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Dr. Dan M. Harman, 85, of Frostburg, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 5.
Born in Van, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Snyder Simon and Anna (Myers) Harman.
Survived by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Amy (Litten) Harman; sons, Dr. Eric Harman and wife, Angela, and Benjamin Harman and wife Michelle; siblings, Dr. John Harman, Dr. Richard Harman, Esq., Karen Ewing, and Judy Harman; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Alana Sharpe and husband, Josh, Jesse, Gavin, Daphne and Gwyneth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Harman High School and received his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in forestry from WV University. He then attended Oregon State University before completing his education with a Doctorate from Virginia Poly-technic Institute. Dan retired from the Appalachian Environmental Laboratories of the University of Maryland, where he was a Forest Entomologist.
A life-long learner, Dan was an avid student of history. He read most extensively about the Civil War, but also more broadly about American history. He was a talented musician and played the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and enjoyed singing in multiple choirs, including the Chorus of the Potomac and Flight 93 Memorial Chorus. Dan was a gifted painter, and left many treasured oil-based scenes.
Earlier in life he was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed trout fishing, duck hunting, mountain climbing and always enjoyed farming and gardening.
He was inspired greatly one warm summer evening after working in the garden with his grandchildren and wrote this poem:
THE GARDEN FORCE
By Dan Myers Harman
July 2006
O the garden force is a sight to see.
It will push ahead until victory.
And victory means the weeds are down
And garden vegetables again abound.
O the garden force!
O the garden crew!
The little gardens now depend on you!
Your helpers are the soil and sun and rain
So push on ahead and your goal attain!
O fresh tomatoes are a delight
And the squash and cucumbers are a wondrous sight
And the corn and peppers are just great of course
Thanks to the efforts of the garden force!
O the garden crew, Oh the garden force
You're a hearty gift to the world of course!
You cheer it up til the night is gone
And show the way so it may carry on!
He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Finzel, and contributed to Sunday school for many years. He was above all a devoted husband and father.
He fits the Wiktionary definition of a Renaissance man: A man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge.
Per his wishes his body was donated to the Maryland Anatomy Board.
A Memorial service will be held at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Finzel on Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Emmanuel United Methodist Church (mailing address: 1908 Finzel Road, Frostburg, MD 21532; physical address: 29 Pocahontas Road, Frostburg, MD 21532) or the Hospice of Garrett County (hospiceofgc.org – Hospice of GC, PO Box 271, Oakland MD 21550)
The family extends their appreciation to the health care personnel who compassionately took care of Dan during his his extended illness.