Paul Holt Harmon's Obituary
PAUL HOLT HARMONPaul 73 was called home on November 29, 2002 in Tacoma, WA. He was born to Rollie A. and Ollie E. Harmon in St. Louis, Mo. On December 19, 1928. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Glenn & Bob), two brother in-laws (Jerry Rowe & Bill McGreevy), and three nieces/nephews (Barbie, Corky & Bill).PaulÂ's greatest love was that for his family and he is survived by his loving wife June of 53 years, his four children Jim (& Jeanie) Harmon, Sue (& Randy) Oyster, Margaret (& Jeff) Nelson, and Linda (& Pat) Swiger, ten grandchildren (Heather, Coral, Kim, Mike, Matt, Marla, Megan, Jason, Michael, Kristen) one brother John (& Lucille), four sisters Myra, Myrtle (& Frank), Margaret, and Frances, fifty nieces/nephews and numerous great nieces/nephews. He will be missed by many as we say so long for now.His family moved to Tacoma in 1948 when his father became the minister at the First Christian Church. Paul completed his high school education at Puyallup High School and attended Pacific Lutheran University for one year before commencing his working career, which would culminate with the position of Chief Executive Officer for Cascade Trailways. Additionally Paul served on the Board of Directors with Tacoma Industrial Trust and was a past President with the Washington Motorcoach Association. Besides several affiliations with business organizations, Paul was a member of the Tacoma Elks lodge. One of PaulÂ's passions was the buying and selling of antique collectables, which he aggressively pursued into his retirement years.Paul retired in 1994 after selling Cascade Trailways to Holland America Lines. The following is a chronicle of PaulÂ's career as published (1993) in the bookWashington: Diversity in the Pacific Northwest.Cascade TrailwaysCascade Trailways has provided the Northwest with a convenient and safe transportation service for nearly sixty years. The Tacoma, Washington-based corporation takes great pride in showcasing the many natural wonders of one of North AmericaÂ's most beautiful regions. Whether it's an adventure through the unique Olympic Rain Forest or a tour of one of the state's world-class cities, Cascade Trailways takes passengers there in comfort and style.Maybe that is why Cascade Trailways is Washington state's largest independent carrier. Nearly 400, 000 passengers annually rely on Cascade Trailways for packaged motorcoach tours, group charter service, contract service or scheduled line service. All-told, the fleet travels over two million miles of highway per year.It all began in 1949, when young Paul Harmon became a night shift driver at what was then Tacoma Suburban Lines. Harmon acquired the Tacoma suburban lines along with three other companies from 1974 to 1978, and became a member carrier in the National Trailways Bus System. Today, Harmon is the chief executive officer of Cascade Trailways. His experience as a driver, dispatcher, assistant general manager and general manager of Tacoma Suburban Lines have provided him with the background and respect needed to meet the challenges of this changing industry.Over the years, Cascade Trailways has become a family affair. Paul Harmon's son Jim, joined the company in 1975 and is currently vice president. From 1978-1982, HarmonÂ's daughters took on active roles as well: Margaret Nelson is now the office manager, Linda Swiger is in charge of the payroll and Sue Oyster is vice president of marketing. Paul Harmon's nephew, Ed Harmon, joined the team in 1976 and is superintendent of maintenance.Cascade Trailways' annual revenues are estimated at $4 million. This healthy figure is partially due to loyal local clients. Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Microsoft, U S WEST, United Airlines and the Port of Tacoma have all come to rely on Cascade Trailways for consistently enjoyable travel. All forty-five motorcoaches are designed for maximum passenger comfort with amenities including: handicapped accessible, full galleys, video and radio equipment.A major component in relaxing motorcoach travel is confidence that the driver's top priority is safety. Not only does Cascade Trailways train its operators to drive cautiously and courteously, but a yearly award is given to operators who have provided outstanding service and dedication.Cascade Trailways is continually demonstrating great pride in its employees, customers and the majestic beauty of the Northwest. In 1989, the company started honoring the Cascade Mountain Range by personalizing its tour and charter coaches with such names as Mt. Shasta and Mt. Rainier.Cascade Trailways, conveniently located just minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, is a member of the National Trailways Bus System, the American Bus Association, United Bus Owners of America, National Tour Association, Washington Motorcoach Association and American Public Transit Association. Memorial services will be held at Central Baptist Church, 6500 67th Ave West, University Place on December 7, 2002 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to American Heart Association, 1101 South Fawcett, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 or National Kidney Foundation P.O. Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?