Mark S. Harmon

Mark S. Harmon December 31, 1950 December 18, 2012 Westbrook - Mark S. Harmon of Westbrook, Maine left us and embarked on his next journey at his home with his wife and children by his side, as he had wished. He was born on December 31, 1950 to Harold and Virginia (Smith) Harmon, and grew up in Portland. Mark attended Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School in the class of 1969. He worked in his family's blueberry business and at UPS while a student at the University of Southern Maine, from which he graduated in 1973, with a degree in History and Elementary Education. Mark's life took an unexpected turn in October of 1975, when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders on down. However, he did not let the accident prevent him from making the world a better place. Mark went on to help start Alpha One Center for Independent Living; he managed a few friends' election campaigns; he built and owned the Barnhouse Tavern Restaurant in Windham, founded and ran an international import/export company, was the Director of Development for a non-profit organization, and worked at UNUM, from which he retired from in the late '90s. However, Mark's proudest achievements were the ones involving his children: Nick and Hannah. He was a proud and loving father and was very involved in all his children's activities; he volunteered in their classrooms, and was a soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, swimming, and music booster. Mark also helped with the local Boy Scout troop. He was an Eagle Scout and very proud of his son Nick for reaching that honor as well. He was a Sunday school teacher and youth leader at Prides Corner Church. He was involved in many local fundraising efforts for the Westbrook community, for the church, and other non-profit organizations. Mark believed in never giving up, always working hard, planning ahead, being prepared, and always smiling. His zest for life was palpable and he believed one can accomplish anything, though you might have to be creative sometimes. All who met him were amazed by his ""can do"" attitude and work ethic. He was a great listener and a wonderful friend and mentor. Never one to complain, he saw the good in everyone and focused on the positive side in every situation. The world is a far better place for his being here. Mark will be terribly missed by Odilia, his wife of 25 years; his son Nicholas, a junior at Tufts University; and his daughter Hannah, a sophomore at Westbrook High School. Mark is also survived by his mother Virginia (Smith) Harmon of Portland and his sister Nancy (Harmon) Olson and her family of San Jose, CA; his mother's extended family in Alabama; as well as many lifelong friends, several of whom are considered family. Mark was pre-deceased by his father Harold C. Harmon. Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 22, 10 a.m., at Prides Corner Congregational Church, 235 Pride Street, Westbrook, ME. Mark believed we could stamp out hunger in the world. To that end, in lieu of flowers, please donate to a food pantry in your community or to the Good Shepherd Food Bank at 111 Pine Tree Industrial Parkway, Unit C, Portland, ME 04102 or at www.gsfb.org.

Mark S. Harmon

December 31, 1950 - December 18, 2012

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