Harold Kern

Harold Samuel Kern passed away at the Waterford Retirement Place in Vancouver Washington on March 18, 2011. He was born in Vancouver, WA on January 2, 1914. His parents were Samuel G & Huldah H. (Buehler) Kern. Attending Arnada Grade School at “H” & Fourth Plain, he and the boys were allowed to bring their 22 rifles to school, set them up in a corner of the class room and after school go pheasant hunting around Ft. Vancouver. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Shumway Jr Hi now the School of Arts and Academics. After graduating from Vancouver High Schoo in 1931 his love of flying and choice of attending the US Naval Academy or a career with General Petroleum Co. were shattered when he and his three younger brothers, Phil, Jim and Clarence all contracted polio. His left arm was permanently disabled. One of his first jobs was being district manager for the National Youth Administration. It paid $18.00 a month for working 20 hours a week. A promotion to a full time county supervisor paid $90.00 a month. Needing a car he purchased a used 1929 Model A Ford. Another promotion transferred him to Tacoma where he met the love of his life, Kathryn Viken. They were married on February 22, 1947. While working for the National Youth Administration, Harold set up various classes including auto mechanics. His class was given an old Buick to restore. When the US president’s wife, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, came to inspect the classes the Buick was chosen for her transportation. While driving her around Seattle and telling her what fine mechanics these boys were, a rear wheel came off. The tour was continued in a different car. In 1945 he went to work for the PUD and became their Chief Purchasing Agent until his retirement 33 years later. Always willing to service his community, Harold was active in the Rotary Club 62 years, the Elks Club 69 years, the Ft. Vancouver Historical Society, the Clark County Red Cross, the WA State Retire Employees Chapter 9, chairman of the Clark Co. March of Dimes 10 years, chairman of Vancouver Aviation Advisory Committee 30 years, past president of the Vancouver Jaycees, a charter member of the Toastmasters Club #610, WA State Director International Aviation Council, 2 terms, board member of the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the administrative council at the First United Methodist Church. While a teenager Harold crossed the Columbia River some 13 different ways. In 1928 the river froze into solid ice. He walked, rode a bicycle, and drove an old Dodge across; other ways were swimming, boating, flying as a pilot and passenger, train, streetcar; on the bridge walking, car driver and passenger, and bicycling. Harold is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of 63 years and brother, James Kern (Rena). He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Huldah Kern and his brothers, Phillip and Clarence. A life celebration memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist, Vancouver, WA at 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 31, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Red Cross, the Methodist Church Foundation or the charity of choice. The family extends special thanks to SWMC, Ft. Vancouver Convalescent Center, Hospice and the Waterford for their compassionate and loving Care. Arrangements entrusted to Vancouver Funeral Chapel.