Harlon Bement

Harlon Webb Bement "Gone Flying"

Salt Lake City a€" Harlon Webb Bement, 94, died September 9, 2010 of causes incident to age. He was born June 21, 1916 in Cedar City, Utah, son of Herman and Laurel Bement. He served in the US Marine Corp. during WWII. His experiences in the service were wide and varied, one being a movie projectionist, a Chaplin assistant, a flight instructor, plus combat duty. He married Beth Louise McRae on April 9, 1937. They were sealed in the Bountiful Temple July 5, 1997 at the age of 82. He often said that, "We are working on our 74th year of marriage."

His early years were spent in various cities in Southern Utah. He rose above humble circumstances to great accomplishments. His early years centered in the restaurant industry where he was tutored by various chefs. He became a notable chef himself. His spare rib concoction is a family favorite to this day.

He discovered a love of flying, which eventually led to the position of "State Aeronautics Director" for 16 years with over 13,000 hours of flight time without any violations or accidents. During that period, he served Utah well. He brought recognition to the state in several editions of the "National Geographic Magazine". As a courtesy for his insight and knowledge of Southern Utah, the National Geographic organization had an arch named after him, "Bement Arch". It is located in Davis Gulch Canyon on Lake Powell. He served as the president of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. Under his leadership fog seeding became a reality for SLC International Airport. Many of the procedures developed by his team are in place today. His insight brought Air Ambulance Service to Utah. Many times he had to jerryrig the seats in an airplane to accommodate a stretcher for the ill or injured or an incubator for a newborn child. He always had an interest in politics and ran for congress in the early 60''s.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various positions in the Sunday School organization and the High Priests Group. Harlon is survived by his wife of 73 years and children Kenneth (Judy), Ronald (Kathy), Robert (Ann), David (Lynne), 14 grand children and 37 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger half brothers, Russell and J.C. and half sister Elaine.

Funeral services will be held 11 am on Tuesday September 14, 2010 at the East Millcreek 7th Ward, 3408 S. Celeste (3100 E.) Salt Lake City. A visitation will be held at the church Monday evening from 5-7 pm. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral directors Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com