Long-time U-Haul principal Harry DeShong Jr. died Thursday, Sept. 13. He was 58.

DeShong was responsible for U-Haul vehicle acquisition from General Motors, Ford, Navistar, Toyota and Chrysler, and was associated with U-Haul since 1964.

DeShong served on the U-Haul Board of Directors and held numerous executive positions in the company. At his passing, DeShong was executive vice president in charge of the U-Haul Technical Center in Tempe, Ariz.

DeShong was a graduate of Arizona State University and a decorated Vietnam veteran with a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars-Oak Leaf Clusters and a Purple Heart.

Industry watchers will remember DeShong from the U-Haul SuperGraphic Program and expansion of the U-Haul Dealership Program.

“Quality product is the backbone of the U-Haul System,” stated U-Haul President and CEO Joe Shoen. “Harry delivered quality product because he attracted and retained outstanding personnel. He was a talent magnet, and motivated everyone to do better and to achieve more. He was a friend as well as colleague and he will be sorely missed.”

DeShong is survived by his wife Patti, daughter Heather, mother Elaine and sisters Dee Freeman and Diane French.