Harry Frederick Harmes

Harry Frederick Harmes (October 25, 1948 - February 2, 2016) - Our world has become a sadder place with the passing of Harry Harmes, following a sudden heart attack on February 2nd. He leaves behind him his loving wife, Carol; his cherished sons, Adam (wife, Jana) and Richard (partner, Carla). Having had the good fortune to be a "grampy" six times over, he will be sadly missed by his precious grandchildren, Alexia "Lexi", Julia, Avery, Lauren, Patrick and Kaelyn. Predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Anne Harmes, and sister, Dottie, Harry leaves behind brothers, Tom, Cliff and Bob; sisters, Jessie, Linda, Mary and Joan, along with their spouses and the extended family of nieces and nephews. A successful local businessman for over 35 years in the Kentville area, Harry believed that to live in a community, was to serve in that community so played active roles in a number of organizations and programs. He was a member of the Rotary Club for over 40 years where he served on many committees, including holding the position of Past President. He also served on the Board for the VON and was Past President of that organization. He served on a number of committees with the Chamber of Commerce, and years before (as the Board of Trade) he served as Past President. Harry was also the provincial representative on the Kentville Board of Police Commissioners for a number of years, and was one of the founding members and for many years served, as the treasurer of the Kentville and Area Youth Association. He volunteered for committees associated with Scouts Canada; conducted sessions of the Stay-in-School Program; facilitated an the Entrepreneurial Program at local schools; and could even be found baking breakfast bars for school children at Northeast Kings or working a bottle drive for some children's program. His love for the game of hockey found him as a coach for the Novice division when his own children were young. However, as years passed and he realized that these young hockey players could skate better than their coach, he jokingly said it was time to hang up the blades. Therefore, he became a Board member, and later served as President of the Kentville and Area Minor Hockey Association, More recently he could be spotted at local arenas cheering on his oldest granddaughter, Lexi. Bitten by the "travel bug" , Harry and Carol enjoyed many years of adventures around Europe, the Caribbean, the US and our own country. A trip to Cambodia was next on his "bucket list" and was to be a retirement celebration for them both. Harry's death has been a shock to not only his family and friends, but to the community as a whole. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by request. A celebration of a life-well-lived will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2016 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Reverend Doctor Randy Crozsman officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.