Harry Joseph Cavanagh Sr., who served on The PGA of America Advisory Committee for 16 years (1983-1999) and was a current member of the Southwest PGA Section Advisory Committee, died Dec. 30. He was 84.
A longtime resident of Phoenix, Cavanagh was known for his positive influence on golf in Arizona. The Southwest PGA Section named Cavanagh recipient of its "Anser Award" in 1996. He was inducted in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
Cavanagh also served as chairman of the LPGA's Safeway International and was the first chairman of the fundraising committee for the Karsten Golf Course at Arizona State University. He was also an advisor to the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America.
Cavanagh's served as a fighter pilot and instructor for the P-47 Thunderbolts in World War II where he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and two air medals. Upon finishing his tour of duty, he completed his undergraduate work at Arizona State University and graduated from the University of Arizona Law School. Cavanagh was admitted to the bar in 1950. He established the O'Connor, Cavanagh Law Firm and the Cavanagh Law Firm.
Cavanagh served on the board of numerous charities including the Banner Health Foundation, serving as its Chairman for three years. Most recently, the Cardiac Care Center at Banner Good Samaritan in Phoenix was named in his honor.
Awards for Cavanagh's civic and legal involvement include: Honorable Learned Hand Award, NSFRE Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award, Banner Health Turquoise Award, Boy's Clubs of Phoenix Golden Man and Boy Award, and Home Base Leadership Award.
Survivors include his wife Geri; two sons, Harry Jr. and Michael; daughters, Diane Adams, Pat Barton and Jamie Hufford; a brother, Tom; two sisters, Peggy Knoell and Mary Ann Mitcham; 11 grandchildren, Dennis, Adrianne, Jackie, Karl, Jeff, Chrissy, Ernie, Shawn, Mitchell, Melissa and Derek; and six great grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Eddie, Cassady, Jack, Zach and Jordan.
