Donald James Harmon

Donald James Harmon

Age 86, passed away in Seattle on June 19, 2012. He was born in West Seattle on June 5, 1926, where he lived till he joined the US Navy at age 17 in 1943. Don proudly served his country on the USS Bagley DD-386 in the Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946. Following the war, he married Jackie Y. Smith (1946-55 and they were blessed with four children: Donald, Sharon, Robert (Zac), and Catherine Ann (deceased in 2008).

After the navy, Don worked as Chief Engineer for Foss Tugboat Company, followed by several years as a Television/Electronics technician. He later worked in the shipyards as an Electronic Field Engineer and for General Electric, specializing in sonar and other equipment on the navy ships. His job travels took him to many US ports as well as Europe and North Africa.Don was an innovative genius, always inventing ways to enhance and improve the operation of his vehicles, boats, heating system, and electronics. He designed and built his Meadowbrook house on Thornton Creek and installed solar equipment in the 1980s, still operating today. He graciously shared his home with all who needed a place to stay and was the go-to guy for anyone needing help with cars and other broken gadgets.

Don built his racecar, Harmon's Hemi, and won many races at SIR in the 60s and 70s. More recently, he rebuilt a 1962 Mercedes SL (the "red car") that won numerous trophies. He loved tinkering with cars and electronics in his well-equipped garage; boating and fishing in Puget Sound and the San Juan's; and country music.

Don is survived by Barbara, his wife of 40 years, three of his four biological children: Donald James Harmon, Jr. of Port Hueneme, CA, Sharon Sue Weaver of Anacortes, and Robert Frank (Zac) Harmon of Long Beach, CA. Also surviving are his three stepchildren: Curtis Allen Dimmick of Lusby, MD, Lesa Dionne Perrault of Sarasota, FL, and Sharelle Suzanne Fisher of Redwood Shores, CA, as well as 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Don's memorial service will be held at The Vine Baptist Church on Saturday, July 7 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Music for Life/African Children's Choir at AfricanChildrensChoir.com, Don's favorite charity, would be much appreciated.