Harry Patrick Dalm, 64, of Allegan passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, their sons, and family after a short battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.
Harry was born on Sept. 30, 1954, in Allegan, to Harry and Dorothy (Huff) Dalm. He was a 1973 graduate of Allegan High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University.
He married his high school sweetheart Debra Hopper on Aug. 11, 1978.
In 1978, he began his outstanding service to the children of Allegan through teaching for 15 years, and ultimately serving the community as Principal of North Ward and West Ward Elementary Schools for 26 years. Throughout that time, he also spent many years teaching and mentoring families in the summer Fennville migrant program.
Harry received the “Outstanding Educational Professional of the Year” award by the Allegan Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and was the “Allegan School Bell” award winner upon his retirement in June of 2018. He was a true friend, mentor and inspiration to countless children and colleagues during his 41-year career with Allegan Public Schools.
Above all, Harry was a devoted husband and father. His family recalls his love of hunting, fishing, golfing and, of course, POPCORN! He enjoyed playing games including “Clash of Clans” and Euchre. Harry was also a loyal Lions Football fan, during the good seasons and the bad. The Dalms were a house divided, as Harry loved Star Trek NOT Star Wars, which is his wife Debbi’s favorite. One of his favorite places to visit was Cedarville located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
His smile, sense of humor, and wonderful spirit will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. A life well lived leaves behind many who will mourn his passing, but greater still; it also leaves behind cherished memories that will carry us forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Dalm II and Dorothy (Huff) Dalm; sister Tina Dalm; and his stepbrother Marvin Hazen.
He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Debra; their sons, Harry (Marcie), Thomas (Christina) and Jeffrey (JoAnn Van); grandchildren, Harry, Genevieve, Emmett, Malynah, Avery and Cecilia; and brother Trajun “Al” Dalm; along with many nieces and nephews.
The family looks forward to celebrating Harry’s life with their friends, family, and community on Saturday, March 16, at the Allegan Public Schools Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until the Celebration of Life at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities. Please mark your donation “In memory of Harry Dalm.”
West Ward Elementary (Make checks to Allegan Public Schools), 550 5th St., Allegan, MI, 49078
The Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools, 550 5th St., Allegan, MI, 49078
Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.
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