John P. Harbin

1917 - 2014

John P. (Jack) Harbin, a prominent figure in business, finance and philanthropy died on July 27,2014 at his home in Dallas. He is survived by his daughter Linda Robuck, her husband, Joel Robuck, grandsons John Robuck and his wife Carmina, and Richard Robuck and his wife, Katie and four great grandchildren, all of whom he is immeasurably proud. His beautiful wife, Dorothy, of 59 years died in 2002.

Jack was born on July 17, 1917 in Waxahachie, Texas, and he was born busy. Jack attended public schools and Trinity University in Waxahachie and graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with honors in 1939. While serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve during WWII, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Middleton of Orange, Texas. Jack always believed his endeavors would never have materialized without her dedicated love and support. Before and after the war, he worked for Creole, a division of Exxon, in Venezuela where his only child, Linda was born.

In 1948, Jack joined Halliburton Company as Controller and retired in 1983, serving his last 11 years as Chairman and CEO. His years at Halliburton and its subsidiary, Brown and Root took him all over the world – from dining with the Queen of England in 1974 to visiting the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea in the 1980's and dining with the Prime Minister of Singapore. During his career he also served on numerous boards, including Republic National Bank of Dallas, Citibank/Citicorp New York, Concorde Bank, City National Bank of Carrollton and American Federal Bank.

Other boards include Burlington Industries, Louisiana Land and Exploration, Petrolite, Penrod Drilling. Circle K, Presbyterian Hospital and Zale Lipshy Hospital. His industry activities included directorships in the National Petroleum Council, American Petroleum Institute and the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association. In 1981, the Governor of Texas appointed him as chairman of the Texas 2000 Commission and in 1987 as chairman of his energy task force. He was inducted into the Texas Business hall of Fame in 1994. In 1989 he joined Lone Star Technologies and Lone Star Steel as Chairman and CEO. He remained on their board for 10 years. Most recently, he received the Frank Pitts Energy Leadership Award from SMU.

Throughout Jack's life, he exhibited principles that were instilled in him as an Eagle Scout, most notably loyalty and hard work. His involvement in the Boy Scouts included serving as President of the Circle Ten Foundation for 38 years and as a Trustee . He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 1972. The Harbin Scout Museum pays homage to the long history of Camp Wisdom and the Circle Ten Council.

Jack never forgot his alma mater. He served on the College of Business Administration Advisory Council, the Executive Board of the Chancellor's Council and President of The Ex-Students Association. He was awarded the UT Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1981 and elected to the College of Business Hall of Fame in 1985. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and received its highest award. He also established the John P. Harbin Chair at the Business School and contributed funds for two major additions to the Alumni Center, which now bears his name.

In memory of his wife, Jack and his daughter established the Dorothy L. and John P. Harbin Chair for Alzheimer Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center where he served as a Trustee of the Southwestern Medical Foundation. He also established the Harbin House at Presbyterian Village North Alzheimer Facility.

Jack was a member and past President of the Dallas Petroleum Club, a member and past director of the Dallas Country Club, a member of Brook Hollow Golf Club and The Brook Club in New York.

Jack has been a mentor and a great friend to many people and his generosity has improved the lives of those he touched. His family is most grateful to his long time and faithful caregivers, Dee Hodgson and Pam Johnson, who kept his life joyful to the end.

Jack served as an Elder at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where a memorial service, celebrating his life, will be held on July 31, 2014 at 10:30 AM.

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harbin Chair for Alzheimer Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center or the Highland Park Presbyterian Church.