Harry M. Palmer

Harry M Palmer
May 9, 1919
November 2, 2017

Harry Palmer, 98, was born in New York, New York, son of Harry Benson Palmer and Bertha Helliwell and grew up in both Connecticut and New York. He also spent several years of his childhood in France, where he became fluent in French before returning to Connecticut.

He is survived by his son Jim and daughter-n-law Becky, daughters Marilyn and Patsy, 3 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

As a child he developed several passions or loves which included riding horses, plying with dogs, Boy Scouts, the act of giving and compassion for people. This would serve him a life time as he shared these traits where ever he went and with whomever he met.

Harry served in the United States Navy from June 1937 until June of 1957 and in reserve until 1967. He attended flight school in 1939 and attained his wings in in 1941. Be began a career of flying which allowed him to be involved in the the birth of drone technology. He soon mastered flying his plane and a drone at the same time. He would become one of the Naval Enlisted Pilots Silver Eagles Association. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal as well as Good Conduct Medals (5th, 6th and 7th Awards for service). 

He then embarked on a new career for the Poway Unified School District where he was Head Custodian for several schools in the district. Not only did he keep the schools in tip top shape but, he often amazed the students as he performed magic shows for the entire school and occasionally his he would have Marilyn as his assistant. Harry would also spend 30 years in the Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster for his sons pack, Scoutmaster for Troop 491 and round out his career as a District Executive in San Diego County.

With time on his hands he would also serve as a reserve San Diego County Sheriff where he would specialize in search and rescue on horseback. He would then serve the Ramona Fire Dept. as a volunteer Inspector and public education specialist. He would round out a full life with the love of helping children become their best by tutoring students in math for 21 years at Olive Pierce Middle school.

Harry met Beatrice Colson and they were married in 1942. After a military life moving all throughout the country and raising 3 children, he and Bea settled here in Ramona in 1971. His wife Bea passed in 1986 and he then spent time with his community.

The family will remember him as a man of service to his country, family, and community.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 10th at 11am at Bonham Bros & Stewart Mortuary Chapel.  He will be laid to rest, with full military honors, at Riverside National Cemetery on November 16th at 11:30am.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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