Henry Harms
August 17, 1937 – July 4, 2022
Henry Harms (“Dad”) was a remarkable man. His friends and family (of which there are many) were blessed to share his life.
Dad passed away on July 4, 2022 at the age of 84 years. Henry’s sweetheart (“Mom”) Joan Elizabeth (née Miller) Harms (1940-2014) predeceased him, and he missed her greatly these last 8 years.
Dad is survived by his four loving children: Lori Harms and Robert Gibson, and Lori’s children – Jill Liem (Edward), Evan and Zachary, and Lane Kruger (Rachelle Lawlor), Zarah and Mila; Diane Harms and Wayne Gaskin and their daughter Zane; Kelly Harms and Lara Wilson, and Kelly‘s son Joshua; Randy and Corinne Harms and their children SueAnne, Cara, Jamie, and Emily.
Dad was born at home on the family farm outside of Hague, on August 17, 1937. He was the 11th child born to Jacob J.M. and Helena (Klassen) Harms. He grew up working hard on the farm, attending the small two room Passchendaele School outside of Hague. It was at that school that he met Mom, the oldest daughter of George and Anna (Hein) Miller. They married on December 7, 1957. Following Normal School certification, Dad taught for 31½ years, with teaching stops in Eastend and Robsart, Aberdeen, Rosthern (RJC), Waldheim, Rosthern (Rosthern High School), and finally Martensville. Everywhere he went Dad recognized former students, striking up conversations by saying “Hello, I taught you in grade 5 in Aberdeen, and your brothers and sisters are… “. Dad‘s memory for names, faces, dates and family history was remarkable.
After retiring from teaching in the early 1990’s, Dad pursued another lifelong passion: photography. He went to work at Don’s Photo, happy to talk and explore all things photographic with customers for another 14 years. Customers lined up to speak with Henry.
Dad’s reputation for wedding portraiture was well-known and took him (and Mom) to far-flung places, but his (and Mom’s) recreation before and after retirement was spent at sporting events; they were never idle. Dad’s love for photography and all things “U of S Huskie” led to Dad being the unofficial photographer for many varsity athletics for 30 years. In recognition of his service and loyalty he received a Huskie Athletics “Fan of the Year” Award. The athletes, their parents and coaches, were all known to Dad, and he became a valued member of the Huskie family.
As the second youngest of 12 children, Dad filled a very important role as “Uncle Henry” to his 63 nieces and nephews, and their families. As his older siblings aged and passed away, Dad played an important role as a loving, loyal and dedicated family patriarch. Over the course of many years Mom and Dad attended births, marriages, deaths, soccer games, piano and dance recitals, countless special events, meals and celebrations. Through happy and difficult times, Uncle Henry and Aunt Joan were there for their beloved Harms family, and the love was mutual. As Linda Doell’s son Kim said, when hearing about his death, “Uncle Henry’s passing will leave a huge hole in the Harms family!”
Dad was predeceased by his many older siblings – sisters: Mary (George Unger); Sarah (John Martens); Helen (Abe Bergen); and Tena (John Doell); and brothers: John (Marie Hildebrandt); Dave (Anna Boldt); Jake (Deanna Neville); and Peter (Eva Peters). He was also predeceased by two siblings who passed away in childhood: Helena (1926-1927) and Jacob (1920-1929). Dad is survived by his sister Nettie (Elmer Boehr), and brother-in-law Don Borne (Doris Miller), many cousins, nieces and nephews, and the extended Hein and Miller families.
We, the children of Henry and Joan, have so many people to thank and recognize: their dear friends and church family at Wildwood Mennonite; Cori Harms and the beloved granddaughters who gave Henry and Joan so much love and attention over the past 10 years; Rod and Irene Harms who welcomed Dad on the Harms family farm and blessed Dad with love and hospitality; Jamie Bergen and Lisa Collard and their family; and lastly Dad’s little sister Nettie, who was a best friend to both Mom and Dad.
Dad was a real character. He had a lifetime of adventures. He loved Ford cars and trucks, Arctic Cat snowmobiles, Canon cameras, U of S Huskies, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, chocolate cream pie, and the company of friends and family. If you have Mr. Harms or Uncle Henry stories, the family would love to hear from you.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Cornerstone Church, 315 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon, SK. To view the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE STREAM MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HENRY HARMS
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
8 Comments
Henry was a friend of Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan (MHSS) and we thank him for his contributions over the years. Jake Buhler, secretary, MHSS
I will always remember Henry’s kindness and company when we shared the 4th floor at Bethany. My condolences.
We’re very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed times we’d run into him. Always greeted us with a friendly smile, an interesting story or family update and leave us with very genuine and sincere best wishes.
My deepest condolences to all on the loss of a true gentleman. Uncle Henry was a tremendous human who had a gift for making all those around him feel very loved. He gave the best hugs. I feel tremendously blessed to have had him and Aunt Joan in my life. May your memories of shared laughter and many many photographs help you through your grief. My love to you all.
Hello my name is Daniel Harms and I’m doing some Harms family search and came upon Henry Harms that had passed away and it looks like we could be relatives. I saw on your post that you called him uncle thought maybe you can direct me to some contact info you can call or text me at 780 926-6849 or reply my email thank you
Deepest condolences to the Harms family. We have such fond memories of Henry, camera in-tow, at Huskie games…Mostly, just how kind of a man Henry was. He’ll be missed. Again, condolences.
Our family was so blessed to have that wonderful man in our lives. He & Aunt Joan had no problem with being the grandparents my kids didn’t get to know. It’s safe to say we all loved that man very much & so fortunate to have had him in our lives. Anyone who knew him knows he had a heart of gold & would do anything for anybody with no strings attached. So many great memories from family gatherings with he & Linda trying to capture every moment on camera to sporting events or just enjoying his company over a meal. To all the Harm’s family I want to say thank you for allowing my family to be a part of yours!
My deepest and heartfelt condolences. Uncle Henry will be missed. However, beautiful memories remain.
Add Comment