Harry W. Herkert
Harry W. Herkert was born June 10th, 1936, in Boulder, Colorado and passed away on January 31st, 2021, at the Colusa Medical Center in Colusa, California, at the age of 84. He was a resident of Colusa for 59 years.
Harry was raised and schooled i n Boulder, CO, prior to moving to Colusa in 1962, with his young son, Marty. In 1963, he met and married the love of his life, Gail Morley, of Colusa and adopted her young son Robert “Bob” Herkert. Harry and Gail were married for 58 years.
Harry proudly served in the United States Naval Reserve for eight years from 1952 to 1960. He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1962 majoring in Music Education and obtained his Masters Degree in Education Administration in 1970 from California State University, Chico.
Harry dedicated his professional efforts to a long career in education. He began teaching music at the Colusa Elementary School from 1962 to 1965. From 1966 - 1971 he taught music, band and chorus for grades 1 - 12 within t he Maxwell Unified School District.
During this time, he also instructed classroom teachers regarding the statewide adoption of a new music instruction book. He went on to serve as Principal for grades K - 8 from 1971 - 1974.
Harry also served as the Superintendent, Principal and 7th and 8th grade teacher for the Meridian Elementary School District from 1980 - 1989.
It was after this that Harry returned to the Maxwell Unified School District fulfilling rolls as Music Teacher, Band Leader, and Basketball Coach before retiring in 1995.
Harry contributed to the community in many ways, including volunteering his time to Parent - Teachers Associations, t h e Co l u s a Chamber of Commerce, and National Education Association.
Harry enjoyed sharing his gift of musical talent. He was a member of the local Colusa theater group “Stagehands”, where he performed in and served as musical director of multiple live productions.
Harry was a skilled pianist and loved adding smiles to faces with his musi c . He o f f e r e d private piano lessons and played on a regular basis for t he Colusa Rotary Club and other local events. His favorite audience was always Gail.
Harry loved spending time with and mentoring his children and grandchildren. He especially loved to include them i n his favorite activities of golfing and fly fishing. For 10 years, Harry served as a Marshal during the Annual Bing Crosby Golf Tourn a me n t at Pebble Beach, CA.
Harry was predeceased by his two sisters, Betty Jane and Joanna; and his son, Robert “Bob” Herkert.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gail; son, Marty; grandchildren, Hans, Hannah, Ashleigh, Kandice and Jadin; and great-grandchildren, Harper, Ethan and Bastion.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time.