Al Harmon

HARMON Al Harmon. After a valiant battle with cancer, Al Harmon, left his life the same way he lived it; caring about others, with a twinkle in his eye and the kind of warmth, love and spirit that made him memorable and remarkable to everyone who knew him. He was born May 24, 1925 to the original Al Harmon and Amy Weiler of Columbus, Ohio. Al's endeavors have been many, his friendships and lives he has touched far reaching. Al attended Cheshire Academy, Bexley High School, and graduated from Columbus Academy in 1944. In 1948 he graduated from Oberlin College with a BA in history and art appreciation. His career in the retail business started in the bedding department of F&R Lazarus. He left Lazarus in 1953 to join Sealy Mattress Company, where he enjoyed a wonderful career. He was on the road, as a salesman; a position he loved for many years until becoming vice president of sales and marketing. Al left Sealy in 1977 after 28 years. Always ready for the next great adventure, Al enjoyed several additional illustrious careers: Ruth Wilson Wall Coverings, AWH consulting, and Alternatives. After a brief stint in the private technology school business, Al returned to the business he loved the most the mattress business. He started The Original Mattress Company believing that the golden rule was what all business should be about: "having empathy for the customer, filling their needs not yours, fitting the customer with the correct product in an honest way". Many remember Al's commercials, which helped make him a friend to many he never met, though once they did, he became one. This golden rule permeated all his business ventures, as The Mattress Man moved from the bedding business to the saving lives business. In 2000, he cofounded Lifeservers Inc, selling AEDS. LifeServers has become a successful AED distributorship. While skilled and successful in business, Al's (better known as Dah) major passion was his family and his community. He was a quiet and often anonymous supporter of many causes and individuals. Al's family includes: wife, Suzanne; daughters, Julie (Chris Kloth) Kathy Shkolnik (Larry), Molly Ruben (Larry); son, Rocky Harmon (Lucinda); grandsons, Zach and Alex Ruben and Weiler Harmon. Also grandchildren, Alissa, Joshua (Danielle) Ruben, Billy and Diana Noojin, Jesse Kloth, Jamie, Andrew and Jon Shkolnik. Also survived by his sister, Phyllis Greene; and brother- in-law, John Bowman (Jeri); and many, many other extended family members. His family and friends are so fortunate to have shared his sincerity, caring, insight, advice and love. He believed strongly in helping others, sharing his good fortune and hard work and urging us all to "do better". He will be missed and remembered. Contributions may be made to the Zusman Community Hospice, 1151 College Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43209, The American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave. or the charity of ones' choice. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m. at Temple Israel, 5419 E. Broad Street. Family will receive friends following the service in the Temple social hall. Calling hours at the residence, 500 S. Parkview. Sunday through Tuesday 6 p.m. To send condolences to the family visit www.schoedinger.com.