Daniel William Harmer

Daniel William Harmer (Dan), 51, of New Market, Maryland, tragically passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday May 16, 2025.

Born in Welwyn Garden City, UK on March 29, 1974, to Martin Harmer and Hilary (Lambert) Harmer. He had a happy childhood growing up with his grandparents, auntie, uncle and cousins living within one street of each other.

Dan graduated with a degree in Applied Biology from the University of Hertfordshire in 1996, where he made some lifelong friends. After graduating, he dedicated his career to science working in the UK in the bioscience industry with Pharmagene and Solexa. Whilst in the UK, he met the love of his life Catherine and they were blessed by the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Tabitha. After commencing his career with Illumina in the UK, Dan later relocated to America with his family and became a respected member of the team. At the time of his death, he worked as the Senior Manager at the Illumina Solution Centre in Baltimore.

Dan was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son, nephew and friend. His family was his highest priority and his love for Catherine and Tabitha knew no bounds. He took great pleasure in going for walks with his much-loved schnauzers, vacations with Catherine and Tabitha, especially enjoying the mountains and forests of America. He also loved going back to the UK to visit family and friends. He was an avid brewer of craft beer and liked to share a few with friends. He would never miss a phone call back home to his beloved mum.

Standing at 6 foot 5, Dan was larger than life in both stature and spirit. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, his kindness, and his thoughtful nature.

Dan is survived by his wife of 18 years, Catherine, his daughter Tabitha, his mum Hilary, and his sister Abi. Also, his extended family, 3 sister in laws, 3 brother in laws, 6 nieces, 2 nephews and many aunts, uncles, cousins.

Dan was predeceased by his father, Martin William Harmer.

A private cremation took place on Wednesday, May 21. A memorial will be organized in the UK in June 2025.

Dan was very dedicated to providing for his family, he saved all his life, making sure he would have enough to retire and for his daughter to finish her education debt free.

In lieu of flowers, I have set up a GoFundMe for Tabitha’s college tuition. She is proud to follow in her father’s footsteps and is a rising sophomore in the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Cellular Biology and Molecular Genetics.

Link to GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/4ec4b773

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com