Robert Harner

Robert Clemans Harner, 80, of Columbia Falls, died peacefully in his home on Aug. 20, 2004, surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 16, 1923, in Colville, Wash., and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1941.

From 1943 to 1945, he served in the United States Army Air Corp as a flight engineer, and he was honorably discharged in 1945 after attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. During his military service, he was awarded several medals and honors, including the Purple Heart.

On June 3, 1942, he married Mary Louise Reuter. He was employed as a power plant operator at the Hungry Horse Dam for 30 years. After retiring, he and his wife continued to reside in Columbia Falls, spending winter vacations in the Southwest, where he played his beloved sport of golf.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Robert Harner, in Aug. of 2000.

He is survived by his wife Mary Louise, of Columbia Falls; his daughter Cheryl Harner Walsh and son-in-law Michael Walsh, of Gilroy, Calif.; and his brother William Harner and his family, of Libby.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held Aug. 25, 2004, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls, with Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Committal services followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, with military graveside honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.