Jerry Harwin: 1911-2012

Our dogs join us in being grateful for all he did for our community. Thank you, Mr. Harwin.

RIP, Jerry. You were a great guy and I loved working with you. Always fun. Always upbeat. Always thinking the best.

The passing of this icon comes as much as a shock as did the passing of the Kopper Koffee Pot, Mom's Italian Village, and The Spigot. The end of an episode. North Dakota's loss was certainly Santa Barbara's gain.

I'll always remember walking up State Street and passing Harwin's Jewelry, where I'd peek in once in awhile to say hello to another contributing member of the family, wonderful Ed Harwin.

I'll not continue with praise here. No need to gild the lily, you see! Suffice it to say, L'chaim.

My 5yo son, "B" has frequently talked about his friend Jerry for the last year and a half since first meeting him at Maravilla during Kindermusik with Kathy's Family Time class. Shortly after we began taking classes we enjoyed helping Jerry celebrate his 99th birthday. Then 3 1/2, "B" was in awe that someone could be that "old" and could play the ukelele while singing. Even when not taking classes "B" continued to ask about Jerry and wondered how he was doing. We had the pleasure of getting to see Jerry one last time this past winter and "B" loved having the chance to sing with him again.
Thank you Jerry for being you and for sharing your love of music with my son. I am sure he will always remember you. Much love to you wherever you may be.

Jerry's identical twin brother, Lionel, was my father.. Every time I see Jerry's pictures, it reminds me of my father who past away in 1994.. You could not tell these two apart. Whenever we visited Santa Barbara people thought my dad was Jerry.. I loved my uncle very much and I will miss him.. I remember he gave me a Seiko Chronograph watch for my High School graduation, which I still have to this day.

Jerry Harwin was my Dad. He was a wonderful, gracious and loving man. He used to credit his longevity to "Wine, Women and Song but not necessarily in that order." I love him so very much and will miss him, his charm, his wisdom and guidance throughout my life. He gave back so much to the community he loved. The memories I have of my Dad would fill a book. I can even remember when I was a small boy living in LaCrosse going down the slopes in a toboggon and riding in the engine of the Zephyr (train) that was close by to our home. He was a true Father in every sense of the word. Dad, I will miss you very much. Love, Ed

Ed, I never got to meet your dad but I worked with Sean a few years ago at the museum and he told me the story about the family. Sean was a very nice, and unusually mature kid for being only 16 so from what I see, the spirit lives on.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,