Harold E. Mabie
October 27, 1926 ~ March 7, 2017
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Harold E. Mabie, 90, passed away Mar 7, 2017. Survived by children, Van R. (Karen Burkhart) Mabie of San Diego, Calif., and Leslie G. (Tom) Towner of Lakewood, Colo.; brother, Dick (Ruth) of San Diego, Calif. and sister, Creta Ensley of Pueblo. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Beth; brother, Guy (Jean) San Diego, Calif.;and sister, Hazel Foreman of San Jose, Calif.; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and their children and hundreds of loyal and wonderful friends. Harold was born to Harold and Marguerite Mabie on October 27, 1926, in Pueblo. Owner and President of King Lumber Company for 45 years, in 1987 he closed and liquidated the lumber business and began becoming even more involved in the community. As a respected civic leader, Harold served as President of the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Airport Development Commission, and was elected to Pueblo City Council in 1980. Appointed to the first PEDCO Board 'Architects of Pueblo's Future', and in 1989, he became Director of PEDCO California Operations, living in California for 3 years, leading the recruitment for companies to relocate to Pueblo. Over several years, Harold served as the Director for Neighbor Housing Services, City County Health Board, District 60 Vocational Planning Advisory Council, United Way, Rocky Mountain Council of Boy Scouts, General Contractors Association, and the Pueblo Home Builders Association. Harold received numerous awards for his service to his beloved community including: In 1983, Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen, Fraternal Order of Eagles Outstanding Citizen as non-member of the Order, City Council's Proclamation of Appreciation, Sunshine Award for Wake Up With Pueblo, and Honorary member of 4-H Clubs of Colorado. In 1986 he was inducted into the Centennial HS Hall of Fame and in 1989 received the American Heritage Program Award and the Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award. In one of his most famous endeavors, in 1982, he coordinated 500 volunteers working non-stop for 36 hours. He project-managed and constructed two 4H dormitories on the Colorado State Fair Grounds and in 1984 he served as Director for the Colorado International Air Show, again assembling his volunteer army setting up all facilities. Harold was a proud member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for 8 years and served as Master of Ceremonies of the annual Elks Club Flag Day Program for 26 years. In 1960, he began building the family cabin in San Isabel, working seasonally every weekend, becoming the gathering place for family and friends for over 50 years. Harold had a passion for scuba diving and for 35 years enjoyed diving around the world. He was a proud Navy Veteran serving his country in both WWII and the Korean War. There will be no viewing or services at this time. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. The Family respectfully requests the omission of food and flowers. Memorials may be made to Sangre de Cristo Joni Fair Hospice House through Montgomery & Steward. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
My father, Clyde Miller, sold lumber for the King Lumber Co. in the early 1950s. He and my mother, Katheryn, always spoke very highly of Harold. Imagine my surprise when I ran into Harold 40 years later in Southern California at an economic development event; he had temporarily relocated to SoCal to recruit business for Pueblo. What a dynamic, interesting, engaging gentleman! My condolences to his family; his passing was a great loss.
We lived across the street from the Mabie’s for many years and were blessed to know this enterprising and hard working fellow and his dear family.
Harold was one of the hardest working people I ever knew and most definitely a role model extraordinaire.
Enjoyed many a Friday with Harold and the City Fathers @ Gus’ and was most appreciative of his ever positive attitude, erstwhile community spirit & service.
R.I.P. dear neighbor
Sincerely,
Jim Simmons
Green Valley, Arizona
Harold was a good and kind man. I will always remember him that way.
What a truly wonderful man, a father who adored his late wife, Beth, a dedicated family man and respected community leader of numerous accomplishments. However, his best accomplishments were his two children, Van and Leslie. A greater legacy cannot be found. He will be greatly missed. With much love and warm regards, Bill and Janice Shackelford, Sheridan, WY