Herman Austin Harrison

November 2nd, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Herm Harrison. Left to mourn him are his loving family, Jan Harrison; Tamara (Junior) Thurman; Vaughn (Sheila) Dulin; and grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 siblings, Barbara (Clifton) Taylor, Lela Mae Brown, Altimore Harrison,
Jr., as well as uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends. Herm was predeceased by his parents, Altimore Sr. and Lela Harrison; brother, John Harrison; and sister, Debra Sands. At Herm’s request there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herm’s memory to Special Olympics Alberta, 11759 Groat Road, Edmonton, AB, T5M 3K6 or Calgary Health Trust – Calgary Heart Centre, Foothills Hospital, 800, 11012 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5.

Messages:

A very late message. We were truly shocked to hear of Herm's passing as we had visited with him not too long before when my brother was inducted into the ring of honor at McMahon. At that time Herm seemed to be his usual jovial self and gave a great picture of Gerry and Herm to my nephew which our family cherishes. Such a great individual. Our family sends condolences to Herm's family, as we are so aware of losing someone too early. God bless!

Folks in Phoenix ARIZONA still feeling the loss after 1 year of his passing!!

UNCLE HERMAN I WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT I WANT TO TELL YOU. YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW THINGS HAVE BEEN SINCE YOUR PASSING. YOUR SON VAUGHN WISHES HE HAD MORE TIME TO SPEND WITH YOU. SO DOES THE REST OF THE FAMILY. YOU ARE,AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE(HAM). THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME A GOOD TIME WHEN I CAME TO VISIT. FAMILY IS SUPPOSE TO STAY TOGETHER, NO MATTER WHAT. AND WE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE YOUR FAMILY. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR FAVORITE NEICE yvonne

Herm and I grew up in the same town, Duquesne, Pennsylvania. I had the good fortune to play football on the same high school team Herm played for, the Duquesne Dukes. Herm played one year ahead of me. When Herm left high school to go to Arizona State, I played the position on the team he vacated, Left End (a pass receiver). I always look-up to Herm. I watched Herm use "stick-em", a legal substance that he put on his pants to coat his hands before each play aid in catching the ball. I copied what Herm and used "stick-em" when I played. Now all the football Receivers use "rubber gloves". Herm was a pioneer in better ways to hold onto a football. No wonder they nicknamed him HANDS. Herm was always warm and gracious to me. In the summer after his first year at Arizona State, he came by our high school summer practice sessions to encourage us. Much later, at our 25th high school reunion, Herm told me how much he loved Canada and Calgary. Herm went on and on about the nature of the Canadian people who "adopted" Herm. He felt very loved there. Yet, Herm still wanted to be connected to Duquesne and the school friends he had. My condolences to his family. May God bless each of you and give you His peace during this difficult time. Barry Vaniel, Dana Point, California

UNCLE HERMAN YOU HAVE LEFT THE WORLD, BUT NOT OUR HEARTS. YOUR BROTHER AND SISTERS YOUR SON VAUGHN AND NIECES AND NEPHEWS MISS YOU VERY MUCH. YOU AND MY MOM(BARB) WERE EXTREMLY CLOSE, WHEN I LOOK AT HER I SEE YOU. THAT'S THE HARRISON GENE(SMILE). I'M SAD YOUR NOT WITH US IN BODY, BUT THE MEMORY OF YOU BRINGS ME MUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS. WE ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE YOUR FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALWAYS. YOUR BLOOD NEICE. YVONNE

I recall the 2009 Grey Cup in Calgary and I was doing television live hits for CBC SASKATCHEWAN from one of the downtown Calgary hotels and was looking for people to stand in behind me for crowd shots. I went combing through the bar and rounded up a few people and then in the corner I recognized Herm Harrison. I remembered him from my youth when I lived in Regina and a Rider fan and he was a star Stampeder. A real Rider killer. Ham Hands Harrison. I introduced myself and asked if he could basically be a prop for my live hits. I expected him to refuse. But he was totally gracious and agreed but only if his good friend Reggie Holmes could join us. Reggie Holmes...another great Stamp from the past. They both took part ..were totally game and I came away thinking it's nice to meet some of your childhood heroes and discover they're all-stars on the field and off.

"May the wind rise up to meet you,may the wind be ever at your back,may the Sun Shine warm upon your face. And until we meet again,May GOD Hold you in the hollow of HIS HAND !!!!! I am Praying daily for you and I LOVE YOU !!! Pastor De France 1-323-877-9191

My heartfelt and deepest sympathy to Herm's family. I had the pleasure of working with Herm, in sales, at CKXL/FM'96. I have such fond memories of Herm and he was a friend to my parents as well. He will be sorely missed by so many.

Tamara and Junior: I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May God keep you strong through this time of bereavement. God bless you and the entire family! Love you, Rhonda Flenoy-Younger

To Jan, Tamara &Junior and family. My Deepest Sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time of separation of Herm. Continue to look to the hills and remember he does walk right by our side. Memories are forever!!! Love Ms. Erma

With our Sympathy to you and your family, our deepest Sympathy goes out to you Tamara, Junior, Jan and family today, Although the sorrow runs too deep for any words to say, But it make your loss you feel less difficult for you to known that others understand and care the way they do. God Bless your family. Love Maureen Jackson

Jan & Tamara, we are so very sorry for your gigantic loss. Thank God for the precious memories that I'm sure you will reflect on for the rest of your lives. Hold them close to your heart, no one can take them away. Allow our awesome God to comfort you and give you the peace that surpasses all of our understanding. He makes no mistakes. See you all soon. Gabby, Raina & Raven

I am very thankful for the immense pleasure of working with Herm at FM96-XL and sharing time, as many of us did, all over Alberta and BC at winter events. Fondly remember his ear to ear grin as we enjoyed fresh snow & bumps on the front of Norquay Mtn and witnessed his constant strive for excellence as he would knock out a buckets of balls after finishing each golf game. As well, his joy Tamara in having you in (early teens) at FM96 to apply your art in making a full wall sales chart. I was very fortunate to golf with Herm as he toured Ontario doing charity work over the past decade. My deepest appreciation for his leadership and friendship and condolences to family.

We have known Herman for 50 years. I signed him out of Arizona State Univ. and he has been an outstanding player for the Stamps & as a citizen of Calgary. Always a friend of our entire family, and he will be missed. Tell Jan that we think of her, and we as a family are making a contribution to EDUCATION MATTERS, a public school trust2 in his name. Many memories of Herman. Rogers and Joann Lehew & Family

Dear Sweet Jan,Tamara,Junior and family, We were very sad to hear of your great loss. Our prayers are with you. We lost my dad back in March of this year, so I can imagine what you are going through. Just know that Herm is resting in GOD's arms and you will see him again. If there is anything that we can do just ask, we are here for you and we love you much. The Thurman/Thomas Family

Dear Jan and Tamara I'm so sorry hearing that Herm passed away. I have known Herm since you first met him as we were room mates. I know how much you are going to miss him as everyone else. He was the best. I have been thinking of you everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Eileen and family

Hello Jan, Judy and I used to live diagonally opposite your home in Silver Springs... Wonder if you remember us...?? We had 2 little girls - Astrid & Beatrice - and we moved away from there, in 1989, to Scenic Acres, where we still live... Every Saturday morning in the summers, Herm would come to visit y'all in his big van and he never failed to wave at me, as I mowed the lawn... On the occasions when you and I would travel on the Express bus, you told me all about him and I was in awe...!!! I often bumped into him on the Plus-15 at Bow Valley Square. He remembered me and was always unfailingly warm... So very sorry to hear of Herm's untimely passing... May you and your family be blessed with the strength to accept his passing... Our prayers are with you... Sincerely, Adrian & Judy Montes

Very sorry to hear of Herm's passing Jan. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Deepest sympathies to Herms Family. Herm was one of a kind. I will forever remember him . He was a wonderful sweet adorable man, May he rest in peace. God Bless .

Jan and Tamara and families, It was with great sadness that I read about Herm's death. Our deepest and heartfelt condolenses to all of you. Sincerely, The McArthur Family

Dear Janice and Tamara, My deepest condolences to you both on hearing of Herm's untimely passing. Bruce O'Neil

On behalf of the George Hansen family, we express our deepest sympathy for you all. Herm will truly be very missed. He was such a dear friend of my Dad George, and I enjoyed making Herm cornbread when I could! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very difficult time.

Jan, I was your roomie in the late 60's and I am so sorry to hear that Herm had passed. I am thinking about you in this time of sorrow. Sheila

To Jan and family, Gerry and I are so sorry for your loss. It's comforting to know that you have all of your loving family there for support. All your great memories will help get you through this. Sorry I can't be there but my thoughts are certainly with you.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Herm while working with him at CJ 92 radio. We immediately became friends. He was a great storyteller and I loved listening to his life experiences. We would go skiing together and despite the fact he was about 25 years older than me, I still couldn't keep up to him. He had my girlfriend and I over for dinner on many occasions and was a master cook with that slow cooker. When I moved back to Vancouver, I talked about Herm all the time with my friends. He was such a great guy and true gentleman. I'm honored to have had him as a friend. My condolences to the family and to the many dear friends Herm had made.

My deep heartfelt sympathy are sent to all Herm's family, friends, and colleagues at this tender time for all of us so blessed to know and love this beautiful soul. My heart mourns with you for this great loss to a planet needing more of his kind of kindness and compassion. Herm was my manager at 96 FM, and to date, has been one of my most endeared mentors. His professionalism, gentle nature, authentic care and kindness are unparalleled. Herm was a true leader and gentlest of giants. May peace be with you all, and may your hearts be comforted by the magic of your memories of being loved by Herm.

Jan I think you know my Mom Evelyn. I first met Herm when I was 19 and working at a tool store. Herm came in to sell advertising. I first noticed how tall and big he was and how friendly he was, then I noticed his Grey Cup Ring. We talked for a while and then I asked if I could see his ring. I thought he might just give me his hand but he took the darn thing off and handed it to me. I was so honored and impressed that this super star would let me hold the ring. Since he played on the last Stamp team to win I thought Id see if I could push my luck and see if I could try it on, he smiled and said "You go right ahead" Didn't even fit on my thumb. We chatted for a bit and I went home all excited. I walked in the house and told my Mom and dad that I met Herm Harrison and he let me try on his ring. My eyes were all lit up and then my Mom burst my bubble when she said "I've know Herm for years and that he was married to my friend Jan" Hummm....well next week Herm came back to the store and I said "You know my Mom" Told him the story and we both laughed at what a small word it was. Im 45 now and we would talk a couple f timea year and wealways said we would have to get my mom andJan together for lunch. Sadly if it happens it wont be with the kindess and most honaorable guy I knew. I will truly miss you my friend and will forever cherish the times we spent talking. you are a true gentleman.

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Herm's passing. To his family, my deepest sympathies at the loss of a truly remarkable man. I worked with Herm at CKXL/CHFM radio and will remember him as a thoughtful, humble and gentle man. When I lost my husband 10 years ago, Herm drove through treacherous winter conditions in the mountains to show his respect and lend his support. He didn't have to do that and for that kindness alone, I will always be grateful to him. As you grieve the loss of this special man, I hope you can find some comfort, knowing how deeply respected and well loved he was by all who has the good fortune to know him. With deepest sympathy, Kim Dolny.

Jan My condolences to you and the family in this time of sorrow. I know you a longtime and I know what a wonderful person you are. All the best until we meet again. Cheers Chris Rocha

I was truly saddened when I heard of Herms passing, when I worked at Blackwood Beverages back in the 80's he used to come in to see the sales reps, we used to have some wonderful chats, he was truly a kind and gentle man, my heartfelt condolences go to his family, he has left a huge hole in people's hearts just by being who he was.

Jan, I am so sorry to hear about Herm. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

It was my great privilege to work with Herm at CKMX for over ten years. Herm was the kindest person that I have ever met, and I was blessed to be considered a friend. Rest in peace sweet man, your like will not be seen again.

Jan, I was very saddened to read that Herm had passed. Please accept my sincerest condolence. I wish you the best. Ed

My deepest sympathies to all of Herms family and friends. He was one in a miilion and will be remembered as a kind and gentle man. I miss him already.

Dear Jan, Perhaps you remember me from Pan Canadian. We both worked there for a long time. I was sorry to hear of Herm’s passing. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love (my son Mark in 2008). May God help you stay strong at this sad time. With deep sympathy, Mike Lochli

It has been an honour to know and love Herm the past 25+ years. We never missed an opportunity to catch up on Tamara's adventures and lately, those of her kids, which gave Herm great pleasure. Herm's stories and his joy in telling them will be held dear by many. The love that he shared freely, his generous spirit and gentle kindness are unequaled. Everyone touched by his beautiful soul aches from his absence, but have heartfelt memories to treasure forever.

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