Evans Funeral Home

"Compassionate Funeral Service"

Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911

Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937

Michael Harmon

Michael “Mike” Lee Harmon, Sr., 73, of Rapid City, SD, beloved father, grandfather, friend and relative, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at his summer cabin on Blue Lake, MN in the early hours of June 23, 2021

He was born in Carrington, North Dakota, on October 13, 1947 to Ralph L. Harmon and Aryls Harmon (nee Skadberg). Mike loved adventure and took every opportunity to follow his passion – working at Yellowstone National Park, traveling throughout Europe, teaching skiing in Aspen, Colorado, driving his Land Rover the length of Baja, Mexico with sister, Joan, in the early 70s.

After this life of adventure, he met his life partner, Lauren Lee Moran, and they settled on a farm near the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi. This is where they raised their family of six children surrounded by meadows, pine trees, and plentiful gardens and animals. They lived a back-to-the-land lifestyle devoid of the modern amenities such as electricity and running water but in harmony with the ecosystem they were a part of. Here they milled the logs to build their log home, set up a gravity flow water system, installed wood cooking and heating stoves, and lived a rich, simple life with their children and animals. His life’s work focused on sustainability, caretaking the land for decades by farming organically and selective thinning the forests for optimal health and fortitude.

In the next chapter of his life, Mike relocated to Mission, South Dakota where he began his life as a retiree. He stayed active in life – taking care of his grandchildren; advising his children in their business ventures as well as local entities on issues of sustainability and land management, and rediscovering his passion for gardening, sailing and travel.

Mike always lived life to its fullest – wintering at Pleasant Lake in Arizona where he sailed at every opportunity, traveling the country in his Mercedes RV, and at the family retreat on Blue Lake near Park Rapids, Minnesota. Mike was a true renaissance man – he loved many things, his family first and foremost, but also keeping up with world events and politics, discussing philosophy and sharing ideas—especially regarding issues of sustainability, music and community supported radio (public radio was always on if Mike was around), cooking, and tinkering & inventing things to make life easier for himself and those around him.

He is survived by his children, Michael, Damien, Dominic, Abel, Serena and Ellen; grandchildren, Phoenix, Forrest, Kiyan, Shaiya, Cassius, Kowen, and Kale; and his siblings, Jane, Kitty, Joan, Jim, Tom and Anne; his many nieces, nephews and friends. He was proceeded in death by his father, Ralph and Aryls Harmon; life partner Lora Harmon; and brother, Paul. 

There will be a celebration of life held for him at the Blue Lake retreat at 17150 Halfmoon Rd, Park Rapids, MN, on Saturday, July 3rd at 4:00 pm where all friends and family are welcome.  Donations in his honor can be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Rosebud, SD, the National Audubon Society or to your local NPR station.

His Graveside Service was held Friday, June 25, 2021 at 3:00PM at Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, ND

Posted Condolences:

14 Comments

  1. To Mike’s family and all his siblings may the memories sustain you all through this difficult time. Mike was one of my classmates and a really wonderful guy.

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  2. Sympathy to the Harmon family.

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  3. My condolences..Have Lots of fun memories of those High School Years.

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  4. My condolences to Michael’s family.
    A good man gone to the other side.

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  5. Dear Joan, My sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your brother. He sounds like a remarkable man. Travis and I send our love to you and your family.

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  6. Our condolences to all of the family. My husband and I were fortunate to visit with Mike at Lake Pleasant a few months ago and share lunch on the lake, chatting and laughing. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.

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  7. His story is inspiring. Condolences to his family and many friends. A true adventurer and beautiful human. Congratulations to him on a life well lived.

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  8. Just heard about mikes passing. Sorry for your loss. I lost Uncle Tom 14 month ago. I pray the Lord will be with all of you at this time. I know the pain of loss. They say the pain gets better. When? I love all of you. Aunt Peggy

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  9. Mike’s presence was definitely a present to those who knew him. He enriched my life and I will miss him until we meet again. ❤️

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  10. Sad to read the news about Mike Sr., he was our caretaker and guardian. He helped us from catching snake (under deck) to giving shelter during snow storm.

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  11. My sincere condolences to Kitty and all the Harmon family. In speaking with Kitty a few weeks ago she talked about Mike and his strong beliefs to never take advantage of the land. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest. May memories of Mike give everyone the strength so needed at this time.
    Lynne

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  12. So sorry 4 your loss. Wish we knew about this earlier. Condolesences to ALL.

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  13. Joan and the entire fam. I knew Mike through Joni’s eye and heart. All his love. Known and left behind for so many to hold.

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  14. Such a beautiful tribute by such a beautiful family. May each and every person in his family be flooded with beautiful memories as permanent keepsakes in their hearts.
    (Elenora Adam’s granddaughter) Johanna Gray

    Reply

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