Douglas Richard Harmer

In 1950, Douglas Richard Harmer was the first of six children born to Richard & Pauline Harmer in Columbus, Ohio.  He grew up with his brothers (Dave and Steve) and sisters (Luanne, Paula and Lisa).

Doug was a bright student, gifted in the science of electrical engineering like his father.  In high school, he also played on the football team and was known by his nickname of “Beef,” and he was an avid sports fan throughput his life.

He bravely served in the United States Army, was deployed to Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1970.

Doug attended Ohio State University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and moved to Southern California shortly thereafter where there were many opportunities in the Defense industry.

Doug found solid Bible teaching at Grace Community Church, attended its Career Department, and was immediately attracted to a tall blonde named Laurie Olsen.  They dated, were engaged, and were married on a chilly January night in 1982.

In 1985, Brooke Michelle was born in Riverside, California, and quickly won everyone’s hearts.  Work assignments would relocate the new family to new places.  In 1988, Bryan Douglas was born in Santa Clara, California, and was a healthy boy with a big smile.  In 1992, Matthew David was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, and this happy baby boy completed their family. Eventually, they settled down and purchased a beautiful home in Phoenix, Arizona in 2009.

Wherever they lived, their family was always involved in their local church and school activities.  Doug was a strong influence in his children’s education, tutoring them in their studies at home.  They all excelled in school and benefitted from Doug’s dedication.

Doug was the proud Father of the Bride when Brooke married her soulmate, Josh Anderson, in 2006 and warmly welcomed him to the family.  In 2013, Doug welcomed another daughter to the family when Bryan married his high school sweetheart, Erika Gustafson.

Doug and Laurie celebrated their 36th anniversary in January. The closeness of the family and their celebrations were the center of his life.  His love, dedication, and quirky sense of humor will be sincerely missed by all who love him.