Obituary of Barbara Jeanne Harer

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and best friend Barbara Harer passed away at home with family by her side on June 22, 2019.She had courageously fought metastatic pancreatic cancer since November and was only under hospice care for a short time. Barbara Jeanne Belott was born in Portland, Oregon on June 18, 1953 to Lewis “Bud” and Lena Belott.Barbara attended Richmond Grade School and graduated with honors from Franklin High School in 1971.She had a particular interest in art and was a talented calligrapher.She attended Portland State University and her first job was at Nick Sckavone’s pharmacy on Southeast Division, including attending the soda fountain counter. Barbara met Brian in 1974 and they were married at Lake Tahoe in 1976.Thank you Uncle Andy and Aunt Diane for having Barbara watch their children, so that Brian could meet the girl of his dreams.They lived in Southern California – where Brian was born and raised – for two years before moving back to Portland.They stepped out their door most evenings to watch the fireworks at Disneyland a short distance away.She met icon Steve Martin at one of his live shows in 1975 and always saved the balloons he gave her.Barbara began a career in mortgage banking before becoming a homemaker to raise three wonderful children.Brandon was born in 1981 and was followed by a brother, Blake, and sister Beth – just as Brandon wished for. Barbara returned to the workforce after the kids were grown and for the last 20 years worked at Sargent’s Motor Sports on Foster Road.She loved going to work and her close friendships at the office developed into lifelong relationships – true family. Barbara was clever, well spoken, well read and very witty.Everyone loved spending time with her and she was very active.She retained her incredibly youthful look from decades ago.Always a cat lover, her calico was often by her side when at home.She enjoyed time with family and friends, good old board games, watching shows from her perpetually 99% full DVR, happy hour, Paint Nite, the auto show and a great bonus round on a slot machine.Barbara often received offers for suites on the Las Vegas Strip as they attempted to lure their money back. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Brian, father Bud (that’s “Papa Bud”), son Brandon, son Blake and partner Jeremy, daughter Beth and son-in-law Zack and granddaughter Emma. At Barbara’s and her family’s request, there will be no memorial service.Her family will have remembrances at some of Barbara’s favorite places.Special thanks to her care team at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and Adventist Health Hospice. Mimi – Mom – Oma, we love you!