November 30, 1929 – April 29, 2017
Harmer, James David – November 30, 1929 – April 29, 2017
“Safe in the Arms of Jesus”…Until we meet again.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Clayton and Lillian (nee Davies) Harmer, his infant sons David and Andrew, and grandson Richard Folkerts.
Missing Jim are his wife Pat (nee Thompson) of 63 years; his children Kathy and John Flanagan, Patti and Mark Folkerts, Tim Harmer and Diane; and his sister Shirley Carson and her family. “Pop”/“Great-Pop” experienced tremendous joy and love in his relationships with his grandchildren Kelly and Adam Van Dinther, James Flanagan, Robert and Jennifer Downs, Matt and Erin Downs, Jessica and Black Boughen, Stephanie Folkerts, Elisabeth Harmer, Katie Harmer, Aiden Wang; and his great-grandchildren Lily, Maggie, Henk, Charlie, Deegan, and Everley. Also remembered by extended family members of the Moon and Thompson families.
Jim was an extremely devoted member of the Waterdown Masonic Lodge for over 60 years and a long-term member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Dundas. He spent his career in the life insurance business with Toronto Mutual, North American Life and Manulife and served his clients with compassion. In all aspects of his life, Jim served others quietly with great respect and love, exemplifying his strong Christian faith.
Jim and Pat had many golfing trips to Myrtle Beach over the years. At home, they played golf at Oak Gables in Ancaster. In both places they made many friends through their golfing.
The Harmer family lived at the corner of York Road and Old Guelph Road, known as Pleasant View, for over 160 years. Jim loved this land and nature, and spent much time outside enjoying both over his full 87 years. To Jim, his home and family were number one. The family spent much time together by Jim’s side, in this place, as he endured his final days in the battle with cancer.
The family is forever grateful for the many, many people who have provided support over the past four months. All are cherished in our hearts. In particular we give special thanks to Margaret, Penny, Mui, Carri and Sandy who each gave their unique and caring support during the final days.
Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Monday May 1st from 7-9pm. Masonic Service to follow. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 2nd at 11am at Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Melville St. Dundas. Donations to Presbyterian World and Development would be appreciated.
My condolences to the Harmer family. Mr. Harmer was a great neighbour and on a few occasions a great source of local history of the pleasant View neighbourhood.
So sorry for the grief your family is feeling at this time. Jim was such a kind and gentle man and I know everyone will miss him terribly. Love to all Larry & Susie Scott & Family
We will miss Jim “Pops” very much. Over the years he has been part of our family life, first as the father of my University friend Kathy. He put up with our antics and was always glad to see me visit, even though the noise level in the house increased substantially. As our children were born he welcomed them into his home, and they enjoyed swimming in the pool, eating Pat’s famous chocolate chip cookies and playing in the large lot on York Road. When he visited St. Marys we made a point of inviting ourselves to Kathy and Johns house to see Pops and Grandma Harmer. As our grandchildren arrived he enjoyed seeing them play with his great grandkids at the VanDinther farm. He was quiet and gentle with a great sense of humour. A true gentleman and an all round great guy. Love from the Hibbert family xxx