Harman Lum, a tireless newspaper seller in downtown Honolulu, died Dec. 1 at his home in Kahului. He was 84.

Lum was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and moved to Honolulu with his family. In 1953 he started selling newspapers as a young man at the corner of Bishop and Hotel streets and retired 46 years later at age 70.

He was a hard worker, said his sister, Mayette Zane. Despite motor control challenges from an injury that affected his small muscle coordination, he worked six days a week, waking up before dawn and heading home at dusk.

He never missed a day of work, his sister said.

"He was awfully good at what he did," she said.

In 1989 then-Mayor Frank Fasi proclaimed June 28 as "Harman Lum Day," a surprise to Lum on his 60th birthday.

Business executives, attorneys, lawmakers and state leaders such as Gov. John A. Burns regularly bought the Honolulu Advertiser and Star-Bulletin from Lum in downtown Honolulu on their way to work.

He also hand-delivered newspapers to offices in the area.

Zane recalled asking her brother why he didn’t charge more for office deliveries. He told her he couldn’t because he considered his customers as friends.

He was kindhearted and personable, said his sister, adding Lum enjoyed socializing with people. He was a wonderful and generous brother, she said.

He was knowledgeable and kept up with current events.

"Harman knew his news," Zane said. "That’s why people loved to talk to him."

On Sundays he often went to the Varsity Theater in Moiliili to watch Western movies. When he retired, Lum volunteered at the Moiliili Senior Center and donated money to the U.S. Special Olympics.

He was a member of Hope Chapel Manoa and helped feed the homeless.

Lum is also survived by brother Doman and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Services will be held Saturday at the Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel.

Visitation starts at 11 a.m., and the service begins at 11:30 a.m. A private burial will follow. Aloha attire is requested.