Charles "Chuck" Scranton Harrington

Charles Scranton Harrington “Chuck”, husband, son, brother and friend passed away on his birthday, March 8th, 2015 after a short but difficult bout with cancer. He was 49.

Charles Scranton Harrington is named after Charles Scranton, one of three founders of Scranton, PA. Charles is a direct descendant of John Scranton and Richard Belden, both of English descent who emigrated from England in the 1630s. He is also the grandson of Henry T. Paulson, a son of Norwegian immigrants who moved to the United States in the 1880s. His grandmother on his father’s side is Evelyn Harrington of Yakima WA who lived to the ripe old age of 102.

Charles Harrington was born in Augusta, GA on March 8th 1966. A son of former Weber State University History professor and Coordinator of Asian Studies, Dr. Gordon K. Harrington and journalist Mary Evelina “Polly” Paulson-Harrington, Charles lived in Columbia, SC and Kenosha, WI before arriving in Utah in 1969. Charles attended T. O. Smith School and Mt. Ogden Junior High School. He was very active at Ogden High School where he worked for the school newspaper and was appointed ‘school poet.’ During his high school years, he also travelled extensively with his family, visiting more than 30 countries including extended stays in Singapore, Hyderabad, India and London. He later wrote a book about his high school experiences entitled Going for More in 84’. From an early age, Charles had a love for U.S. History. He had a photographic memory and was a master at historical trivia. He ended up majoring in History at Weber State University where he graduated in 1991. He wrote a second book about his college days entitled The Adventures of the Spanish Wildcats. He was heavily involved in various family history projects including the Belden-Paulson-Harrington archive which is housed at Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH. The archives primary focus on the work of his grandmother, Evelina Belden Paulson who was a prominent social worker a former Director of the American Red Cross in Poland after WWI. She also worked with women’s rights activist Jane Addams at Hull House in Chicago.

While in college Charles joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church).  He majored in History at Weber State University where he met his sweetheart Linda Susanne McGee.  He served a mission for the LDS Church in the Peru Lima East Mission and because of political unrest he was transferred to the Texas San Antonio Mission. He returned home from his mission in June of 1990 and he and Linda were married for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 15, 1990.

He and Linda graduated from Weber State University in the same graduating ceremony June 10, 1991.  They made their home in Kaysville where they resided for 12 years.  They then settled permanently on the beautiful Sycamore Tree Lined Streets of Farmington, Utah.  They were not blessed with children of their own but played a major role in the lives of many of their nieces and nephews.  They brought into their home the daughter of one of Linda’s cousins, Shanna Morris Spatz, and raised her as their own until she was an adult.  They also opened their home to their “Kitty Kiddos” their cats.

Chuck was an avid member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He spent many years as the Sunday School Secretary, but his most treasured calling was that of being a home teacher.

Chuck and Linda were blessed to take several vacations.  The most memorable was a 12 day northern European Cruise where they went to 7 different countries.  They were blessed to spend this time with family and friends.  Chuck loved Christmas and went all out with his Christmas decorations.  Friends and neighbors called his yard Temple Square North.  Some years he had upwards of 25 inflatables in the front yard as well as lights and music.

Charles is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Shanna Spatz, mother and father, Dr. and Mrs. Gordon K. Harrington, brother, Dr. Jonathan Harrington, many nieces and nephews and his Mother-in-Law Bertha McGee and Linda’s family.  He was preceded in death by his and Linda’s grandparents, and his Father-in-Law Alan McGee

A public viewing will be held at the Russon Brothers Mortuary at 1941 N. Main, Farmington, UT on Friday, March 13th from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held on March 14th, 2015 at 11:00 AM at LDS Farmington Rock Chapel, 272 N. Main Street, Farmington, UT with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to services. An additional memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 15th from 4-5 PM at the Ogden United Church of Christ (Congregational) Church, 3350 Harrison Blvd. in Ogden UT. Interment will be at Farmington City Cemetery at 200 East 500 South, Farmington, Utah.