When I met Mr. Harney, I was expecting a quiet, reserved gentleman, and he was a gentleman but definitely not quiet or reserved! He was loud and boisterous and great fun, and when I told him I was enjoying Harney's Peaches and Ginger Tea, he said, "Of course you like peaches! You're from Georgia!"
After I learned of his death, I found myself looking around the kitchen at some of the tins and teas from Harney and Sons. There are the pretty tins from their Diamond Jubilee blend in 2012, which celebrated Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, and the Royal Wedding Tea blend, which celebrated the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Of course there are also the Harney teas I continue to sip year after year, including their Valentine's blend, Cranberry Autumn, Florence and others. Those of us who love tea and enjoy its popularity today have John Harney to thank for helping popularize quality tea in this country. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with the Harney family in their loss. Do any of you have a Harney memory you'd like to share?
I've been traveling and unable to check my blog until last night. I was saddened when I first learned of John Harney's passing via a couple of blogs I follow. He was such a wonderful man - so knowledgeable about tea, and so willing to share what he knew. You could call Harney Tea and be put right through to him. I will definitely write a tribute to him when I return home. He will not only be dearly missed by his family, but by the tea world as well.
ReplyDeleteA nice tribute to Mr. Harney Angela and I liked the comment about you liking peach because you're from Georgia.
ReplyDeleteOur big book store in Ontario, Chapters sells a few varieties of Harney & Sons but nothing I've ever been tempted to buy. My friend Beth in Iowa sent me a tin of Yin Hao Jasmine for Christmas and that is when I really took notice of this brand. It is the best jasmine tea I've ever had and since I'm nearing the bottom, hope I can find a Canadian distributor to order some more, and maybe some other favourites.
I met Mr. Harney when I worked at a museum in Virginia. I told him about an annual Tea Scapes event at the museum where we invited different vendors and organizations to decorate a room in the museum using tea items. He was very intrigued by the idea and wanted to work with us on the next one. He was such a kind and genuine man and made me feel like he was truly interested in every aspect of my work. Unfortunately, I left the museum before I had the opportunity to work with him. My prayers are with his family.
ReplyDeleteI look often at my beautiful tin of African Autumn, purchased a few years ago when I was avidly reading all the Mma Ramotswe books, and had one particular Winter of Rooibos every afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Peach girl, as well, for in a strange way, Harney teas influenced my all-year drink, though dear Mr. Harney would have thought it a definite step to the dark side, I fear.
A couple of years ago, Linda mentioned that she was having Harney's peach, and I went straight to the cupboard and made a pot, pouring it over ice and enjoying it all that hot afternoon. Since, I've played with various combinations for those pitchers of cold peach, the favorite of which involves brewed black tea leaves, sweetened with Sweet&Low, and with a packet of the Crystal Light Peach Mango stirred in.
Gallons and vats I've made and consumed since then, and a frosty pitcher is always ready in the fridge. What that dear, funny kind gentleman would make of that---I cannot imagine.
rachel
Lovely post Angela. I didn't know him, but his tea is my favorite (Earl Grey Surpreme). Harneys is something special to me over the years. When I remarried after losing my husband, I had a lovely wedding with family and friends. My niece was 4 and during the reception told me all about her day shopping at Harney's for my gift with her parents. She was so excited buy it and every time I take out the pot and mugs (tea long gone) I remember the little girl so happy about her tea shoppe experience. My prayers to his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteJohn Harney will be sadly missed by many in the tea community. After the first time I met him, on subsequent meetings, he was always quick with a smile of recognition as if distance and years had not kept us apart. Prayers for his family.
ReplyDeleteAww--I did not know this. I love Harney's tea. What a legacy he has left. ♥
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm sending my love to the family!
ReplyDeleteAwww how sad. What an amazing legacy he has left behind for his family and all of us. I remember the first time I ever had Harney & Sons, it was at a tea room in Texas (Earl Grey) and I loved every sip!
ReplyDeletedonna
I was also sorry to hear of his passing though I did not know him personally. I am ridiculously addicted to Harney tea and have many tins in the pantry. I enjoy Palm Court, Earl Grey Supreme, or Soho every morning and other flavors/varieties throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteI saw this posted on Facebook. My heart goes out to the family.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad when I learned of John Harney's passing. I had to pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and he was always just wonderful to chat with. I was the Marmalady Girl to him. One day he called me out of the blue to see how I was doing and give me some suggestions for Marmalady's. What a treat to be called and chat with him for about a 1/2 hour. As I have said in other comments throughout the online world, he was a champion to tea dreamers.
ReplyDeleteI had afternoon tea with John Harney in 2010. It was at a beautiful resort (which, incidentally, does not have an afternoon tea program) that invited me to attend a special afternoon tea event featuring a presentation by John Harney. I spoke to him at length afterward and was surprised by a leisurely phone call from him the following week! Such a warm and charming man.
ReplyDelete