Obituary of David Harman

HARMAN, David John...

Suddenly at his residence in Komoka, David John Harman passed away on December 1st, 2020 in his 82nd year.

Beloved husband of Charlotte (nee Williston) for 56 years.

Loving father to Dr. Karen Harman (Scott Stewart) and Amy Forget (Dalas).

Grandpa to Nathan and Sarah Stewart and Henry Forget.

Brother to Keith (Bronwen) Harman.

Brother-in-law to Carolyn (Williston) and Robert Dietrich.

Uncle to Brett (Marianne), Heather (Darren), Jeff (Elaine), Jill, Gwendolen, and Jennifer (Cory).

Great Uncle to Gabriel, Grace, Edward, Samuel, (late) John, Emily, Jack, Nicole, Benjamin and Jacob.

Predeceased by sister Helen (Dr. Donald) Robertson. 

David was born in Newmarket to Herbert and Eva Harman. He obtained a BSc from Ontario Agriculture in 1961, HBSc in engineering from The University of Toronto in 1962, his Master's degree from Purdue University in 1965 and received a PhD from The University of Illinois in 1972. As a life long learner, it was no surprise that he took to teaching, becoming a full time professor at The University of Western Ontario from 1972 until 2004, continuing as a Professor Emeritus until 2019. In addition, he was a proctor for the PEO, the regulatory body for engineers in the province of Ontario.

He met the love of his life, Charlotte, while teaching at Ridgetown College of Agriculture. They were married in 1964 and raised two beautiful daughters together. David was an active member of Riverside United Church, London since 1973 and was very devoted to his faith. He absolutely adored living in the house that he built in Komoka in his later years, was an avid gardener and loved to travel. He was a fantastic story teller, and liked to tell wholesome jokes, if he remembered the punch line! He loved porridge, puddings, coffee and concrete, not necessarily together. David will be remembered for his patience, and for his deep care and love for his family.

Family will receive family and friends on December 8th, 2020 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham,  from 11:00am until 12:45pm with a funeral service to follow at 1:00pm with Reverend David Exley officiating. Those wishing to attend must sign up at the following link https://signup.com/go/ShekTjv or call the funeral home at 519-351-2040. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed HERE.

Please note that all those attending events within the funeral home must wear a mask, as directed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. A private family interment in Arnold Cemetery, Louisville, will take place at a later date. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of David is asked to consider Riverside United Church, London.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, N7L3K6