I am Hank Harman, father of Richard, Jane, Pat and Pete Harman and pastor, friend and admirer of Ken since 1959.

Yes, "admirer", even though at times I thought of him as an incorrigible "brat."

Our family moved from North Carolina to York, PA in July 1959 when I became Pastor of Memorial United Church of Christ (UCC) to which the Dermota family belonged. Richard (we then called him "Dick") and Ken became fast friends soon and also became known as the meanest little boys in the Sunday School.

One Sunday, when they were about seven or eight, they sat down in one of the front pews, talking and giggling, thinking that people behind them would not see them. I, of course, could see them from the chancel and considered throwing a hymn book down on them. Ken's mother, Mary, was in the choir and see could see them.

During a prayer Mrs. Harman walked across the back of the church, up a side aisle and plopped down between them. This cracked us all up but it also shut them up.

Ken's father, Ed, had not gone beyond high school, but he was one of the most theologically astute persons I have ever known. He not only knew his Bible but he had also read some of the leading theologians of our time, like Paul Tillich. He was an elder of the church and, when Memorial later merged with Trinity UCC, continued as an elder. He was also act in the affairs of the Penn Central Conference of the UCC.

My ministry at Memorial, 1959-67, included times of racial stress, when I tried to be a leader in the Civil Rights movement and bring Memorial Church along. Ed was also a leader in improving race relations and a great support to me. He was able to touch some people who would not respond to a clergy person.

Ed had the reputation of being one of the best upholsterers in the area. That is where Ken got some of his ability for the Furniture Worker Union.

Ed knew that two of the members of our Consistory (church council) were electricians. In a discussion on the next year's budget, one of them favored a raise in the pastor's salary while the other rather vocally opposed. Ed moved that the Pastor's salary be equal to that of a journeyman electrician with same time of service. The motion was not seconded but I got a raise.

Ken's brother, Ralph, became an ordained minister but then he later took over the upholstery business.

Ken's mother, Mary, also helped in the business. They lived above their shop in West York until Ken was about twelve when they bought a house in the West York area. Mary was a Wilkinson so Ed "married into" the business. His shop was Wilkinson Upholstry.

Henry V. Harman, Richmond, VA