August 1, 1928 - July 15, 2015
Herman Eugen Harms (Menne) born in Holle, Germany in 1928, passed away peacefully in his home in Courtenay, BC with his loving wife and family by his side. Herman was just short of his 87th year. Herman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gina, children Doris (John), Patsy (Rimka), Judy (Bob), Ron (Noreen), Brent and Christine (Russell). Herman is also survived by siblings Geherd (Leoni), Otto (Marlene), Hanna (Gunter), and Hilda (Rick). He was predeceased by siblings Karl, Helga, Ursula. Herman took pride in his numerous grandchildren: Karissa, Reuben, Shiloh, Evangeline, Elisha, Mandy, Melanie, Alois, Perry, Chad, Colin, Dilon, Jeremy, Tyrone, Reese, Jenna, his great grandchildren: Layne, Isabelle, Shylee, Miika, Aaiden, Kieran, Noah, Tyvannah, Tiahna. He was also loved dearly by his many nieces and nephews. Herman’s greatest joy was his large, extended family with whom he always showed a genuine interest and a loving heart.
Herman and Gina emigrated to Canada in 1953 working originally in Bralorne, BC, at Pioneer Gold Mine. Three years later they moved to beautiful Vancouver Island and bought a farm in Black Creek. After working for Elk River Timber and Crown Zellerbach Pulp and Paper Mill, Herman’s entrepreneurial spirit took him on a path of several business endeavours. After many years of work, Herman and his devoted wife Gina eventually retired in Courtenay.
Herman had an active mind and a full life. He enjoyed fishing and to his final days still dreamed of catching “a big one”. Large family gatherings brought him joy as well as camping, gardening, tinkering in the back yard, and watching German soccer and Canadian hockey. Herman enjoyed chess until late in life. Herman and Gina enjoyed many music concerts together and would travel many miles to attend a good Jazz festival. In later years Herman also travelled extensively by driving, flying or cruising exploring the world always with his best friend and devoted wife Gina by his side. Herman lived a full and long life and cherished each day until the very end with an indomitable spirit. His final words were “I am still here” and we know you still are.
A special thanks to Dr. Nancy McFadden, Dr. A. Croome, The Living Room Pharmacy, the staff at the Cumberland Dialysis Centre for their kind and exemplary care over many years.
Herman’s family and friends will be gathering for a Celebration of Herman’s Life at the Black Creek Hall on August 2nd from 1:00pm - 4:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Memorial donations may be made in Herman’s honour to the BC Kidney Foundation or to the Comox Valley Hospice Society.