Paul S. Harter, advisory board chair of the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, died April 16 at age 77. Paul was an attorney and dedicated community servant, with particular involvement in efforts related to minerals, education and the arts. In addition to Marilyn, his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his brother, Douglas; his son, Peter; his daughter, Katherine; and granddaughter, Olive.
Paul helped guide the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum through a period of substantial growth and development, moving from a limited exhibition in the basement of the U of A Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium to an independent museum in the Pima County Historic Courthouse in downtown Tucson. He was a member of The President’s Club society for donors to the U of A.
Paul will be remembered for his thoughtful leadership, candid advice, willingness to broker connections and commitment to sharing his excitement and knowledge of minerals, said Violetta Wolf, the museum’s director. “Paul was a true friend who showed me patience and kindness and helped me become a better director than I thought I could be. I will miss him for his help in navigating the tough times and his good humor and quick laughs when things were going smoothly,” Wolf said.
Paul graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in business administration and accounting in 1970 and from ASU’s law school in 1973. He maintained a private legal practice until his death, specializing in civil litigation, government contracts, estate planning and mining matters.
Paul owned a collection focused primarily on Arizona minerals. He first entered specimens in competition at the Arizona State Fair in 1958, an early reflection of a lifelong engagement that was fostered by his grandfather, a mining engineer, and his great-uncle, A.B. Parsons, who wrote about the field. Family trips centered on mines, minerals and the geology of Arizona and Utah, further shaping Paul’s early interest. He later co-authored a chapter in the book American Mineral Treasures.
Paul’s community service included 12 years with the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board in Phoenix, with nine years as its president. He also was a scoutmaster, board member for Oregon’s Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals and show chair for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show from 2011 to 2015.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. May 9 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix, 6300 N. Central Ave. Read the full obituary: https://www.azcentral.com/obituaries/pazs1466932