It is with deep sadness that the family of John announces his sudden passing on January 5, 2019 at the age of 63.
John was born November 17, 1955, son to Lois and Dr. John Harms. He graduated from the U of A in Agriculture and a MBA. John’s career spanned many different fields, most notable with Edmonton Northlands and The Red Deer Westerner, where he spent close to 20 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Erin (Oliver) Foster–semicolon– mother Lois–semicolon– brother Michael–semicolon– sisters, Rhonda Meredith and Sandra Clark–semicolon– dear friend and mother of his child, Carol Weir–semicolon– nephews, and godson Matthew (Nicole) Harms, Sean (Ilse) Harms, and Cameron Meredith–semicolon– numerous relatives and friends.
John was predeceased by his father, Dr. John Harms.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019, at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011-114 Street, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STARS Shock Trauma Air Rescue.
Darryl Derouin says
Dear Erin and Family: I have just now heard of the unexpected passing of your father and I want to pass on my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I met your dad some 20 years ago on a professional basis but we soon became friends and I enjoyed his company and friendship immensely. The last time we got together was near the end of November and he spoke of plans to enjoy Christmas in Leeds and how much he was looking forward to it.
John was a true gentleman and a valued friend and he will be missed by me a great deal.
Ron Woodward says
Dear Erin and Harms family:
I am saddened beyond words at the passing of your Dad, son and brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you in these most difficult days. John’s passing leaves a big hole in your lives and in those of us who were privileged to be his friend. To be John’s friend was a special gift…he was authentic, loyal, and placed no conditions on his friendship.
You need to know that you are the most important thing in his life. His love for you was evident in every conversation we had. He was immensely proud of Erin…he was so looking forward to having Christmas with you. John’s trips to Edmonton to attend to his mother’s needs were always a priority that he looked forward to.
I know the in the midst of your grief the wonderful memories of John’s life and the love and support of family and friends (and even friends like me you have never met) will provide some comfort. John’s passing has left a big hole in your lives, he has also left a legacy that will give you strength to keep going and pride in knowing what an awesome guy he was.
I sincerely regret I cannot attend the memorial service as we are in Arizona, but know I am with you in spirit.
Ron Woodward
Paula Yerex says
Dear Erin, Carol and Harms Family, sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your father….a friend, son, Uncle and sibling. A life taken too soon. May your saddened heart find comfort in remembering all the guidance, strength and love with which your father touched your life. Those precious gifts will always live on in you. In some small way, find comfort knowing thoughts of others are with you all during this difficult time. Our Deepest Sympathies, Dave and Paula Yerex
Patricia Melnick says
Dear Lois, We were shocked and saddened to hear of your dear son, John’s passing. He was such a wonderful, kind person and from all we’ve learned; so very good to you. We wish to extend our deepest condolences at this sad time. We also hope that the wonderful memories you have of John, will help to ease your grief and sorrow in the days to come. Sincerely, Don & Pat Melnick
Ken and Kathy Knowles says
It is with a great deal of sadness to know that John has passed away. He was a very good friend for many, many years and I worked very closely with him at Northlands. One of many of his accomplishments to be remembered, is that he was instrumental in securing the Western Canada Hockey League ” Edmonton Ice” franchise. He was a quiet, thoughtful, gentle, insightful, team player and very much fun to be with. He will be greatly missed. We will treasure our memories being with him. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to the family, and are sorry that we will not be in town to attend his celebration of life. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and wish you peace. Ken and Kathy Knowles
Pamela Ison Reilander says
My sincere condolences. I had the great pleasure of knowing John while he was a STARS Board Member and have wonderful memories of working with him on several projects. John was a terrific guy – warm, kind and always thoughtful of others. He will be greatly missed.
Marvin & Edie Despas says
Please accept our sympathy in the loss of your loved one John. We last saw John in Red Deer but only had a short visit with him. Condolences to the Harms family.
John McKinnon says
So very sad to hear of John’s recent passing…my sincere condolences to John’s family. He will be truly missed.