Hawthorne Press Tribune
The Weekly Newspaper of Hawthorne
Herald Publications - El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 63, No. 52 - December 30, 2021
Local Hawthorne Resident Rides in Style
When is Being a Black
Sheep a Good Thing?
And a Barracuda as well?
By Ron Sokol
There are surprises in just about every corner,
every town, every neighborhood. Persons who
are so unique and equally commendable. The
South Bay thankfully has its share.
“You’re a Black Sheep and proud of it?”
“Well, that’s the name, but we ride to
spread the Gospel. We do good work. It’s a
motorcycle ministry.”
“Wait a second, just a sec - how old are
you? And, you ride that Harley?”
“I’ve had this Harley since 2003, but I’ve
been interested in bikes since college back
in the 70s.
As a kid, I dreamed of riding a really
nice bike, so my dream came true. And,
since you asked, I’m almost 70, but age
only counts with wine, buddy... I have been
on bikes for decades, and I’m quite well,
thank you.”
“All right. All right. I see... And this Barracuda?”
(Big grin)
“You mean my 1969 convertible red Plymouth
Barracuda, built on Valentine’s Day in
1969? That one?”
“Yes, Don... that one.”
“I’ve owned it since 2010. We’ve been to
many cars rallies together. Recently it was
part of a television show. You may laugh,
but the car has its own agent. We have ridden
together in a lot of parades. It’s fun. I
mean, it’s work and not cheap to keep it
well maintained, but you can see it’s a real
beauty. A conversation piece. A project,
a keepsake.”
This very interesting gentleman, Don
Harris, retired recently as a dedicated agent
for Farmers Insurance Company. He lives in
Hawthorne, in Hollyglen, but above his garage
is a sign that reads “Harleyglen”. Today he
looks every bit like a grandfather. Years past
he was President of the Hawthorne Chamber
of Commerce.
He also was President of the Hawthorne
Kiwanis Club. In fact, through Kiwanis,
he has done a lot of good, including as a
Key Club Advisor to young kids, assisting
in the Club’s fireworks sales which
raise monies for, among other things,
academic scholarships, and helps with the
Community Fair.
“I am very blessed. Very much so. Two
beautiful daughters. One already has given
me grandkids. And you know I remarried
this past year. My wife Kimiko Suzuki is
well known in Japan. If you go online, type
in ‘Kimiko Posture’. Look at her courses
and seminars. She’s going to make an effort
to have her teachings known here. Not
sure if you noticed, but I am standing up a
lot straighter.
I am walking with renewed vigor. Kimiko
Posture. In due respect, you ought to get
with the program.”
To summarize: Don Harris is a Black
Sheep. He has a convertible Red Barracuda.
But he was an insurance guy. Yes, insurance.
Not the most scintillating subject. Today,
he continues to contribute time and effort
through the Kiwanis club. One of those
“do gooder” groups, and of course, he is a
dedicated Black Sheep.
Something here is a reminder that “you just
can’t judge a book by its cover.” Maybe that
ought to be: “Throw out the book altogether.
Get to know Don Harris. After all, he’s a
genuine Black Sheep!” •
Don Harris and his red Barracuda. For Don’s story see below.