VAN AKEN, Harrison, Jr.

Harrison Van Aken, Jr., 93, of Mesa, Ariz., died November 24, 2006 at Banner Baywood Medical Center. He was born December 20, 1912, to Harrison and Susan Welch Van Aken in Sterling, Kan. He is survived by his wife R. Gayl of Mesa, son David (Linda) of Jacksonville, Ill.; son Richard Price (Helen) of Bloomingdale, Ill.; grandchildren Kristin and Ryan Van Aken of Jacksonville, Ill., Harrison IV (Lisa) of Denver, Co., Katie and Thomas of Bloomingdale and Michelle Price of Schaumburg, Ill.; and great-grandchildren Claire Van Aken of Jacksonville and Zeffy Price of Bloomingdale, Ill; and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Harrison III, brothers John (Gertrude) and David (Bonnie), and son David Price (Gail). Harrison was raised in Lyons, Kan., and attended Kansas State University before graduating with a degree in finance from Brown University. He married Albina Osipowich, who preceded him in death in 1965. He later married R. Gayl Williams on July 16, 1975. Beginning his career as a banker in Chicago, Harrison worked for the General Electric Corporation beginning as a traveling auditor and concluding as vice president of overseas operations during which time he worked in various locations including New York, Virginia and Arizona. He was also president of Hallicrafter Corporation, and vice president of Northrop Aviation, positions which allowed for extensive international travel. Throughout his career, Harrison was involved in many civic endeavors including school board memberships and community philanthropic endeavors. He received the key to Lynchburg, Va., for service to the community, and also met with various political leaders and dignitaries including Ronald Regan, Barry Goldwater, a former President of Thailand and South Korean military advisor. During retirement Harrison was an avid golfer and a fan of many sporting teams including the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Services were at Mountain View Mortuary Chapel, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa. Memorials can be made to the Church of the Master, 6659 East University Drive, Mesa, 85205, Attn: Pastor Malcom Davis. Published in The Arizona Republic on 11/28/2006.