Former Tomball Mayor Hap Harrington died May 17. Former Tomball Mayor Hap Harrington died May 17.[/caption]

Former Tomball Mayor Hap Harrington died at the age of 81 on May 17 after a long illness, according to his memorial from Klein Funeral Home.

Harrington served as mayor of Tomball from 1992 to 2007, during which time the city celebrated its centennial and restored the Tomball Historic Depot.

“He was really an incredible mayor,” Mayor Gretchen Fagan said. “He loved this community—he just did so much and was so supportive, especially of the younger people.”

Harrington also worked as principal of Klein High School for 10 years and served as the superintendent of Tomball ISD for 10 years.

“He really impacted a lot of kids’ lives during those 20 years,” Fagan said. “To hear people talk about him that went to school under him just loved him.”

Fagan said she remembered hearing stories from former students about the lasting effects Harrington had on their lives as an educator and administrator.

“At the time I just thought, ‘Wow, what an amazing man that he took that kind of time and showed that much concern in their lives,’” she said. “He will definitely be missed.”

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 2-5 p.m. May 21 at Klein Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. May 22 at Salem Lutheran Church.