Longtime gas firm exec Harriman dies

Wallace Lane Harriman, a longtime Southwest Gas Co. executive whose leadership helped bring the company "from infancy to adulthood," has died in Las Vegas. He was 63.

Harriman, former gas operations manager from 1985 to 1992, died Monday after a brief battle with cancer. Services for the native Las Vegan were to be today at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd.

"Looking back at what was nearly 40 years service with Southwest Gas, Lane was a key part of our operations during a period of tremendous growth," said Southwest Gas spokesman Roger Buehrer, a friend.

"His leadership and drive for perfection and top-notch customer service brought the company from infancy to adulthood."

Harriman, who was known to many friends and former co-workers by his middle name instead of his first, served as customer relations manager from 1980-85.

Born Nov. 27, 1935, Harriman began his career with Southwest Gas on his 20th birthday, working first as a utility man in the construction department.

Harriman was promoted to staff training supervisor in 1968, customer service supervisor a year later, customer service superintendent in 1971 and assistant division manager of technical services in 1974.

Harriman was a member of Southwest Gas' speakers bureau for nearly 20 years.

In his capacity with the utility, Harriman was a member of several regional and national organizations, including the Pacific Coast Gas Association, the American Society of Gas Engineers, the American Public Works Association, the National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

His expertise in plumbing earned Harriman an appointment to the Clark County Plumbing Examiners Board, on which he served as chairman.

His other civic duties included serving on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and on the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce board.

Organizations to which Harriman belonged included the Forty Niner Club, Rotary Club of North Las Vegas, Wind Jammers and Toastmasters, and Leadership of Las Vegas, of which he was a charter and lifetime member.

The charities with which Harriman worked included the United Cerebral Palsy, where he was a member of the board of directors.

Harriman retired from Southwest Gas on Dec. 31, 1992, but he continued to serve with the company as a contractor training consultant until 1995.

An avid UNLV basketball fan, Harriman enjoyed cooking, traveling and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Larson Harriman; one daughter, Monica Harriman Brazel of Las Vegas; two sons, Michael Harriman of Las Vegas and Edwin Harriman of Salt Lake City; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

DONATIONS to Southern Nevada Cancer Research Foundation, 601 S. Rancho Drive, Suite D29, Las Vegas, NV 89106.

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