Deryck Neil Harnett
November 26, 1946 to July 14, 2025
Obituary
As dawn broke on July 14, 2025, wispy white clouds drifted across a sky of soft blue, preparing the way for a deeply-loved husband and father, Deryck Neil Harnett, in his 79th year, to take his final journey, comforted by Linda, Jenny and Vicki, his boundless love for whom was the essence of his soul.
Sharing in our heartbreak are Deryck’s brother, John (Sandra); his niece and nephews, Leslie, Christopher and Andrew, and their families; Linda’s family, Bernice (Bill) Jamer; Kenneth (Marcie) Jenkins; sister-in-law, Diane (Fred Frampton) and their families; and our friends.
Deryck was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Nellie; Linda’s parents, Ronald and Effie Jenkins; Linda’s brother, Doug; and other family members.
Deryck made our lives richer. In time, as the pain of our loss eases, we will find comfort in the lifetime of cherished memories and the things he left behind – his paintings, guitars, fountain pens, smoking pipes and woodworking tools. Deryck’s strength was his quiet, gentle nature, his precious gift that we hold close to heal our broken hearts.
We express immense gratitude to his medical team and staff at the Health Sciences Centre, who cared for Deryck with dignity and compassion in his final days, and to his family physician, Dr. Sandi Ennis, and his geriatric physician, Dr. Kim Babb.
Honouring Deryck’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has occurred. We are grateful to those who wish to remember Deryck by making a donation to a charity of one’s choosing. Flowers are graciously declined.
Deryck found joy in music. As he was leaving, The Beatles and Dire Straits carried him along and we sang him home with our favourite family songs.
It’s a lovely tell your mother kind of day,
A proper t’ing in each and every way.
Happiness, peace and joy is all around;
It’s a lovely tell your mother kind of day.
From “The Rowdyman”, lyrics and music written by Deryck
“Go for it, kid!”
“Sing like a bird!”
Dear Linda and Family, John and Sandra and Family,
My most sincere condolences to you and your Families. Losing a loved one so dear, and who was such a presence in all of your lives, brings a sad, emotional and difficult time. Cherish your wonderful memories and happy times together. May they comfort you and give you strength in the days and weeks moving forward. Take Care..
Sincerely
Paula Yabsley
So sad to hear of the passing of my BFC & Bishops buddy Deryck.. He was part of a core group of friends that I was part of thru school and MUN . Quite a disparate group of guys. Loved them all and after all these years still remembered fondly
.R.I.P.
A great guitarist and , as they say, a great guy.
Terry Combden.
Words can’t really come close to expressing how sorry and saddened we are to see the passing of your dear Dad, Jenny. But until we can give you the biggest hug ever in person, words are all we have.
We are sending ALL our love, and sympathy, and sincerest of condolences to you and Linda and Vicki, and the rest of your family. We know you’re hurting and we wish we could take it all away.
We hope you find comfort and calmness in the amazing memories of your Dad and that these memories ease some of the sadness, at this time.
We love you very much. Hugs from Perth,
Pat, Paul and Bella xxx
I started Kindergarten with Deryck at Bishop Field and went all through school with him. I remember him as a kind person and was proud to have him as a friend. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Deryck will be missed.
John and all of Derek’s family
My deepest condolences. Our connection s go back to our mothers who were close friends. And Derek and I went through school together at BFC and later crossed paths at MUN.. Way back in time I remember sending time at your summer place inTopsai.
Farewell and rest in peace old friend
Hugh Miller
Linda, Jenny, Vicki, John and Family
Deepest and sincerest condolences on “cousin” Deryck’s passing.
I’m thankful for the memories I have to cherish.
Deryck was one of a kind! ❤️❤️
Vicki and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’ll always remember his kindness, support, and of course, his pipe! I am so very grateful for his guidence throughout my time at MUN. Big hugs. Thinking of you.
Vicki and Family
Don and I send our love to you. What a wonderful man he was.
Jenny and Vicki. I was so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Deryck was a quiet, steady presence during my time at MUN Music—always there, always kind. He was a staple of that world for me, and I’m so grateful for the memories I have of him. They’re comforting and sweet, just like he was.
I’m holding you both, and your Mom, close in my heart and sending so much love your way.
With deepest sympathy, Donna
Vicki and family — I am so very sorry for your loss. My memories of MUN School of Music are not complete without memories of Deryck (and his pipe!). He was part of the fabric of the school. I truly appreciated his wisdom and his care. Thinking of you all.
Kindness.Compassion.Encouragement. These are words I will always associate with Deryck Harnett. When I was a music student doubting my ability to get through my performance program, and years later when I had an important role at MUN but in my heart wanted to be at home with our daughters, Deryck was a wise listening ear and strong supporter. So grateful to have known him!
Please accept our sincere condolences. It has been so many years, but I still have many happy memories of accompanying MUN Glee Club. Those were the days.
Cheers to a life well lived.
Linda and Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time.
John and Sandra,
We are so sorry to learn of Deryck’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences at this sad and difficult time.
Ed and Brenda
Linda, Jenny, Vickie, Sandra and John:
I was so shocked and sorry to read Linda’s email about Deryck’s passing. My memories of him and John go back to the Anglican Cathedral’s AYPA(Anglican young people’s association) when I was a teenager. He was a member of The BaronKnights band, if I recall correctly. I heard them play many times at the church dances.
Keep your memories close as they will comfort you in the coming days and years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda, Jenny and Vicki
We were so saddened to hear of Deryck’s passing.
Over the past twenty two years we have spent
many family celebrations with all of you.
Deryck was a talented, kind, gentle, considerate man
who we all held in such high esteem..
The Harnett musical talent has come down through generations from Deryck and John to their children
and we see it now in our own grandchildren …..definitely
from the Harnett family and not the Cavanagh family!
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Mabel Cavanagh
Linda and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Thinking of you at this time.
Rob Stewart
Sending condolences to the Family and all who mourn his passing.
I have fond memories of Mr. Harnett during my time at MUN Music. His kindness and reassurance remains a fond and important memory of that time in my life. He always spoke lovingly of his girls and the waft of pipe smoke remains sketched in my senses.
His was a life well lived and loved.
Love and condolences to you all as you celebrate his life and grieve his passing..
Christina Baker-Gillingham
I am deeply saddened to hear of Deryck’s passing. He was one of the kindest and wisest people I have known. As a student at the MUN School of Music in the early days, I struggled. Recognizing this, Deryck offered me support and encouragement to pursue goals I thought were impossible to reach. I loved chatting with him in his office. The aroma of pipe tobacco set the scene for one of his memorable life lessons. Deryck truly inspired me. Thank you, Deryck.
Linda and family,
So sorry to hear this. I remember the times that i visited in my childhood and early teens, Deryck introduced me to smoking buts under the stands at the baseball games and listening to his guitar prowess that I could not even attempt. Happily we were able to visit a couple of times over the last few years. I will keep the memories. Please take care.
Phil and Jan
Linda and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Deryck from MUN Music Camps and the MUN School of Music. Hold onto all the beautiful memories.
My condolences to John and Deryck’s family. I have fond memories of Deryck when I was a young kid trying unsuccessfully to play guitar. At that time , I looked at John and Derek as maestros . I recall many times listening to them jam and I recall it may have been in the garage of Arnett Coish’s parents house on Pine Bud. Derek was always one to look up to and to aspire to be like. He was an absolute gentleman may the cherished memories of this exemplary person overcome the sadness being felt by his family
Chris O’Dea
Linda & family,
So very sorry for your loss. Deryck was a memorable, encouraging presence in the faculty during my days as a MUN music student …..may cherished memories of happy times together bring you comfort.
The Coish family are saddened for the Harnett family to lose a great leader, mentor & kind neighbour Deryck..
His leadership, mentorship, kindness and great comradery will always be remembered by me.
2 songs that come to mind are the Beatles Lennon inspired “In my Life” and the ending of the old round “Row Row Row Your Boat”
Linda, Jenny and Vicki – My deepest condolences to you and all the family at this difficult time. Keep all your wonderful memories close. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
To Mrs. Harnett, Vicki, and Jenny
Sending you my deepest condolences. You truly lost a special man. I have very fond memories of him bringing you girls by the hand to early Saturday ballet classes for so many years. Please know that as you grieve this loss you have so many people sending you love and strength.
Mara Noftall
Mrs. Harnett and Family, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Mr. Harnett. May he rest in Peace
Mrs Harnett
We are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your girls. Take care.
Charlene and family
Linda, Jenny, Vicki, John and families,
I am so sad to hear about Deryk’s passing. He was a kind and very nice man and will be missed deeply by you all. Deepest condolences to you all.
Donna Comerford
To Linda,
We are saddened to learn of your husband’s passing and extend our sincere condolences to you and to all who are grieving the loss of Deryck now and in the months to come..
God bless,
Mildred and Leonel Vairinhos
July 18, 2025,
So so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband sweet Linda Jenkins now Harnett! ! May God send and circle you and all your family and friends with deep warmth , love , ❤️ grace peace and mercy during this difficult time!
Love from your Curtis Cutie pal, Maxine Stirling Dawe from midtown Toronto. nfldmax@hotmail.com
Jenny & Vicki – your dad always made me feel so very welcome in your home. When I think of him, I can see his big smile and hear his gentle voice. He raised two wonderful, kind, soulful women alongside your mom.
Which brings me to you, Mrs. Harnett. Equally warm and welcoming, your home is always a place I love to go whenever I’m home. I’m so sorry to hear it has lost a big presence, but I know full well it’s not entirely gone; he will always be felt in your home and in your world.
Big hugs from Ottawa, Nadine & David x
Linda,
We send our sincere condolences to you and your whole family.. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Jan & Peter Ringrose
Linda, Jenny , Vickie and John and family
very sorry to hear of Deryck’s passing; so many happy memories of times around Pine Bud Ave. with your Mom. Hope all your memories will help you through this difficult time
My sincere condolences
Elizabeth
To Deryck’s wife and daughters, and John, .Sandra, and family. We were sorry to hear bout his passing. We never knew him, but his obituary tells of the special man he was. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of a beloved husband, father and brother.
Noreen and Harold Press
Maney wonderful memories of hanging out with John ,Deryck, and other friends at their house on Pine Bud. His love of music was passed on to me and in school , scouts and church. So sorry for your loss my condolences to all the family.
Linda, Jenny and Vicki, we are so saddened to hear of Deryck’s passing.. Charlotte and I have many fond memories of Deryck’ especially our times together back in the day with John when we were all in the ‘Walking Happy’ together under the direction of Don Cook. Please accept our sincere condolences..
Linda, Jenny and Vicki
We are deeply saddened to hear of Deryck’s passing.. Please accept our deepest condolences. Peggy and Wayne Connors
Ohhh nooooo….I’m so terribly sorry to hear of Deryk’s passing. I first met him in the early days of Mun Music School when DFC was carving it into being. We sang and recorded together in the first Mun Chamber Choir, in the Festival Singers, ( or whatever the required large ensemble was called in those days) and later, I believe, in one of the revivals of Cook’s group “The Walking Happy”. What a calm, quiet but strong presence he had amongst all of us noisome youngsters in those early days. The smell of his pipe smoke was an ever present reminder of his vigilance in the old resource center in the temporaries that housed us in those fledgling days. I was so delighted to have met you, Vicki and to know that your Father’s gifts had been passed on so beautifully to you. Please accept our deepest sympathies and wishes for peace in the coming year of “firsts”. Renée (Marquis) and Paul Antle.
Sorry for your loss.
Mrs Harnett, Jenny and Vicki.
My condolences to you. My thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. , sending hugs
Kathryn Sellars
Mrs. Harnett, Jenny and Vicki,
My condolences to you all at this difficult time and I’m holding you close in my heart.
How lucky you were to have such a gentle giant in your corner, your life, your heart. ❤️
Much love,
Jennifer Bennett
Linda,
I am sorry to read that your husband Deryck has passed away. Please accept my condolences to you and your family. May his gentle soul R.I.P.
Enid OBrien
Mrs. Harnett, Vicky and Jenny. We were saddened to hear the news of Mr. Harnett’s passing. We send our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.
Theresa and Perry Dawe
Linda, Jenny and Vicki,
There has been a disturbance in the force. A gentle and warm man has left us for other realms. Deryck’s and my paths have intersected over the years. Going to BFC, singing in choirs under Dr. Cook, doing Speech Night plays at Feild and generally philosophizing whenever we met. He was a treat to talk with. God Bless you brother. You will always be a part of my memory mosaic.
Linda/Jenny/Vicki,
Sorry to hear of Deryck’s passing. A kinder man you will not find. I always enjoyed chatting with him at family gatherings, as we would always discuss hockey and sports for a few minutes (which generally wasn’t on anyone else’s radar).
I will always remember him fondly.
Deryck’s loved ones. Sincere sympathy on his passing. I remember growing up on Allandale Road and Deryck on Pine Bud Avenue. The neighbourhood kids all hung out
together. I especially remember his brother John. Those were the fun times. Carefree and happy days. May Deryck’s gentle soul rest in peace.
I am thinking of you guys and holding you close to my heart during this very difficult time. Be kind to yourself and take this time to remember all the wonderful memories you’ve shared. 🤍
Mrs Harnett, Vicki and Jenny, so sad to hear of Deryck’s passing. His kind and caring personality was a true testament to the love he had for you all.. I will treasure my memories of our visits together.and pray for peace and comfort .
Dearest Linda, Jenny and Vickie, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and father. he was such a lovely neighbour, quiet, friendly and kind. He loved his family, always ready to tell me about his beautiful girls, all three. He was so proud of each of you! Words cannot measure your loss, but the love you shared will surround and enfold you always.