Derek A. Harms

April 8, 2020

In the past two years, trees have been planted and green spaces dedicated in Derek’s name. Songs have been written--and sculptures, paintings and photos have been created—all in loving tribute to Derek’s legacy of energy, grace and love. For these and countless other kind gestures, we are grateful.

Georgianne and Dennis Harms

These three trees planted in Derek’s honor at Barrington’s Citizens Park, are a lovely example of how nature and art can inspire and unite us. Our thanks to photographer, Paul Schmitt.

Update on Memorial Acknowledgements for Derek Austin Harms
January 6, 2019

Dearest friends and family of Derek Harms:
We are so grateful for your outpouring of support, sentiments and tributes on behalf of our dear Derek. To honor his generous spirit and lifelong love of the great outdoors, the following memorial gestures have been made in his name:

*  In December of 2018, we concluded the arrangements for our signature memorial effort , the Derek Harms Endowed Fund for Grassy Lake. This beautiful North Barrington location is described on Lake County Forest Preserve’s website site at: https://www.lcfpd.org/preservation-foundation/donate-now/derek-harms-endowed-fund/#.XBqdgzdnyAo.email

Other significant tributes to Derek include:

•    Scholarships at Winona State University: The Derek Harms Leadership Scholarship and an Outdoor Adventure Travel Award.
•    The installation of (3) White Oak Trees (with bench & markers); “The Derek Harms Family Oak Trio” at Barrington’s Citizen’s Park.

•    The dedication of (3) existing Yellow Birch Trees on campus at Winona State University; “The Derek Harms Family Yellow Birch Trio.”
•    The American Eagle Center – donations specifically targeted for the care and support of “eagle ambassadors” https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/our-eagles/

•    Camp Deerhorn in Rhinelander, WI, where Derek spent nine memorable summers as a camper, then counselor. In his honor, the camp created the Derek Harms Kindness Award and will dedicate two custom benches with inscriptions honoring Derek at the campfire ring.
•    Significant gifting to: Sierra Club, National Park Foundation, One Tree Planted, Arbor Day Foundation, and other conservation causes.

Thank you friends and family. We are honored and humbled by your continued fellowship and support in every form. Each of these tributes has special significance to us and each one represents Derek’s ongoing legacy of love, activity, community and friendship.

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October 17, 2018

The Winona State University student newspaper, The Winonan, recently ran the following article to detail the many positive gestures that have been made in honor of Derek Harms in the months since his passing.  Here's the link to the article: https://winonan.org/?p=8253

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Obituary Text from The Chicago Tribune, April, 2018:

It is with extreme sadness and heavy hearts that we, Georgianne and Dennis Harms, acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, Derek Austin Harms, age 20, as the result of a tragic snowboarding accident on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

Derek was the dear nephew and cousin of many.  His diverse circle of friends is wide-reaching and deeply loyal.  A natural leader, Derek was a wonderful, vibrant young man who embraced life with vigor and excelled at every sport, hobby, and interest he pursued.

As a junior, majoring in outdoor recreational tourism at Winona State University in Minnesota, Derek thrived in his studies, work, activities, and creative expressions—ranging from photography to hosting a campus radio program.

He loved all things outdoors and was a caring custodian of nature.  Derek enjoyed rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and exploring, as well as snow sports.  A staff member at the OERC (outdoor activity center) at WSU in Winona, he was a climbing instructor and a canoe guide on the Mississippi River.

For the past four summers, he was a counselor at Camp Deerhorn in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  His leadership duties included being:  a certified lifeguard, a horseback riding instructor, and leader of Voyager expeditions to the Boundary Waters of Lake Superior.  Derek was a favorite Camp counselor to boys, 8 to 14, and he was a renowned performer of folk music-- singing and playing guitar, mandolin, and ukulele.

Derek’s sunny smile lit up every setting he entered.  His kindness, generosity, and infectious sense of humor will be celebrated forever.

Visitation will be 2pm until the funeral service at 4pm, Sunday April 15 at St. Michal's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington. A reception will follow in the Community room at the church.