Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 4, 2004
Mike Bashian, Steve Silver executive
FORNEY , Texas — Michael James "Mike" Bashian, vice president of purchasing for the Steve Silver Co., died Dec. 19 while on a business trip in Thailand. He was 42.
Bashian was in Phuket, Thailand, when he suffered a heart attack, according to company officials. In addition to his parents, brother and other relatives, he is survived by Pam, his wife of 12 years, and their two sons, Logan and Dylan.
A New York City native, Bashian worked in merchandising and buying for 12 years at retailer Levitz Furniture before joining Steve Silver, a source for dinettes and occasional tables, in 2000, relocating to Texas.
He received a bachelor's degree in marketing and management from Long Island University in 1985 and joined Levitz in 1988.
In a release, Steve Silver Co. said he was a skilled, successful employee and a family man.
"Mike was an avid Yankees fan," the company said. "He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his wife and boys. Mike touched the hearts of many with his jovial personality and friendly demeanor."
The company has established the Mike Bashian Foundation to help support his family. Contributions may be made to the foundation at Steve Silver Co., 1000 FM 548 North, Forney, Texas 75126.
For further information, contact Ron Corio at (972) 606-9096 or Michael Davis at (888) 400-8113, ext. 188.
Benjamin Hammer, Texas-based sales rep
AUSTIN , Texas — Benjamin Hammer, a longtime furniture sales representative, has died. He was 84.
After serving in the Army during World War II, attaining the rank of chief warrant officer, he went to work for Kroehler Mfg. in Illinois and Dallas. Later, he was a sales rep with Economy Furniture Inds. and also was associated with Sidex Furniture and Karr Inds. He retired about eight years ago.
Hammer was a longtime member and past officer of the Southwest Roadrunners.
Survivors include his wife, a daughter, a sister, and nieces and nephews.
Paul Hardin Jr., retired industry veteran
ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. — Retired sales representative Paul Hardin Jr. has died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 76.
Before his retirement in 1998, he was a sales rep for more than 35 years for companies including Forest Products, Directional, Overman and the original Vanguard Studios.
He worked in the firm Hardin & Hardin with his son, Paul Hardin III, who is a rep for Monarch Collection, Distinctive Designs, Waterford and J.B. Hirsch. He was a member of the Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.
In addition to his son, survivors include a sister and grandchildren.
Harry Shleifer, Broadway Furniture owner
PORTLAND , Ore. — Retailer Harry Shleifer, owner of Broadway Furniture and co-founder of Shleifer Furniture, has died. He was 88.
Shleifer continued to work every day until his death, according to his son Ken, who will continue the family business with his three brothers, Jon, Tom and Robert.
The elder Shleifer helped his father launch Shleifer Furniture in 1936. After service in World War II, he returned to the family store and attended Northwestern School of Law. He became a weightlifter and held a number of bodybuilding titles from 1955 to 1973, including Mr. Portland, Mr. Oregon, Mr. Northwest and Mr. Pacific Northwest.
In 1960, Shleifer opened several furniture stores in the Portland area, and in 1962 launched Broadway Furniture, a 50,000-square-foot store he continued to operate.
-
Obituaries
Feb 15, 2010 -
Obituaries
Dec 7, 2009 -
IHFRA to honor Gillispie, seven new Deans
Mar 21, 2012 -
Sidney Holcombe Jr., store owner, rep
Feb 17, 2012 -
Obituaries
Aug 24, 2009
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
