Louis Harkey Mayo ’71

Surrounded by his family, Harkey died Aug. 13, 2020, of pancreatic cancer in Virginia.

Harkey came to Princeton in the Class of 1970 from Falls Church High School in Virginia. He majored in economics and played trumpet in the Tiger band, orchestra, and the Triangle Show. Harkey belonged to Stevenson, and friends remember his hearty laugh and positive spirit. In 1976 he graduated from George Washington University Law School.

While working for OAO Corp., he met and married Karen Denomme in 1980. Harkey spent most of his professional career with the Federal Aviation Administration and was most proud of his time as special assistant to the vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, from which he retired in 2012. He valued public service and considered this in his work.

Harkey’s main vocation was as a father and husband. Slow to anger and quick to forgive, he was involved in their hobbies and daily activities as a baseball coach, basketball fan, driver, and special assistant to Santa Claus. He continued to play trumpet in community bands. An expert wood craftsman, he loved to gift his fabulous creations to family and friends. He enjoyed conversations with his brothers about current events.

The class extends its condolences to his wife, Karen; his children, David Mayo and Rebecca Ralston; his grandchildren; his brothers, Richard and David; and other family and friends.