Harold Gerald O'Hara

Harold Gerard O'Hara died February 24, 2010, at the age of 84. He was born on July 1, 1925, to John J. and Katherine (Williams) O'Hara in Brooklyn, N.Y.

While attending Brooklyn Tech, he decided he wanted to go into the Navy. On July 1, 1941, Harold was inducted into the Navy at Newport, Rhode Island. After boot camp, he attended Machinist Mate School in Detroit, Michigan, where he met Jean, his wife-to-be.

Harold shipped out on the Nashville in March of 1942, and served in the South Pacific.

In May of 1945 he returned to the United States, and he and Jean were married on May 19, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan.

Harold was discharged in December, 1945, and they then moved to Southern California, where they had their two daughters, Cathy and Karen.

Harold worked as a lithographer for 20 years, then moved into the restaurant business for the next 20 years. When he retired he worked at ShopKo, then moved to Wal-Mart as greeter, during which time he was marshal/starter at Eagle Crest Golf Course.

Harold was a past master of the Masonic Lodge and Chapter Dad of Demolay in Duarte, California.

Shortly after he and Jean moved to Sisters in 1976, he was one of the charter members of the Sisters Kiwanis. He was active for many years in the club and was Lt. Governor for 2-1/2 years.

His favorite activities were camping, fishing and playing golf.

Harold enjoyed planning trips. He and Jean traveled extensively, including all 50 states and several cruises.

Harold loved talking to people, and took a true interest in their lives. He read the newspaper cover-to-cover, watched the news and knew what was going on in the world.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean; daughter Cathy and son-in-law Mike Downing of Madras, Karan O'Hara of Culver; grandchildren Brenda Rushing, Josh Bailey, Alsions Badgley and Angela Powell. Three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily Rushing and Austin Powell. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Brodigan of Tucson, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family service with a celebration of life planned for May.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.