Celebrating the life of
Donald Eugene Harwood
November 07, 1931 - December 10, 2011
Donald Eugene Harwood
Savannah- Donald Eugene Harwood, 80, passed away on Saturday morning, December 10th after a short illness.
He was born in Chatfield, Minnesota, near Rochester, to Archie and Susan Campion Harwood, and was the eldest of six siblings. He lived in Minnesota through his college years, and graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.
During the Korean War he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.
His professional career in the newspaper business began with the Chicago Tribune in the advertising field and eventually he was transferred to New York City to manage their Retail Advertising Department. It was there that he met and married his former wife, Joan Powers Harwood. After seven years in this job capacity he was asked to return to Chicago to be Editor of their afternoon newspaper. When this paper folded two years later he moved to Memphis, Tennessee to become Advertising Director at the Commercial Appeal. When he heard of an opportunity with Morris Communications to be General Manager now "Editor" of the Savannah Morning News and Evening Press he applied for the position. This job brought the Harwood family to Savannah, and for eighteen years 1973-1991 Don managed our local newspaper. The Savannah Magazine made its debut under his tenure. His community involvements were numerous. He was Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and the Airport Commission. He served on the Boards of the Savannah Yacht Club, the American Heart Association and the Hospital Authority. He was a member of the Chatham Club and the Wilmington Island Club. He was a life-long sports enthusiast, with golf, tennis, half marathons and biking being his favorites.
Don is survived by his son, William Bradford Harwood and grandson, Adrian Bradford Harwood. His three brothers, Bill, Rich and Dave Harwood also survive him. He leaves behind his beloved companion of many years, Telia Long and her three devoted daughters, Pam Yanner, Kim Mathews and Patty Murphy.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 14th from 4-6 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks on December 15th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be sent to the Empty Stocking Fund at the Savannah Morning News, P.O. Box 1088, Savannah, GA 31402-1088.
To Bill and the family, we extend our deepest sympathy. Don was one of the first persons I met when we moved to Savannah thirty-two years ago. I have many fond memories of Don, ranging from our frequent meetings at 1790 after work, to our golf matches with Dan Vaden and Curtis Lewis. He was an excellent business-man, community leader and good friend. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and all the family.
- Bill & Marie Robinson, Savannah, GA
Bill I understand the difficulty of having a father pass. Just know that I and your work colleagues are thinking about you and praying for you and your family during the loss of your Dad. Tedd & MM Staff
- Tedd Comerford, Savannah, GA
Don's community service is known, but his participation in the health needs of this community is legendary. With devotion and caring he served on the Chatham County Hospital Authority for over 15 years, with thoughtful and deliberate wisdom, leading the Authority in its mission. He will be sorely missed by those of us who follow after him - we will miss his guidance and compassion, and fellowship. May he always be remembered for what he unselfishly did for others. Jerry and Ginger Caplan
- Dr. and Mrs,Gerald E. Caplan, Savannah, GA
Mr. Harwood was one of my dad's Jim Buchman's favorite people, and a person whom he enjoyed tremendously, not only for his accomplishments, but also for the enthusiasm and alacrity with which he approached life. From the time my dad introduced me to Mr. Harwood, he always had a warm greeting for me and asked about my family, anytime I saw him around Savannah. Their regular Sunday morning tennis games, which went on for over 40 years, were legendary at my house. We will miss him. Warmest Regards, Vernon & Rebecca Buchman
- Vernon & Rebecca Buchman, Savannah, GA
Although I did not know Mr Harwood I heard only good things about him as my Son David Cornett had a great deal of respect for him and told me he enjoyed sharing stories with him about their tenure of Military service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Faimly and Friends. Ray and Theresa Cornett
- Ray & Theresa Cornett, Beverly Hills, FL
To Bill and the family, we extend our deepest sympathy. Don was one of the first persons I met when we moved to Savannah thirty-two years ago. I have many fond memories of Don, ranging from our frequent meetings at 1790 after work, to our golf matches with Dan Vaden and Curtis Lewis. He was an excellent business-man, community leader and good friend. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and all the family.
- Bill & Marie Robinson, Savannah, GA
Bill I understand the difficulty of having a father pass. Just know that I and your work colleagues are thinking about you and praying for you and your family during the loss of your Dad. Tedd & MM Staff
- Tedd Comerford, Savannah, GA
Don's community service is known, but his participation in the health needs of this community is legendary. With devotion and caring he served on the Chatham County Hospital Authority for over 15 years, with thoughtful and deliberate wisdom, leading the Authority in its mission. He will be sorely missed by those of us who follow after him - we will miss his guidance and compassion, and fellowship. May he always be remembered for what he unselfishly did for others. Jerry and Ginger Caplan
- Dr. and Mrs,Gerald E. Caplan, Savannah, GA
Mr. Harwood was one of my dad's Jim Buchman's favorite people, and a person whom he enjoyed tremendously, not only for his accomplishments, but also for the enthusiasm and alacrity with which he approached life. From the time my dad introduced me to Mr. Harwood, he always had a warm greeting for me and asked about my family, anytime I saw him around Savannah. Their regular Sunday morning tennis games, which went on for over 40 years, were legendary at my house. We will miss him. Warmest Regards, Vernon & Rebecca Buchman
- Vernon & Rebecca Buchman, Savannah, GA
Although I did not know Mr Harwood I heard only good things about him as my Son David Cornett had a great deal of respect for him and told me he enjoyed sharing stories with him about their tenure of Military service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Faimly and Friends. Ray and Theresa Cornett
- Ray & Theresa Cornett, Beverly Hills, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
