Harm Henry Schlomer Jr.

Harm Henry Schlomer Jr passed away October 30 after a two year battle with lymphoma. He was born on 7/24/ 38 to Harriett (Hancox) Schlomer and Harm H. Schlomer Sr in Spokane where he attended Franklin Grade School. After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School here he got his German Literature degree from EWU after attending WSU and the University of Kiel in Germany where he developed a fluency in the German language through immersing himself in classes taught in German and engaging in conversation with German cousins. He served in the US Army in 1961-63, acting primarily as a translator in courts-martial trials involving American service personnel and German nationals in Germany.

Home from overseas, he met his wife of 58 years, Judy Druffel and they began their family with the birth of their daughter Erika, who was soon joined by Harm III. Shortly after his son's birth the Spokane Daily Chronicle published an article featuring Harm as the youngest member ever to have a seat on the Spokane Stock Exchange then the “nation’s leading mining exchange”. The gold and silver markets, the international monetary systems and the economy attracted his interest from an early age and remained an avid study throughout his life. He was frequently interviewed both locally and nationally during highs and lows in volatile gold and silver metals markets often pictured in front of the iconic “green chalk board” used for the daily Spokane Exchange activity.

Harm also followed his love of language as a language instructor at Spokane Falls Community College for seven years, teaching night classes.

Although Harm will be remembered for the depth of his knowledge of history, the economy and world affairs, his love for his wife and children were first and foremost in his life. He was always ready to be there as a father and grandfather and took great joy in supporting their interests, achievements and life events. Well traveled, his home was his castle for 57 years. He was predeceased by his parents and younger sister Carolyn Parks. His youngest sister Linda Weidenhamer survives him. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves four devoted grandchildren, Irena Fischer, Jacob Schlomer. Amy Schlomer and Riley Schlomer and daughter-in-law Shelly (Bichler) Schlomer. Harm enjoyed extended family relationships with his Schlomer and Schmidt cousins, nieces and nephews attending their special occasions as well as those of his children’s friends.

Harm was member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at WSU, a Cougar to the core and general sports fan. He shared his personal love of baseball with children in the neighborhood and summers at Newman Lake.

It needs to be said, that Harm was an inspiration to many during his last two years in his acceptance of the sudden paralysis in this legs caused by cancer which ended abruptly his independence and well known habit of daily neighborhood walks. He maintained a positive attitude and garnered the friendship as well as caring support of those visiting and caring for him. The family is indebted to his primary care physician, Dr. Clinton Hauxwell, and the staff of CenterWell home care for their attentive support which allowed us to care for him at home until his final days.

At his request no funeral will be held, however his family plans a celebration of his life in late spring for family and friends.