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His Life

Obituary

March 2, 2012

Sidney James Harms was born to Herbert and Esther Harms on October 14, 1950.  His early years were spent on the farms of Nebraska, South Dakota, and finally central Kansas.  There, at the age of 16, Sid met, began dating, and eventually married an even younger Christine Jost.  After graduating fromTabor College, Sid and Christine moved to Fresno,California so that Sid could pursue his Master’s of Divinity at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. 

While studying in the Central Valley, the couple had their first two children and Sid carried out his first pastoral assignment as the English-speaking Pastor at the Japanese Methodist Church of Fresno.  At the age of 26, Sid was called to pastor Parkside Mennonite Brethren Church inTulsa, Oklahoma, where the couple was blessed with two additional children.  A decade later, the family moved to Eugene,Oregon where Sid led North Park Community Church.

Sid and Christine moved to the Bay Area in 2000 to begin his “dream job” as the Marriage and Family Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship.  Given this job title, he was blessed to watch his four children marry wonderful spouses and begin families of their own.

As a pastor, Sid was known for his warm and compassionate ear, wise Biblical counsel, memorable sermon illustrations, and endearing sense of humor.  As a father, he was a spiritual leader, a fierce protector, and yet a close friend.  As a husband, he was loving and faithful, the ultimate companion, and a Godly role-model.  

In 2007, Sid was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which he bravely battled until it abruptly took his life on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.  Even in his suffering, Sid’s faith in God’s goodness pervaded his life and was an inspiration to everyone he encountered.   

Sid is survived by Christine, his wife of 40 years; his children Matthew, Julia, Daniel, and Philip; his grandchildren Elizabeth, Ruby, Grayson, Theodor, Hannah, Gavin, Kaylee, Ava, with two more on the way; and his siblings Linda and John.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Louis.