DORA IRENE HARNED

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", May 1999, page 3

1926-1999

It is with deep sadness that I am writing about the death of a hobby pioneer, magazine editor, loyal friend, and a great lady. Dora Harned passed away from lung cancer at her home in Chico, California, on 26 March. She was 72. About a year ago Dora asked me if I would write her obituary for Crown Jewels when she died. My first reaction was to tell her that I just couldn't do it because of the emotions involved. But I thought it over and realized the honor and privilege she was giving me, and days later I said I would do it. However, I had hoped it would he a very long time before that duty came to me.

Dora Irene Merrill was born in Barre, Vermont, on 24 September 1926. She came to California with her family when she was seven, eventually settling in Paradise, California, where she later met her husband Don Harned. They were married in Reno, Nevada, on 5 September 1944. They have three children; Doreen, Tom. and Don, Jr.

The Harneds became interested in insulators around 1967, and in March of 1969 they printed the first issue of Insulators. Crown Jewels of the Wire. They started the magazine on a shoestring, and Dora often remarked that publishing it was a real labor of love. Wes and I met the Harneds in 1972, and they have been the best friends one could have. Dora had a wonderful dry sense of humor, a no-nonsense lady who told it like it was, and she was always right. She was a generous person who had a great big heart. It just can't be put into words how much I loved Dora. She was special to everyone who knew her. 

Don and Dora contributed so much to the formation and continuation of our hobby. Until her health failed, they made every show, and when they were present, things were more exciting and fun. (Don was the first person to teach Wes and me that adding written information to a display was important.) The Harneds could tell hobby stories by the hour, and it was delightful to listen to them. Dora was a charter member of the Bidwell Bottle Club and the NIA. She was given the first Outstanding Service Award in 1976, which she said was "the real high point of my career." In 1982 the Harneds received lifetime memberships in the NIA.

On their 50th wedding anniversary in 1994, their children and other family members gave the Harneds a party at a park near Chico, and it was the most beautiful, best-organized party I've ever seen. Everything was perfect. It was obvious how much these two people were loved by their family. (If you would like to read more about the Harneds, please see CJ 3-89-9, 3-94-4, and 11-94-22.) 

Because of health problems Dora was forced to give up Crown Jewels in June of 1985. About 12 years ago Dora was diagnosed with lupus, and because of that and the complications involved, her health further deteriorated. But she met every problem bravely and tried hard to get better, never losing her sense of humor. In March of this year she was told that she had lung cancer and that her time was short. All along, she had the loving care and concern of her family, especially her daughter Doreen, who told me that Dora never complained even when the pain was intense. 

Dora is survived by Don, her husband of 54 years, three children, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, to whom I offer my sincere condolences and sympathy. She will be greatly missed and remembered by her family and friends who loved her.

Clarice Gordon