Pete” Harman 1919–2014

Key Life Highlights of Leon Weston “Pete” Harman

He is a Gift to the World

Born in Granger, Utah in 1919, son of David and Grace Harman.
Orphaned young: His mother died from the flu shortly after his birth; father passed when Pete was just five.
Raised by his aunt-turned-stepmother, Caroline "Aunt Carrie", who cared for Pete, his siblings, and her own children on the family farm.
Moved to San Francisco at age 16, beginning his restaurant career as a counterman in a diner.
Married Arline Hampton; their first child, Barry, was born in San Francisco.
Returned to Salt Lake City in 1941 for a family visit; after their car was stolen, Pete’s brother Jake encouraged them to buy a rundown diner and stay.
Expanded family: Daughter Dawn was born two years later.
Drafted into the Army during WWII; wife Arline kept the restaurant operating in his absence.
Pivotal meeting with Colonel Harland Sanders in 1953 led to Pete becoming the first-ever KFC franchisee.
Key business partner to Colonel Sanders, helping train new franchisees and grow the brand nationally.
Adapted to the changing industry by transitioning from full-service restaurants to take-out focused operations.
Received the Horatio Alger Award in 1971, recognizing his perseverance, moral integrity, and rise from hardship.
Named Food Service Operator of the Year in 1990 by the International Food Service Manufacturers Association.
Harman Management) owned over 234 Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurants

Community Contributions and Legacy:

1989 – Donated the original Kentucky Fried Chicken house (built in 1918) to the City of West Valley for use as the Harman Senior Recreation Center.
- Funded a full renovation before handing it over.
- Pledged perpetual support of $60,000 annually.
- Arranged for weekly floral deliveries to brighten the center for seniors.
1991 – Funded a major renovation of the Taylorsville Cemetery, restoring headstones, repairing roads, and beautifying the grounds and landscape.
1998 – Donated over $1 million to the West Valley Hale/Harman Theatre, supporting live arts and local productions.
- Continued annual donations until the theatre moved to Sandy in 2019.
Passed away on November 19, 2014, at age 95, leaving a powerful legacy in business, philanthropy, and community development.