Harrington will be around for a long, long time
    - by Wally Wakefield,  Sept 3, 2007

I have been dreading the day that I would be writing this piece. I have known for some time, and it was always easier to put the thought out of mind than to consider even thinking about what I might say. There are so many things to say about Tom Harrington and what he has meant (and will continue to mean) to so many people, that I am having difficulty finding words.But then, I knew I would. How does one express one's feelings about a friend?

But then, Harrington was not just a friend. He was a part of my life for the better part of the last 65 years. I consider Tom Harrington a person who commanded (always) respect brought about by admiration for the person. You see, Tom Harrington was as much a part of the St. Paul Ski Club, as the ski club itself. Any who were around long enough ago to remember, know what I mean. Tom epitomized all the good things that could ever attenuate from any sport. If ever you wanted a role model, Harrington might have made the mold. That he was involved with ski jumping made our trip through life together all the more worthwhile.

He was there before I knew he was so important. Harrington was a St Paul Eastsider. All his life he has been associated with the Eastside. He graduated from Harding High School. The one down on Third and Earl.

He grew up almost in the shadow of the old Mounds Park Ski Slide, and he joined the St. Paul Ski Club in 1938. His talents soon were recognized and in 1947, he was elected to the Board of Directors and has served as a member of that board continuously until his death. On five separate occasions, Harrington was elected president of the club.

He was a better than average ski jumper and on two occasions laid claim to the club trophy, as the best competitor in the annual tournament.

He was active both with the St. Paul Ski Club and the Central Division. He served for 12 years as chairman of the Central Division Ski Jumping Committee. He also served as Chairman of the National Ski Association Ski Jumping Committee for nine years.

Tom utilized his talents and curiosity and became a nationally recognized designer of ski jumping hills. The four ski jumping hills at the St. Paul Ski Club's Maplewood based facilities (Carver's Lake) were designed by Harrington, as were many other jumps throughout the region.

He was an innovator. His mind moved from ideas to reality. He designed and assisted in the construction of a summer ski jumping facility that sent ski jumpers soaring into the waters of the St. Croix River.

Tom was proud of the fact that he was selected to serve as a Technical Delegate to the ski jumping that occurred at Squaw Valley, CA, for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. He was truly a nationally recognized authority on the sport of ski jumping.

Harrington was the influence and research guru who did the "grunt" work compiling information which led to the creation of a book, "On Wings of Wood", which chronicled the first 100 years of the existence of the St. Paul Ski Club. The book was available at the centennial celebration held by members of the club.

There are so many more attributes of Harrington's accomplishments that could be mentioned, but at least, during his lifetime, the members of the St. Paul Ski Club chose to honor Harrington in a most unique way. They gave Tom a trophy. That might not seem unusual until you consider what they gave him was just not any trophy.

The ski slide (the one visible from I 494 as you head in or out of Woodbury) was, in a surprise ceremony back in 1972, named "Harrington Hill". In fact it was so much of a surprise, that no one in the club thought to invite any of Harrington's family members. Not even his wife Joan was there! His legacy will remain for many more years.

There it stands. "Harrington Hill". A 46-meter tribute to the guy who designed and helped with its construction. Then, like so many others throughout the country, he skied on it. The slide stands bigger than life. but "Harrington Hill" still is smaller than the man.

More than any other person I know, in his near 70 years of devoted service to the St. Paul Ski Club, Harrington has been the most influential, most dedicated, most respected individual in the 120 years of existence of the club. Tom Harrington was synonymous with the St. Paul Ski Club.

But Harrington also had time to spend with his family. At age 80, while on a skiing venture with his great grandkids, Tom fell and broke a hip. At age 80, he became a "marvel" when hospital personnel heard how it happened. But that was Harrington.

He was there for people. Harrington was maybe the most principled individual I have ever known. He was a mildly intense person who utilized his ambitions in a cooperative manner. Now Harrington, at age 83 is gone from our presence.

Harrington has made sure that his presence will never be absent from those who remain. The many legacies that he has left, will continue to be enjoyed by kids of all ages, for as long they are able to partake of them. His "trophy" stands for all to see. More importantly, it is there for all to use!

There is an old adage I have used many times, but I can't think of it being more appropriately true than when I say of Tom, "To die and not be forgotten, is not to have died at all".

Hey Tom, make it "Long and 60".

Quick takeoffs ...
Hey RUTH, you hang in there!

 
(use BACK button to return to previous page)