KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
On Nov. 23, 2015, the Santa Clarita Valley lost one of its most devoted champions when longtime resident Duane R. Harte passed away at age 68 from an apparent cardiac arrest.
“The heart of Santa Clarita,” Harte’s dedication touched nearly every corner of civic life, and his final day exemplified that spirit. He spent it volunteering at the annual Festival of Trees to support the Boys & Girls Club.
Harte moved to Santa Clarita in 1974 with his wife of 43 years, Pauline, and poured himself into community service for more than four decades.
SCV History
Together, the couple became fixtures in local volunteerism. Harte served on countless boards and committees, including leadership roles with the SCV Veterans Memorial Committee, SCV Historical Society, SCV Chamber of Commerce, SCV Committee on Aging, and the Newhall Redevelopment Committee.
A 17-year member of the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge, he built deep connections across the valley. In recognition of his extraordinary commitment, he was named SCV Man of the Year in 2003.
Harte was the owner of Academy Addressing and Mailing, a direct mail and printing service in Sun Valley, and retired in 1990 as Senior Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Naval Reserve after 23 years of service, according to his biography on the city’s website.
His service continued at home through his work with the Newhall American Legion Post 507, where he tirelessly supported programs that benefited local veterans.
Harte also played a major role in shaping city policy. Appointed to the Santa Clarita Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission in 2008, he was serving as chairman at the time of his passing, bringing steady leadership, historical knowledge, and a deep love for his community.
“Duane has been involved in the community for as long as I have known him and before that,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kellar. “He’s the heart of Santa Clarita because he has done so much… We lost one of our great ones this morning. He’s a good friend. He will be sorely missed.”
To view yesterday’s Today in History, click here.
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He was such a great guy to work with..
Remember working with him that year at the festival of lights. He really made a difference in the community and is missed.
Duane Harte…………Class Act! He and his wife Pauline were very active in our community. We miss him. Pauline is caring on the tradition. She was at the Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees Gala this past Friday. Great to see her.