Harold Hackney Kaufman

Harold Hackney Kaufman, 95, of Hillsboro died January 4th, 2020 after a brief bout of pneumonia.
Harold was born in Atchison, Kansas on May 1, 1924 to Frederich and Carrie Kaufman, the youngest of four children.
Harold grew up in the small farming community of Bendena, located in NE Kansas. In his formative years, Harold worked in the family grocery store. He graduated from Bendena High School in 1942, one of three students in the graduating class. In July 1944 Harold volunteered to serve and was inducted into the Army.
Harold served in the Pacific theater seeing combat duty in the Philippine Islands fighting with the 38th Infantry Division (Cyclone) which earned the nick name the “Avengers of Bataan”. After the war Harold returned and enrolled in the University of Kansas. While attending KU, Harold met his future bride of 70 years Vesta. They were married the following June in 1949.
While still in school the Korean War broke out and once again Harold volunteered to serve his country. Leaving his young family at home Harold went off to join the war effort. In 1951 Harold found himself on the front lines. As a freshly minted officer, Harold was 1st Platoon leader at the Battle of Heart Break Ridge. During this conflict he received a promotion to 1st Lieutenant. Subsequently for his service in ground operations in Korea Harold was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
After Korea, Harold returned to Kansas to start his teaching career in 1952. During which time he also returned to KU and completed his Bachelor of Science in Education. As there was an urgent need for teachers in Oregon Harold and family relocated to Hillsboro in 1954 and took a job teaching at West Union Elementary School. From West Union Harold went on to teach at Orenco Elementary, Poynter Jr. High, East (Brown) Jr. High and Hillsboro High School (Hilhi). Contiguous to his teaching career Harold continued to be part of the Army Reserve and served as the Hillsboro Reserve Unit Commander. In 1971 Harold retired from the Army reserve at the rank of Major with 27 years of combined active and reserve service.
In 1969 Harold started a small printing business out of the family home. Harold began printing the monthly school newspapers for Poynter and Brown Jr. High. Later on after Hilhi opened he was asked to come and teach the Journalism (newspaper) and Annual (yearbook) classes.  Being unique for the time, Harold traveled between the three schools daily to teach his classes. In 1984 after 30 years in total, Harold retired from teaching. He continued running the printing business for another 18 years all the while growing and expanding to a full service print shop.
During the summer months while school was out allowed Harold and family to travel the United States extensively. This proved to be a great adventure for all and lead to many fond memories and experiences visiting relatives, friends and wonders all over the US.
Harold had affiliations to the local benevolent organizations Elks and Kiwanis, as well as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars all of which he contributed countless hours of volunteer service.
Harold had a great many hobbies including gardening, landscaping, yard work, photography, and winemaking.
After retiring from teaching, Harold and Vesta continued to travel the world having been to the Philippines for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Islands, as well as many stops to Germany and Europe, Maui, Australia and Hawaii to visit family and vacation.
Harold and Vesta are members of the Christian Church of Hillsboro where they found great fellowship and a loving church family.
Harold is survived by wife Vesta and sons Steven (Judy), Charles (Karola), Jeffery, Bradley, and Scott. Sadly son Gregory passed away in 2018 from a sudden illness. Harold was blessed with twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family. A loving husband, father, educator and leader Harold will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Harold Hackney Kaufman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.