Arthur B Harmon

Arthur B. Harmon 1932-2015

Art Harmon age 83 of Syracuse, UT passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 4:33 AM at his home in his wife Marilyn’s arms.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 at the LDS Chapel on 3065 S. Bluff Road in Syracuse, UT.  A viewing will be held at the same chapel Thursday Nov. 19, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM as well as Friday Nov. 20 just prior to the Funeral Service from 9:30-10:30 AM.  Interment will be held following the Friday services at Lindquist Memorial Park at Layton, UT.

Arthur was born Sept. 27, 1932 to Lorenzo and Victoria Christensen Harmon in Milo, ID where he developed a strong character and hard work ethic. As the 5th of 6 children he followed Doloris (’21), Elton Lorenzo (’23), Jane Carol (’25) and Caroline (’28) with Norton John (’36) rounding out the Harmon family.  Even as a young child he was known for his flowing hair. His sisters took every opportunity to curl it.

Family life on the dairy farm supplied plenty of physical work.  Spiritual life was strengthened by activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Both his parents were active in the faith and helped him build a strength that remained vigorous throughout his entire life.

As adolescence gave way to adulthood Arthur graduated from LDS Seminary as well as Ucon/Bonneville High School.  It was around this time that he purchased his first self-owned vehicle – a 1950 Ford F1 pick-up truck that he drove off the show room floor.  A set of wheels he later restored from the brink of decomposition to show-room quality.  His joy expressed alongside Steve in restoration hinted to the story of delight that the vehicle must have brought to him earlier on.

On Nov 26, 1951 responsibility and patriotism, strong themes of his life, led him to enlist in the United States Air Force.  While serving as an administrative and communications (teletype and crypto) specialist, globetrotting was a way of life.  From Idaho Falls, ID he found himself and his family in Germany; Azores; Sidi Sliamane; French Morocco; Sacramento, CA; Yuma, AZ; Izmir, Turkey; Abilene, TX; Dreux, France; Evreux, France; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Twin Falls, ID; Salt Lake City, UT; Korea and Japan on assignment while traveling to many other places throughout Europe.

After marriage in Dec 1952 to Patsy Ann Passey (’35) five children were born across the world.  Annette (’55) in Idaho; Steven Lowell (’57) in Turkey; Elise (’63) in France; Rachelle (’64) in Texas and Quin Sterling (’68) in Utah.

The final four of his 20 years of military service were spent as an Air Force Recruiter. As Technical Sergeant he retired with an Honorable Discharge on February 7, 1968.

A subsequent marriage to Carolyn Jean Evans (’48) added an additional three adopted children: Deborah Lynn (’67), Shari Suzanne (’69) and Brian David ‘(71).

A full career path culminated with 28 years in Service and Parts Management for Snapper and Toro throughout the Salt Lake Valley.  There was nary a part that he didn’t have cataloged both on paper as well as in his brain.  His personal integrity in business was always touted as second to none.

His spiritual life was steady and stalwart.  Art quietly and faithfully served in every capacity in which he was called.  Certainly always a consistent home teacher in addition to holding a myriad of Melchizedek Priesthood responsibilities. A few short weeks ago he was able to bare a last public personal testimony of the truths that he had certainly come to know and live by in this life.  Such a great example to us all!    

He married his eternal companion Marilyn Gowans (’47) in the LDS Ogden, UT Temple on Oct. 9, 1987, who brought 3 more children into the crew: David (’68), Amy (’71) and Angela (’74) Aamodt. Together the couple was rarely physically separated, especially following their retirement. 

He was avid in bringing the hearts of the children to their fathers through extensive family history work. Fishing was a mainstay of any time off and he even caught a few.  Marilyn and Art enjoyed keeping beautiful gardens around their homes, classic cars and parades in his restored 1950 Ford F1 pick-up with a double clutch.  In 2002-03 their companionship was taken to a new height as they served as missionary companions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representing the Lord in the Texas, Fort Worth mission.   Their 28 years of marriage never saw an argument of significance.  Their posterity is sure of his love through his quiet, gentle, thoughtful demeanor.  A God-fearing, righteous, humble, teachable and patient under suffering spirit brought Arthur his meekness which is greatly missed by a grand posterity numbering 31 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way soon. 

Arthur is survived by his wife: Marilyn Harmon Gowans of Syracuse, UT; two widowed sisters: Jane Ball (Glenn) of Rigby, ID, Caroline Hansen (George) of Clearfield, UT; sister in-law: Marlene Harmon (Elton – deceased brother) of Milo, ID; children: Annette Douglass (Kirk) and Steve Harmon (Teresa) of Clearfield, UT;  Elise Bunnell (Randy) of Scenic, AZ; Rachelle Harmon of Brigham City, UT; Quin Harmon (Stephanie) of West Point, UT; Shari Hernandez (Omar) of Ogden, UT; Brian Harmon; Deborah Bacon (David) of Washington Terrace, UT stepchildren: Dave Aamodt (Janell) of Logan, UT; Amy Hyatt (Todd) and Angela Talbot of Farmington, UT and all of the aforementioned grand and great-grandchildren. 

Marilyn and the family would like to express their great thanks to Brighton Hospice, especially Dee, RN; Megan, RN; Jordon, CNA and R.J., CNA, and certainly the myriad of the other unnamed staff, for their most kind and considerate care. His last days were greatly enhanced and his pain and suffering was attenuated through your caring acts.   

Last but certainly not least thanks to all of the friends, neighbors and fellow church members for all that you have done and continue to do.  We love you and most certainly so does Art.