Thomas 'Tom' G. Harner

October 26, 1948 - January 30, 2021

On January 30, 2021 after a valiant battle with glioblastoma, Thomas (Tom) G. Harner found his way to the brilliance that awaits us beyond this life. Family and friends were important to Tom. His kind, compassionate, happy-go-lucky, sunshine-filled nature will forever live with us all.

Tom was born on October 26, 1948, in Chicago, to Frances and Frank Harner. He spent his early childhood living in multiple cities before landing in Salt Lake City, Utah, where in 1966 he graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School and then graduated from the University of Utah in 1972 with a degree in electrical engineering. Tom pursued a career in television production. He began at KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to work for KPNX-TV where he remained for 33 years as a director/editor. His creative expertise earned him several awards in news editing.

He married the love of his life, Barbi Bryan, in 1979. Sharing similar careers and a great zest for life, their life together was magical. When not working they were visiting friends, making new friends, and exploring…from the Cayman Islands to Alaska and many points in between.

Left to hold his memories are his wife Barbi; his brother Rick Harner (Len); his sister Lynn Wilson (John); and his extended family and friends whom he dearly loved.

A celebration of Tom's life will be on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Tom will be laid to rest on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 11:00 am at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue & “T” Street, Salt Lake City.

With gratitude we tip our hats, as he was the ultimate CROWN ROYAL.

In Loving Memory

Thanks Tom from Facebook co-works and friends   Thanks Tom…for helping me build Channel 12 News. Now, enjoy the Big Time. RIP Al Buch _ News Director   I fondly remember Tom’s fun sense of humor and immeasurable skills. He was just an awesome human being. Jim Willi_ News Director   I worked at many TV stations across the nation and with lots of fine directors. Tom was the best. The very best. He helped make my time at KPNX to great. Dennis Hart   What heartbreaking news. Tom was one of the ambassadors of the station – always warm, Welcoming and kind. He had such an impact and will be missed. Lonnie Leavitt-Baker   Tom was a wonderful director who was always kind to me – from my first days as an AP, to my final days as a director. He was a great teacher, and I will always remember his laugh. Juliet Falevitch Gomez   Tom was so fun and carefree.  Too many memories to list but dashing across Central Avenue to the bar in the hotel between shows, Camp-O-Ramas up on the Rim and all the crazy stuff that the clan between the mid 80’s and 90’s cooked up are some of my favorite memories of Tom. Oh, yes putting on good newscasts too. Jennifer Shirley   The days spent in an editing session watching a master create art…my memories of laughter and quick wit will be cherished always… Diana Aranda Kendall

Tom's Facebook Co-Works and Friends

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In Loving Memory

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