Dad took his final flight Thursday, October 20, 2011. Mom was holding his hand about 9:10 in the evening when he left, carried on the wings of angels. I’m sure he coaxed them into doing a barrel roll during the quick trip to be with his Heavenly Father.
Harry was born March 4, 1924 to Zina Stowell Pingree and Walter Hudson Hadlock. He was the third child in the family, welcomed by older boys W. Kay Hadlock and Lynn Hadlock. The three brothers soon greeted little sister Elaine Hadlock
The young family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Harry’s mother died when he was 8 years old. Soon after, they moved to Portland, Oregon. Walter married Jessie McFarland who died giving birth to Harry’s half brother Robb Davis. Robb was raised by an aunt. Again Walter remarried, spending his later years with Toninia They brought Harry’s half sister Mary Hadlock into our lives.
Harry graduated from Benson Polytechnic (high school) in Portland, Oregon. Soon after, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and joined the ranks of Americans fighting for our country in WWII. He advanced to the rank of Captain and served as an electronics officer on a B-29 bomber. Harry was a proud member of the 58th Bomb Group based on Tinian, Marrianas Islands in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged when the war ended.
Harry attended college in Mexico City, then returned to Portland
where he met mom. Donna June Geurts was a younger sister of Elaine Geurts, who was married to Lynn, Harry’s older brother. Harry went often to borrow Lynn’s car and often Donna was there. Dad would ask mom, if, you know, you have nothing to do, would you like to go to a movie. Wedding Bells December 6, 1950. During their Honeymoon official papers arrived calling Harry back to the military. He served as a Military Air Transport Officer until the Korean War ended.
Then children (well, boys) started to arrive. First was Jeff, then Mark followed by Craig and Todd. The four boys’ childhood is well documented by the many photo’s Harry would take. As the boys grew, Harry took pictures of them standing next to many landmarks, like a partially constructed Space Needle or the 520 ramp to the water but no bridge yet or Boy Scouts hiking along the route of the North Cascades Highway or the Windmill at Marymoor Park.
Harry enjoyed volunteering. He spent many hours supporting his church projects. Whether it was picking beans at the church farm or laying bricks at the new Stake Center he gave freely of his time.
Harry worked for The Boeing Company from 1956 until his retirement in 1991. He started in personnel as a recruiter and moved to Boeing Computer Services where he was on the cutting edge of computer programming for many years. Near the end of his career he spent 3 years in Iran and a year in Ethiopia working with Logistics Support. He then travelled around the US, Japan, Ireland and elsewhere instructing others on Boeing procedures. Harry and Donna were able to travel, visiting Israel, Egypt, India, Christmas in Moscow and many other adventures.
After retirement Harry rediscovered his love for volunteer work. He found tremendous joy having lunch with his Ben Rush elementary school lunch buddy. Harry was a long time docent at the Museum of Flight. His stories of flying and airplanes entertained all who visited. He loved playing Santa during the holidays, going to many events and making lots of people happy.
Harry also enjoyed Sumi painting. He took classes for several years then began teaching others. Many of his paintings have been on public display and many more are personal treasures for those he gave them to.
Somewhere along the way he learned to really enjoy rocky road candy and any flavor of ice cream.
Harry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Hadlock; son Jeff (Judy) Hadlock of Whidbey Island WA; son Mark (Pam) of Albuquerque NM; son Craig (Lori) of Lancaster CA; son Todd of Maple Valley WA; half brother Robb Davis and half sister Mary Bunn; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family will gather for a private internment on Thursday.
A memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 28 at 12:00 noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 7720 126th Ave NE Kirkland, WA.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
See ya, Dad.
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