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Damon Earle Harmon, 80
CUMBERLAND - Damon Harmon, 80, of Cumberland, passed away May 10, 2018, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.
He was born Sept. 8, 1937, in Lewiston, the eldest son of Arthur and Bernice (Nason) Harmon. He grew up in Gray, attended Pennell Institute, and graduated with the class of 1955.
He served in the Army Corps of Engineers in France in 1960 and 1961. He also served as assistant scoutmaster in Gray for serveral years during the 1960s.
In July of 1969, Damon met the love of his life, Elizabeth Hall, on an Appalachian Mountain Club camping trip to Newfoundland and Labrador, led by Beth's brother, David. Damon operated the camp stove, and Beth was the cook. They found that they worked together very well, and they married Nov. 27, 1970. They had two sons, Russell and Stephen, and the family settled in an old farmhouse in West Cumberland. Damon and his family especially enjoyed camping and hiking together.
Damon worked as a cabinetmaker at N.T. Fox Lumber for many years, until the company closed in 1991. He continued with his cabinetmaking career, specializing in architectural cabinetmaking at Precision Millwork, Pappe and Romano Restoration, and R.G. Eaton Woodworks, Inc., where he worked until November 2017.
Damon was always an enthusiastic and prolific organic gardener. During his semi-retirement, Damon further developed his skill as a woodturner and founded Southern Maine Woodturners. He enjoyed turning bowls, as well as a multitude of other items, often using a variety of found wood. He especially enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm and skill by teaching others how to turn.
He was active in the Cumberland Congregational Church, UCC, where he was Sexton for many years. He also made the windows in the church sanctuary as well as many of the furnishings.
Damon was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Carlene; and his brother, Lester Dana.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and their sons, Russell and Stephen; his brother, Paul; his niece, Lori Chason; and his nephews, Matthew and Nathan.
A celebration of Damon's life will be held in September at the Congregational Church in Cumberland.
Memorial gifts may go to:
Hospice of Southern Maine
180 U.S. Route One
Scarborough, ME 04074, or to the
Congregational Church in Cumberland
Memorial Fund
282 Main Street
Cumberland, ME 04021
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Damon was a kind, creative, loving man. Though he was naturally reticent, he became animated when talking with friends about his craft. Even as his brain cancer developed, he still loved to talk about his craft and his experiences with friends. My memories of our life together are full of good, joyful sharing, accepting of difficulties and dealing with them together, making our relationship stronger.
Elizabeth (Beth) Harmon
Spouse
May 10, 2019
My dad (Merle Cushman) worked with Damon at Fox Lumber. He thought a great deal of Damon. I also worked at Fox and remember Damon as a quiet and talented man. Peace be with you Damon and your family...
scott cushman
May 22, 2018
Damon was one of the most patient man I have ever known. He also had a great sense of humor. Sending you and your son's many blessings and hugs. Edi Carlisle (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Edi Carlisle
May 18, 2018
Thank you for your service.
May 17, 2018
Thoughts and prayers for you & the family
Marie Harmon
May 17, 2018
So sorry to hear of Damon's passing. I have one of his beautiful wooden bowls. He was a talented wonderful man.
Christina Johnson
May 17, 2018
It is lovely to know his story, and to know how very much he was loved. We are thinking of you all with care.
Marcy Griguoli
May 16, 2018
Damon was a wonderful man and will be missed at reunion by his many Hall cousins. Our condolences to Beth and family during this sad time.
Bill Norbert
May 16, 2018
My prayers to the family. May the God of all comfort grant you comfort during this most difficult time.
RW
May 16, 2018
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Damon at Precision Millwork for over 10 years. He was a wealth of knowledge and was always willing to share it with anyone that wanted to listen. When I first told him that i had been gifted an old wood lathe he would always ask if I had turned anything over the weekend. He was my mentor in that respect from twice turned bowls to methods of mounting wood to the lathe and beyond. One of the greatest things he taught me was patience; "when you mess up, step back and evaluate then move forward with a solution." He was also one of the finest people i have known and will be greatly missed. Prayers to the Harmon family.
~ Norman
Norman Boutin
May 16, 2018
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