners and a former member of the Utah Duck Club. He supported several environmental organizations, including the National Audubon Society, the Wilderness Society and Ducks Unlimited. He continued to enjoy lasting friendships and form new relationships with others, always sharing his generous heart, open mind and positive attitude.
He is survived by his sons, Stephen (Marsha) and Scott (Patti); daughters, Julia Lapine (Timothy) and Suzy Marie Harmon; grandchildren Paul (Candice), Jennifer, Adam (Kimberly), Andrew, Anthony, Amy and Thomas; great-grandchildren Paige, Mia, Ella and Jack. His parents, brother Ralph, sister Elva Needham and many former close friends preceded him in death.
It was Hal's desire not to have a funeral or memorial service upon his death. He was never one for flash, fanfare or speeches. A private family gathering will take place in the spring when the air clears and the snow melts. We invite those of you who knew this remarkable man to honor his memory by being kind to animals, spreading love to others and to press on regardless of the obstacles and difficulties in our lives. We hope you will feel free to share your condolences in any way you think appropriate and to raise a glass in celebration of a life well lived for more than ninety-three years.
