John W. Harshbarger |
| Posted 2009-11-24 by Pat Wilson |
| Professor John W. Harshbarger, the founder of the UA department of hydrology and water resources, died Thursday, October 10, 1991. He was 77. Harshbarger was regarded as one of the state's leading experts in ground-water supplies. He provided guidance in the development of water resources in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson and other communities. In 1961, when he became head of the University of Arizona department of geology, Harshbarger began organizing the first and still only academic program in the United States that covers all aspects of hydrology - ground water, surface water and water resources administration. The hydrology department was organized as a separate entity within the College of Earth Sciences in 1971. Harshbarger was born in Lewistown, Pa. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mining engineering from what is now the University of Texas at El Paso. He also earned a doctorate in geology from the UA in 1949, and a professional degree in geological engineering in 1957. Before joining the UA, Harshbarger worked as a mining engineer for Inspiration Consolidated Copper Co., Arizona , and as a geologist for Union Mines Development Co., Grand Junction, Colo. He also served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on special assignment during World War II. In 1980, Harshbarger retired from the UA and was given the title of professor emeritus. He received the Distinguished Citizen Award in 1982 in recognition of his tenure at the university. During his career, Harshbarger co-wrote two books and wrote 35 scientific articles. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Donna Rea of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Mary Jane Makaio, of San Diego; a son, R. Howard Harshbarger; and several grandchildren. Memorial services were held October 12, 1991, at Evergreen Mortuary Cemetery & Memorial Park, 3015 N. Oracle Road. The Arizona Daily Star October 12, 1991 |
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