Obituary of Garry D Harned

Garry D. Harned, aged 87, died peacefully at home on Friday, August 19th, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife Theresa Harned, by his sons Benjamin and Caleb Harned, his daughter Melisande Timblin, and his grandson Odin Timblin. He is also survived by his sister Penny Scoggins, his brother-in-law Gary Scoggins, his brothers Todd and Glenn Harned, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by many people. Garry's life was filled with love and his kindness and wisdom impacted everyone who met him. He found great joy in adding beauty to the lives of those around him through handcrafts, gardening, and music-making. Garry taught himself to make and play a wide range of musical instruments but he especially enjoyed the banjo. He was a master gardener who enriched the lives of his neighbors by creating a cornucopia of colors in his gardens each year. He especially loved dahlias and sunflowers. He worked with his hands weaving colorful cloth on his loom and painting detailed gourds and rattles with intricate beadwork patterns. Garry had a great reverence for the natural world. His work as a biologist led him to do field work in Botswana, South Africa, Gabon, and Venezuela. His skilled hands and inquisitive mind made him a gifted mechanic, science teacher, and lab manager. Garry's love for his family and pets was paramount. He was a devoted husband and father. His children knew that he loved them and was proud of them. Garry never hesitated to enthusiastically support whatever interest or project any of his family wanted to attempt. Garry's marriage of 31 years to Theresa was one of true partnership and equality. They were best friends and soulmates for 37 years. His commitment was absolute and his love was bottomless. Garry's legacy is one of empathy and compassion. He found true friends wherever he went. He was a careful listener and a deep thinker who was particularly interested in politics and loved nothing more than to get fired up about social justice and inequity. He never stopped learning new things, caring about the world, and trying to make it a better place. He brought out the best in people. Those of us who carry his memory with us are truly blessed to have him in our hearts. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Ithaca who made it possible for Garry to remain at home during his illness. In particular, thanks is due to hospice nurse Annette Slater-Moehrle whose loving care sustained both Garry and his wife, Theresa, along the difficult path they traveled together at the end of Garry’s life. Ithaca Cremation Services has provided for his final care and a memorial service will be held at a later date.