Howard Henson Harpst
10/23/1932 10/29/2011
Son of Dr. Howard H. Harpst and Helen Jones of Toledo, Ohio. He is predeceased by his son, Brian Harpst. Howard was born in Toledo, Ohio and attended Ottawa Hills High School. He then went on to attend and receive his MBA at the University of Michigan. While there, he became a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After graduating from the University, he went on to develop his corporate skills and experience. He served as Vice President for Commodore Perry Company, hotel and industrial park. He was owner/manager for air filter sales and services. Administrator for Hughes Aircraft Company, President of Edard Corporation, Account Executive for Merril Lynch, and served as Board of Directors for the Commodore Perry Company, Willis Day Industrial Park, Aim Packaging Co., Edard Corporation and Kewpee Hotels, Inc. Howard also proudly served in the United States Navy. He was Officer in charge of the Commissary Store in Hunters Point, California. During that time he was Lt. (J.G.), SC, for the USNR. He also was the Disbursing Officer aboard the USS Bremerton. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and also attended Navy Supply School in Athens, Georgia. Howard later returned to Toledo to marry his high school sweetheart and soul mate Patricia Adams in 1959. Howard and Patricia later had two boys, Steven and Brian. They moved to Tucson in 1969 where Howard became very active in the community. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson, Palo Verde Kiwanis and the Foothills Forum. Howard was recognized at the National Philanthropy day of celebration in 2008 and a member of United Way Tocqueville Society. He was a wonderful friend to the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. He has served on many boards and investment committees. Pima Community College and Foundation recognized his efforts by naming him an Emeritus member. Amongst all of Howard's great accomplishments, he was a loving devoted husband and father. His family was always his number one priority. As a young man he had many various interests including, riding in rodeos and horse shows. He entered competitive play in Polo and was honored by being rated at two goals at the age of 17 years old. Howard also was a fire fighter in the forestry service in Montana. He had a varied, interesting, full life. He is survived by his son, Steven; sisters, Helen Emmert (Greg) and Ginny Mather (Tim); sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Robert Perryman; nieces and nephew, Elizabeth Emmert (John Henzler), Dr. Gregor Emmert, Patti Orbison (Jim) and Lisa Perryman. A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on November 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Fort Lowell Rd. Immediately following the service, there will be an inurnment at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Contributions may be made to: Brian Harpst Memorial Endowment Fund in Pima Community College Foundation. This provides Scholarships in Respiratory Therapy. Pima Community College, 4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1320. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.