Person Page 289

Harry Crittenden Wark was born on 8 November 1910 in Valparaiso, Porter, Indiana.¹ He died on 30 May 2012, at age 101, in Valparaiso, Porter, Indiana.² He was buried in Graceland Memorial Park (Hilldale), Valparaiso, Porter, Indiana.²

Harry Crittenden Wark was a U.S. Steel Gary Works/Owner Hardware Store.^3,4 HARRY C. WARK VALPARAISO, IN Mr. Harry C. Wark, a lifelong resident of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2012 at the age of 101. Harry was a well-known and inspirational figure in Valparaiso for many decades, often seen on his long daily walks and on his bicycle well into his 90's. He was an avid sportsman, a lifelong supporter of Valpo high school athletic teams and the Chicago Cubs. Harry loved hiking the Indiana Dunes and biking the back roads of his beloved Porter County. Harry was born November 8, 1910 to Charles and LaVanchie (Cool) Looney in Valparaiso, the fourth of 12 children. His modest and unassuming lifestyle was a product of growing up in a large depression-era family. His family founded Wark's Hardware, a longtime downtown business where he worked in his youth. He spent his entire adult working life at the U.S. Steel Gary Works from which he retired in the 1970's. Harry lived modestly and independently as a bachelor and with complete self-reliance for nearly his entire life. He is survived by many dear friends whose lives he influenced, and by the Loeffler and the Nuppnau families, to whom he was close family. In respect for Harry's wishes, no services are planned.

Published in The Times on June 5, 2012.