Harold Hartshorn
Harold Hartshorn
Harold Hartshorn
Harold Hartshorn

Obituary of Harold G Hartshorn

Harold Geoffrey Hartshorn, 72, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2016 in Auburn, WA. Hal was born September 18, 1943 in Scranton, PA where he spent his childhood. After graduating college at the University of Buffalo, Hal joined the Air Force and spent 21 years serving the United States, a country he deeply loved. Hal was a natural leader and admired for his honesty, loyalty and strength. As an Air Traffic Control Officer and Commander of Communications, Hal served all over the world including Vietnam, and serving as President Nixon’s special Air Traffic Officer in Florida. He married his wife of 44 years, Lois, and his daughter Heather was born in Miami. His daughter Nicole was born in Spain. After retiring from the Air Force as a Lt. Col., Hal joined Lockheed Martin where he spent the remainder of his career before retiring full-time in Auburn. All Hal really needed in his life was his family. He loved taking his family on trips in their travel trailer, exploring America’s beautiful countryside, historic landmarks, boating, fishing and bike riding. He also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs throughout his life. He was a skilled conversationalist who truly listened, laughed, gave sound advice and was an epic storyteller. His humor especially shined when his two grandchildren, Van and Colton, came into his life. In his later years, Hal enjoyed vacationing with Lois and wintering in Florida, where he spent special time with his brother, sisters and their families. Hal loved jazz music, reading was his passion, and his love of history fueled his life. Hal always said that he wanted to teach. But what he didn’t realize is that he has been a teacher all along, teaching his family what unconditional love was all about. Surviving are wife of 44 years Lois; daughter Heather and her husband David Gunasegaram; daughter Nicole, her husband Brad Dundas and grandchildren Van and Colton, all Seattle area; brother Robert C. Pawling and family, Largo, FL; sisters Cheryl Phillips, Margaret Pawling, Maureen Mahoney and families, Scranton, PA; and brother-in-law, Wayne Kahmer, Baltimore, MD. He was proceeded in death by father Harold A. Hartshorn; mother Margaret H. Pawling; and stepfather Robert F. Pawling. A private burial service for family will be held on January 19, 2016 at Tahoma National Cemetery at 2pm. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at 3:30pm at The Rivers Community Clubhouse located at 3611 I. St. NE, Auburn, WA 98002. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or a charity of your choice.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Klontz Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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