Don Harwood

Don Harwood, November 8, 1921 to August 19, 2015 William Donald Harwood, known as Don, age 93, passed away August 19, 2015 was born November 8, 1921 to Albert Reynor Harwood and Marie Harwood in Topeka Kansas. He grew up in Scranton, Kansas and was an outstanding athlete. He met his wife while working at her father’s lumber yard. They were married in 1942. In World War II, he served in the Pacific as a Navy fire control man which ultimately led to his technical career. Following the war and a short return to the lumber yard, he chose to enlist in the Army and while awaiting assignment he was selected by General Grove to join the Manhattan Engineering District. He served the Army Nuclear Weapons program as a non-commissioned officer and as a warrant officer. He was a nuclear weapon assembler, maintainer and loading officer. In 1953 he left the Army to continue his nuclear weapons career with Sandia Corporation. This same year, he became a father and started college. He worked for Sandia for over 26 years and pursued an engineering degree for the first 13 years. He attended school and worked full time, becoming the first engineering student to graduate from UNM attending only part time. Following his retirement from Sandia, he worked on the Airborne Laser Lab for McDonnell Douglass after which he joined the civil service where he worked for the Navy at China Lake and Navel Weapons Evaluation Facility on Kirtland AFB. He finished his civil service career with Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Quality. Don earned certifications from the American Society for Quality for both Quality and Reliability Engineering and maintained a California Registration as a Quality Engineer throughout his life. He belonged to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and was a senior member of the American Society for Quality. He was past chairman of the Albuquerque chapters of both organizations. He was active in PTA, Cub Scouts and was on the Boy Scouts Kit Carson Council. He accepted Christ at Heights Christian Church and was eventually chairman of the Deacons and was very active with Order of Phillip in which he led others to Christ. He also loved camping and fishing with his family. Following the passing of his beloved wife of 69 years, Ethel Loraine, he lived at Bear Canyon Retirement and Woodmark Assisted Living where he was active in the community activities and events. His charming smile, sparkling eyes and playful sense of humor will be greatly missed. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Tanya Harwood. Friends may visit one hour prior to the Funeral Service on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Interment will follow the service in Santa Fe National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.