A new Harney & Sons tea catalog arrived in the mail this week, and it struck me that this is the first one I've received since we heard the news of John Harney's passing back on June 17.
For that reason, I thought it was especially nice that you open this catalog to find a lovely tribute to the founder. "It is with great sadness," write sons Mike and Paul Harney, "that we acknowledge that our Founder, our Father is no longer with us to give us advice and love. Without him there would be no Harney family, nor Harney & Sons Fine Teas. We are blessed that he helped us so much." The letter also notes that he "has left us with an awesome responsibility: to walk in his shoes."
From the looks of this catalog, the Harney legacy is going to be just fine, and I was pleased to see many of the flavors I so enjoy, such as Pumpkin Spice, above, and my longtime favorite for fall, Cranberry Autumn. I don't always keep tea catalogs anymore since I'm trying to cut down on paper clutter, but this one is a special keepsake I'm hanging on to with fond memories of a very special man.
Indeed, John Harney was a wonderful man with a ready smile and so much enthusiasm in spreading the word about tea. I attended the Harney Tea Fest in August and his son Michael was kind enough to give a little tour of John's office and share a story or two about his Dad. It was a wonderful day to remember the Master Tea Blender and his contributions to the tea world.
ReplyDeleteHe is greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mary Jane
Thanks for mentioning this catalog. It was laying on my desk [along with other mail] that had come while I was on my trip. I would have gotten to it eventually, but when I read your post I pulled it from the pile. It's a keepsake!
ReplyDeleteJohn Harney was a true gentleman. I was privileged to meet him about ten years ago.
ReplyDeleteGot this one too the other day = I keep it in my little pile of favorite seasonals in the guest bath nearest my home office....and the other day read that and wept.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, goodbyes are never easy are they?
I need to order fall tea soon, tis the season! Yay!
I got this catalog the other day and thought the same thing. I've never met them but they seem like a wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep it. He was a wonderful man for who I am so thankful for the times I was able to chat with him face to face and the last time he called me. He loved to help tea people in business and he loved suggesting jam flavors for Marmalady's.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the H & S teas I've tried and will look for a Canadian source to order some.
ReplyDeleteHe always looked like a nice man. I am wondering if that is still his voice that answers the phone at Harney and they aren't going to change it. Angela: Herman Dodge was the owner of Royal Patrician - The company was called Herman Dodge. Like Gracie China is really Coastline. This type of thing is common.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great legacy. Thank you for sharing this with your readers, Joanie
ReplyDelete