HERBERT HARMS

Captain Herbert M Harms USN, SC (Ret.) A Gig Harbor resident since 1991, died September 27, 2013. Herb graduated from Livermore High School ('55) in California and went on to Oregon State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. On July 30, 1960 he married the love of his life, Susan Jane Lavinder of Pleasant Hill, California. The following year, he went to Officer Candidate School to begin a decorated, thirty-year career in the United States Navy. Highlights included being on the commissioning crew of the USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642), earning his MBA at Harvard University, and being the commanding officer of the Fleet Material Support Office in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He received many decorations and honors during his career including three Meritorious Service Medals and two Legion of Merits. Seventeen moves, three children, and several dogs later Herb retired in June 1990. After retirement, Herb designed his home in Canterwood and was heavily involved in its construction. After re-locating to downtown Gig Harbor, he greatly enjoyed working on his historic home and helping Sue create an amazing garden. He was an avid golfer, passionate supporter of Oregon State, and enormously proud of his children and grandchildren. Herb is survived by his wife, Susan; son John, Los Angeles, CA; daughter Kathleen, Reunion, FL; daughter Susan, Glen Allen, VA; and nine grandchildren. Services and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. at a date T.B.D.