A Tribute to Paul Harter
I AM writing this with a very heavy heart. Ian, Diana, myself, and all the Crystal Classics Fine Minerals (CCFM) team were deeply saddened to wake up on Saturday morning to the news of the passing of Paul Harter.
Not only was he our attorney for many years, he was also a very dear friend and a valued part of the CCFM family. Always ready to take on any challenge Ian or I gave him, day or night, he was also an excellent sounding board whenever we needed advice on US law.
He gave cancer a run for its money and continued to pursue his passion for the mineral world until almost his final days. We were all so proud of the strength and dignity with which he faced his treatment, alongside Marilyn, his dear wife, who kept him in check whenever he overdid things. Two weeks ago, Marilyn, under Paul’s instruction, phoned me to say that he felt it was time for us to find a new attorney, and I knew then that time was short. Even in his final days, he was thinking of others.
Paul with his wife, Marilyn
He cared for everyone in this mad mineral world as if he were our grandad, and he was loved by all who met him. Our show team always looked forward to Paul and Marilyn’s visits to Tucson – they knew there would be a fresh supply of oranges and grapefruits from his garden, and even better, a batch of Cornish pasties! He never quite understood why the English didn’t enjoy red wine gravy with their pasties, preferring instead ketchup, cheese, and baked beans.
Paul’s passing will leave a great void in all our lives, especially for me, Ian, and Diana. Mineral shows in the USA and Europe simply won’t be the same without Paul and Marilyn sitting in our showroom, reviewing legal documents while admiring our latest Fluorite from the mine.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Let’s hope there is a fine Fluorite collection waiting for you at your next stop.
Debbie Boyer
Chief Financial Officer
