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BORN
1919
DIED
2014
Leon Harman Obituary
1919 ~ 2014
Leon Weston "Pete" Harman moved on November 19, 2014 at 95 years of age.
Pete was born in 1919 in Granger, Utah the son of David and Grace Harman. Pete and his five brothers and three sisters were raised on the family farm. His mother, Grace, died of the flu soon after his birth. Grace's widowed sister, Caroline, took baby Pete to her home. David and Caroline were wed and added Caroline's four surviving children to the mix. David died when Pete was five years old and Caroline became the sole child raiser and farm manager.
When Pete was sixteen he was lured by the bright lights of San Francisco. He worked as a counterman in a diner, which was the beginning of a lifelong career in the restaurant business. He met and married Arline Hampton and they had their son, Barry, while in San Francisco.
In 1941, they drove to Salt Lake City on vacation. While there they ran across a shabby diner for sale which they bought. Thus began the Do Drop Inn the beginning of Harman Cafes. By 1953 they had expanded to two restaurants. In a chance meeting with Col. Harland Sanders he was introduced to Kentucky Fried Chicken. The Harmans became the first franchisees. The Colonel was the inventor and front man while Pete helped train new franchisees. Times changed and the restaurants were replaced by Take Outs.
In 1971 Pete was awarded the Horatio Alger Award for "overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles". In 1990 he was named the food service operator of the year by the International Food Service Manufacturer Association.
Pete is survived by son, Barry (Elaine); daughter, Dawn Cook; grandchildren: Tina Florence (Taylor), Todd Harman, Mark Harman (Julie), Kimberly Cook and great-grandsons, Jake and Sam Florence.
Pete was defined by his business acumen, desire to see other people succeed, and philanthropy. He was a much loved honorable man. We all hope to be remembered that way.
The family would like to express our gratitude to Dad's awesome caregivers, Tess, Leslie, Wendy and Jun. They were indispensable and Hospice of the Valley, who made everything easier.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 4th, 1:00 p.m. at the Taylorsville Central Stake Center, 4950 South 1950 West. A viewing will be held Thursday at the church, 11am - 12:30 pm. Private family entombment will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon Harman
February 15, 2015
My condolences to the Harman family and my apology for the lateness of this response. Somehow news of Pete's death didn't reach me until today February 15, 2015.
I so thoroughly enjoyed working with Pete at KFC (and earlier while at Heublein, Inc.) and held him in the highest esteem. Our trip to Beijing for the grand opening of the first fast food restaurant in China was one of the best experiences I had in a 35 year corporate career.
Besides being one of America's greatest entrepreneurs, Pete was the sincerest and most generous man I've ever known.
God bless you, Pete. Rest in peace,
Gregg Reynolds
Ted J. Balestreri
January 2, 2015
Dear Harmon Family,
I just wanted to let you know how highly I regarded Pete. Both as a man and a businessman, there was nobody better than him. There are few people in the world these days with the character and courage Pete possessed: the character to know what the right thing was - and the courage to go and do it. He did so much good and was an extraordinary inspiration to so many people, including myself, who aspired to follow his example.
He will certainly not be forgotten, and I hope that wonderful memories of him will give you great comfort and peace.
Best personal regards,
Ted Balestreri
December 12, 2014
Dear Harman Famjily….
I just heard of Pete's passing the other day. I know we all must pass that way sometime, but such an event causes one to reflect upon the impact that individual had upon our personal life.
I owe Pete a great deal. Two young men, not long after gradating from college, met with Pete and he blessed us with the opportunity to secure the KFC franchise for Las Vegas. He even trained us in his stores in Provo and Salt Lake. Our venture was very successful permitting us to develop other areas and then selling our business back to KFC Corporation. Then working for the Corporation, I had the pleasure of working with Pete on several committees.
Pete was one of the most generous people I ever met. He was a great organizer and fantastic team builder. I loved a saying he used to use, "Money is like manure, it is no good unless you spread it around."
Thanks again, Pete, for the great influence you had in my life. You were certainly one of the very special ones.
Condolences,
Harold Dunford
ValJean Ison Wright
December 4, 2014
Many years ago when Pete had the "Do Drop In", my mother worked as a car hop for him. They also were the same age and spent early years in the same neighborhood. My mother had nothing but good to say about Pete.
Condolences to the family. May you find peace in knowing he was so respected and loved.
Chuck Alvey
December 4, 2014
Mary & Elaine, I am so sorry for your lose. Pete was truly and incredible man. It was my pleasure to know him briefly.
December 4, 2014
I have many great childhood memories of "Harman's Kentucky Fried Chicken" on North Temple. This is where my father took me for a treat and the best fried chicken ever. Thanks Pete Harman for your many contributions.
Johanna Egan
December 3, 2014
I am so very sad to hear of Pete's passing...he had a very kind and sweet aura to him. I remember being very impressed and honored to be in his presence when he came to visit his/our store in Lodi, CA. Thank you for the opportunity to work for a wonderful establishment Mr Harman. RIP...
Gayle Harman
December 3, 2014
Dear Dawn and Barry, Uncle Pete was always bigger than life to our family. After our father, Ralph, passed away more than 40 years ago, our mother, Arda, knew she could rely on Pete to give correct business advice for the KFC's Pete helped my father set up as a future livelihood for her through passing at 93, seven years ago. These stores performed the role of ultimate stability for Mother and our family and made such a difference in our lives...allowing us to act in charitable capacities to others.
True to the Harman Legacy of generosity, Father taught me that giving is truly happiness. Many thousands of people have benefited from the Harman Legacy of Giving.
Few men exhibit the rare combination of leadership, charity, wealth and humility of Pete Harman and the Harman (Harmon) brothers (Dave, Ken, Ralph, Jack, Jake, Pete)and sisters (Velma, Liza and Amy).
He was the last of this living legacy.
Our thoughts, love, and tears are with you.
How deeply we miss them! So deep it hurts.
December 1, 2014
Dear Dawn and Barry, I remember when your house was being built. My dad helped lay the brick as he was on strike at the time and my dads friend was laying the brick. After the house was built you guys had one of the first TV's in the neighborhood and we were invited to come and watch Hopalong Cassidy in your TV room. I thought that was really special. Your dad was great and a very generous person. I have very good memories of both your parents. My deepest sympathy to both of you. Adene Scott
John Crosby
December 1, 2014
My Mother was a manager for Pete Harmon. He was always respective of his employees especially his mangers. Rest well Mr. Harmon.
Marolynn Mineer Griffin
November 30, 2014
Dawn, so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a positive influence in the old neighborhood we grew up in. Losing both parents in the same year is hard.
Bill Barton
November 30, 2014
I haven't seen Pete for many years but my thoughts go back to many fond memories of him when my father first remodeled the old Dew Drop Inn for Pete, and the relationships with the Lions clubs and the bonds from being a part of the original Granger pioneer families.
Pete set a fine example of being a friend and an outstanding person.
Carol Kocherhans Nielsen
November 29, 2014
Dear Dawn, I have so many good memories of spending time with you, and your mom and dad. He was always so kind and gave good advise. I am sorry for your loss. I know it is always difficult to lose one's parent. I pray our Heavenly Father bless you.
November 26, 2014
I have such fond childhood memories of going to 'Harmans' for chicken with my family. That was over 50 years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Julie Jones Bolton
Owen Davis
November 25, 2014
My mother Chris Davis, worked for Pete for many years.He treated my mom special. He also introduced my family to Colonel Sanders. He was a Fantastic person. He will surely be missed! RIP
Jim Scott
November 25, 2014
BArry and Dawn, sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a real gentleman and a help to all of us in the neighborhood with jobs, scholarships getting ourselves into the U. I have a great appreciation for his contribution to my life as well as the others. We share your bereavement and loss. Best regards, Jim, Adene, and Ken Scott
JoAnne Wilton
November 25, 2014
I have known this wonderful couple for many years, as members of the church and later working in Dr Beck and Dr Saw office in caring for Mr Harmon. It was always a pleasure to see him and the caregivers in the office. You will be missed. Jo Anne
November 25, 2014
I was a young high school kid waiting with our band to march in the "Days of '47" parade when Pete and the Colonel came back and shook the hand of many of us. Always been a good memory.
Vaughn Moulton
November 25, 2014
It was a pleasure to work for such a awesome person. He always was willing to help anyone who needed help. Thanks Pete my blessings are with the family at this time R . I . P. Maggie McBride
Esther Kinder
November 24, 2014
Dear Pete: I was honored to meet you at a couple of the Harmon funerals that I attended. Rest in peace and may your family find comfort knowing that they will see you again.
Gary and Laura Mullen
November 24, 2014
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
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