Dean Desmond Harman "epitomised the very best in the life and ministry of our church", the congregation at his funeral in Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral was told yesterday. The Church of Ireland mourned "the untimely passing of someone of whom we can be rightly proud", said Archdeacon Edgar Swann.
Very Rev Desmond Harman (66), Dean of Christ Church since April 2004, died unexpectedly last Tuesday in the Blackrock Clinic. "Not only skilled in administration, he was a wonderful pastor", and "a very human person", the archdeacon added.
Brother-in-law of the deceased, Archdeacon Swann said "Desmond was so involved in things which involved bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and stretching across international boundaries."
His work at Christ Church was "done with that honesty and unwavering integrity and care for people which he applied to everything in his life and ministry". They would "miss the piercing questions, the perceptive comment, the sense of humour, the wisdom", he said.
Chief mourners were Dean Harman's wife Sue, their children Karen, Lynn, Mark, and his sister Gladys. President Mary McAleese was represented at the "Eucharist of Thanksgiving and Celebration of the life of Desmond Harman" by Col Declan Carberry. Capt Michael Treacy represented the Taoiseach. Also present were Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Paddy Burke and Chief Justice John Murray.
Celebrant was the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill. Singing was by the cathedral choir and its girls' choir, directed by Judy Martin and accompanied by Tristan Russcher on the organ. Readings were by Robert Grier and Dr Frank Murray. Canon Adrian Empey read the gospel while Rev Mark Gardner read the prayers of the people.
A packed congregation was led by the Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Alan Harper, his predecessor Archbishop Robin Eames, and the retired Archbishop of Dublin Most Rev Donald Caird. Other bishops there included Bishop Richard Henderson of Tuam, Bishop Ken Clarke of Kilmore and Bishop Michael Burrows of Cashel.
Also there were the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Most Rev Diarmuid Martin, Canon John Flaherty, administrator of the Pro-Cathedral Fr Damian McNeice, MC to Archbishop Martin Fr Bernard Treacy OP, Rev Corinna Diestelkamp of the Lutheran Church, and representatives of other churches and the Salvation Army. Representing the Church of Ireland general synod were Canon Ian Ellis, Sam Harper, and Lady Brenda Shiel.
The funeral service was followed by a private burial at Redford cemetery, Greystones, Co Wicklow.