Obituary of Harry Eugene Aitken

AITKEN, Harry E. Was born October 16, 1919 in Oakland, California to Tom and Nellie Aitken. God called one of His masterpieces home on November 3, 2016. Harry lived a remarkable and diverse life. As a young teen he was raised by his grandparents in Chino Valley, AZ, where he learned farming, hunting and fishing. Harry joined the Arizona National Guard on December 18, 1939. In 1940 he went active duty with the U. S. Army. He spent time in Panama, then fought in Europe in WW II and attained the rank of Captain, and was discharged December 1945. He worked various jobs until he joined the Arizona Highway Patrol in 1946. During this 2 1/2 years he met and married the love of his life, Iva Hibbs. Harry joined the U.S. Border Patrol on January 11, 1949. He was stationed in Kingsville, Texas as a Patrol Inspector. Harry transferred to Douglas, Phoenix, then to Wilcox, then in August of 1956 he found his calling as a Border Patrol Sector Pilot in Tucson. He remained in Tucson as a pilot until his retirement on December 30, 1977. Harry and Iva moved from Tucson to Young, AZ and enjoyed 21 years of retirement loving and serving the community. In 2001 they moved to Oracle, AZ where they continued their retirement years. Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Iva, of almost 70 years, sons, Lee, Jon, Howard and Gary; daughters, Ann and Eileen; brother, Tommy and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Memorial will be held at Adair on N. Dodge Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to The U.S. Border Patrol Museum. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.