Harry Armstrong Eva II was a man’s man, a model citizen who people will tell you loved working on a farm as a boy almost as much as he loved soccer.
He was also an honorable husband and fantastic father who continuously gave back to the community in many forms.
Unfortunately, Harry – who graduated from North Scituate High School, Stonehill College and Boston Collage and loved coaching kids – lost a long and grueling battle to colon cancer back on Tuesday, June 3, at the young age of 44.
“Harry’s sense of humor, courage and spirit touched many, many people,” said Darlene Eva Dame, Harry’s sister, who along with her family owns and operates Dame Farm and Orchards on Brown Avenue in Johnston. “My brother created special bonds and blessings.”
Darlene issued a special invitation to “our family and friends to share in Harry’s Harvest Family Day,” which will be held this Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the sprawling grounds of Dame Farm.
“Our sincere desire is to share the blessings Harry’s life brought to so many by blessing his family with this event,” Darlene said. “Please come and help us have a great kick-off for this first annual event.”
Sunday’s event is a special fundraiser in support of Harry’s wife Sara Leigh (Manchester) and their children Gillian Elizabeth, Maggie Katherine and Jack Harrison.
“The strain of the past two and a half years, navigating the medical maze and adjusting to life without Harry’s presence, has been significant on his wife and children to say the least,” Darlene said. “Saving for college education for the children was impossible during this, so there is a very real need for this fundraiser.”
Darlene said visitors will “enjoy wagon rides, corn maze, live music, assorted activities and light refreshments as we remember Harry’s energy, joy for life and love for his family and friends.”
Donations in the amount of $20 per person or $10 for children ages five to 13 will be graciously accepted during Harry’s Harvest Family Fun Day, which will also include unique raffles. Also, a percentage of food sales and other proceeds from the day – including decorative items – will also go to funds for Harry and Sara’s three children.
“We’re hoping Sunday will be a reflection of Harry’s life,” Darlene said. “His infectious smile, sense of humor and indomitable spirit brought together so many, and for that we are grateful to have had him in our lives, even if for too short of a time.”
Sunday’s unique fundraiser will be held rain or shine, and people who’d like to make donations may do so in several ways. Donations can be made payable to “Sara Eva,” c/o Joseph W. Gemmell, Morgan Stanley, 28 State St., 26th Floor, Boston, MA 02109.
Each of Sara and Harry’s children has had a 529 Plan established for them, and that should be noted on any and all donations sent to Gemmell at Morgan Stanley.
Likewise, people may also send general donations to the Harry Armstrong Eva II Cancer Fund at the Greenville branch of Bank RI, c/o Darlene E. Dame, Dame Farm and Orchards, LLC, 91-B Brown Avenue in Johnston. Persons who’d like more inforamtiion should call Darlene at 401-949-3647.
Back when Harry was a boy, he worked at Dame Farm. He grew up in North Scituate and participated in music ensembles and sports, and spent summers working on the farm. After his education, he went on to some a husband, father, son, sibling, soccer coach, mentor and friend to all.
Prior to his tragic passing, Harry was employed as a data storage company and before that worked at Dame Farm & Orchards, Smith’s General Trucking and State Street Bank.
Perhaps Jennifer Abraham – one of four wonderful women who had special T-shirts made for the soccer squad they later named Harry’s Heroes, and who helped establish the much-needed fund for his family – said it best.
“Sometimes being a hero is as simple as being yourself without hesitation,” Abraham said. “Loving who you love without reservation and never giving up on the life you were meant to live. Godspeed Harry, I miss you!”
That’s the way people who attend Harry’s Harvest Family Day on Sunday will probably feel, too.
“He absolutely loved his wife and his family, they were his entire life,” Abraham remembered. “He lived the way we all should.”
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