Brian Harmsen, 58 of Palm Bay, Florida lost his hard-fought battle to pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully Sunday, June 14th with his family by his side.
He was born to the late Eugene "Bud" and Dorothy Harmsen on June 9, 1957 in Grand Rapids, MI. Brian graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1975. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from historic Troop 215, the same troop that President Ford received his Eagle Scout award. Brian was honored to represent the Boy Scouts of America and present then Vice President Ford with a Distinguished Scout Award in 1975. He was also inducted into Scouting's National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow, and achieved the highest rank of Vigil Honor. He received his BA in English from the University of Florida in 1983.
Brian married Nancy Fusco in 1989 and they lived in Palm Bay, FL for the last 25 years with their two children. He was an incredible husband and the best father anyone could ask for. He was also a talented technical writer for over 30 years.
Brian is survived by his wife, Nancy, his daughter Caroline, his son Trevor and his trusty dog, Louie. He is also survived by his brothers Scott, Mark, and Erich of MI, his sisters Laura of TX and Diane of MI, loving nieces, nephews and one grandnephew.
A special thank you to the William Childs Hospice House of Palm Bay and the employees of the Melbourne Health First Infusion Center for their care and support.
In memory of Brian, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate and/or to WFIT at www.wfit.org, where Brian was a longtime listener and supporter.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Brian's memorial page at www.davisseawinds.com.