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Harley E. Rouda Sr.

Harley Rouda Obituary

ROUDA Harley E. Rouda, Sr., real estate icon and founder of HER Realtors, was born on February 25, 1929 and passed away in his central Ohio home in the company of friends and family, June 28, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. An avid fisherman, tennis player and joke teller, Harley was beloved by all who knew him. Thousands of people had the chance to enjoy a jar of his homemade jam and the famous HER Cookbooks are found in homes throughout central Ohio and beyond. Whether hosting a television show, leading a sales rally or hugging one of his eight grandchildren, Harley's warmth, loyalty and passion inspired young and old. Harley was recognized nationally and internationally as one of the pioneers and innovators of the real estate industry, and embodied the true entrepreneurial spirit. His company was started in 1956 in the basement of his Upper Arlington home and it quickly grew to become the number one company in the region by 1964. Throughout his career, Harley was honored with dozens of awards including the lifetime achievement award from the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University; Honorary National President of Habitat International; induction into the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame; President of the Upper Arlington Civic Association; Ohio Citizen of the Year; Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Outstanding Citizen of the Year; Recipient of the "THE" (The Highest Effort) Award from Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity; Grand Marshall of the Upper Arlington 4th of July Parade; Chairman of the real estate division for United Way; Co-chairman of the Upper Arlington School Bond Levy, which at the time was the first local levy to be passed in 12 years; Member of the Fannie Mae National Advisory Council; Trustee of the Arthur James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute; and established a scholarship fund at Ohio State University. In 1991, he served in the industry's highest post, chairman of the National Association of Realtors. He also served as president of the Ohio Association and Columbus Board of Realtors. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlese Rouda; children, Greer (Susan) Rouda, Leslie (Brian) Rouda Smith, Scott I. Rouda, and Harley E. (Kaira) Rouda, Jr; grandchildren, Bradley Rouda, Jessi Rouda, Kristin Smith, Austin Smith, Harley E. "Trace" Rouda III, Avery Rouda, Shea Rouda, and Dylan Rouda; brother, Jan Lewis (Janet) Rouda; and many extended family members and dear friends. A celebration of his life and legacy will take place on Monday, July 2, 2012, at Bridgewater Conference Center, 10561 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, Ohio, from 5-8 p.m. A short program will begin at 6 p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite charity in honor of this wonderful man.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jun. 29 to Jul. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Harley Rouda

20 Entries

October 1, 2012

October 1, 2012

We just learned of Harley Rouda's passing. Our Prayers and Deepest Sympathy are with the Rouda Family.
Harley Rouda was truly an icon in Real Estate and he will be missed.

Bob and Dawna Ealy

Connie Green

August 24, 2012

We have lost a wonderful, caring and gentle man, who lived, loved and enjoyed every day. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know him. My deepest sympathy to Marlese and family

July 6, 2012

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Rouda Family, Harley was a very kind gentleman and leader, his presence will be missed.
Cheryl Inscho/Executive Officer
Delaware County Board of Realtors

Jayne Rouda - Glatz

July 5, 2012

To the Rouda Family,
May your special memories be a comfort to you during this difficult time. Uncle Harley was always very kind to our family and my father. I am very proud to be a Rouda. All our Love,
Jayne (Rouda), Mike, Madison and Carson Glatz

July 4, 2012

To the Rouda family please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will all remember Harley.

Alice Hollern, Ed Hollern and family

Lori Santello

July 3, 2012

It was a pleasure to have worked with Mr. Rouda. His friendliness, wisdom and wit were just a few of the words to describe Harley. My deepest sympathy to his family.

July 2, 2012

Every one at the Hyatt regency hotel will miss mr Rouda.He was a staple at the realtors convention and a first class man.Great tennis player too. Gregg Greathouse Upper ARLINGTON

Kay Grigsby

July 2, 2012

I worked for HER for 7 years and Harley was always friendly and very personable. He will be missed!

Maggie Huff

July 2, 2012

Harley always lived by the Golden Rule. He met his personal standard of being able to face the “man in the mirror “ every morning. Harley had a tender heart, a superb wit, the ability to hold his audience in the palm of his hand and to remember names and details of every person he met. He knew not only his agent's names but also the names of their family members. Harley accepted my call to him on his home phone in 1971 and made an appointment to personally interview me as a potential agent. After the interview, he succinctly introduced me to other people in the office as his “dingbattis”. Harley continuously developed unique ways to better serve real estate clients and “his” agents. He always said to us: “I work for you”. I will miss him until the days comes when we meet again. Maggie Huff, Worthington office of Real Living HER.

Kathryn Paugh

July 1, 2012

Harley E. Rouda Sr. demonstrated principles of entrepreneurship and small business success that endure in HER's Worthington-area Realtors. It was a pleasure to greet him at the debut of the HER facility in Old Worthington last summer. Harley also motivated many others to contribute to charities, oft-forgotten members of our business community. Rest in pest, Harley! On behalf of the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce ....

Peg Higginbotham

June 30, 2012

Vicki and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family. Few Realtors can match the degree of success or have represented what Harley Rouda meant to the Real Estate industry. A great competitor and good friend. He will be missed.

Angie Ball

June 30, 2012

Harley was one of a kind. A gentle hearted man that always had a smile and hug to share. I will miss his many stories and jokes. I feel extremely blessed and honored to have been a part of his extraordinary life. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My sincerest condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Harley. God had a special place held just for you.

Scott Fankhauser

June 30, 2012

No Realtor in Central Ohio was more admired. Harley was a leader and a gentleman. My sympathy and prayers to the family.

Charles McClenaghan

June 30, 2012

My sympathy to the Rouda family. Harley was a great American success story. You should all be very proud of him. I hope all his accomplishments and the respect he earned will provide comfort for you during this difficult time.

June 30, 2012

We lost a dear friend - We all will miss you and
appreciate your contribution to the real estate
industry for all the years.
Brad Salt Sarasota, Fl.

June 30, 2012

My sincere sympathy to all the family, Harley was very special to all who knew him.
Dorothy McPherson, formerly of ole Roundtown, now Fort Myers

Joyce and Cam Taylor

June 30, 2012

Dear Family:

We are so sorry to hear this about Harley. Harley was a good friend to me during our real estate careers. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this time. God Bless!

Cindy Calender

June 30, 2012

My heartfelt sympathy is with the family at this time of great loss.

Kevin Smith

June 29, 2012

I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad Harley. My deepest condolences to your entire family, especially your Mom. God Bless You All. He was a remarkably accomplished man.

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