Jim Harney, a revered local artist, has died.
Harney had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that left him facing weeks of radiation treatments, visits to Ottawa doctors, and mobility issues.
See: Local Musicians band together in support of Jim Harney
Harney made a return to the stage amidst his own battle with cancer for a memorial concert for his friend Barry Green.
"I've been having to face my own mortality issues lately, so some of this stuff meant a little bit more in the face of that, but more so than anything, Barry was there, in the scene, and as quiet as he was, he put himself out there and sort of shared himself," he told BayToday at the time.
See: Barry Green's musical legacy will help bring serenity to hospice patients
The obituary from Hillside Funeral
September 16, 1969 –April 15, 2017
Jimmy Harney of North Bay Ontario passed away on Saturday April 15, 2017 with his family by his side. His courageous battle with cancer has come to an end and he is now at peace.
Jimmy was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario on September 16, 1969. It is here where he learned to love the outdoors. In 1983 Jim and his family move to North Bay, Ontario. It is here where he grew into the amazing musician he became.
He will be forever loved and greatly missed by his love Tracey, parents Jim and Helen Harney, his children, who were the light of his life, Josh and Lydia. Sisters Cindy Sweig (Brian Close), Joanne Kok (Adrien Chan), Barbi Tomas, Kim D’Angelo (Tony), Laura Michaud (Troy).
Uncle Jimmy held a special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews, teaching them to follow their dreams and to be themselves. He will be sadly missed by Lauren and Steven Sweig, Jamie and Ashley Kok, Alysia, Andrew and Addison Tomas, Kelsi, Eric and Jillian D’Angelo, Josie and Ben Michaud. He is also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Jimmy has touched the hearts of many throughout his life. He was a gentle man who always thought of others first. His “family” consisted of many and will be missed by Shelley and family, Jana, Kate and Emily, Tracey’s family James and Chelsey, Liam and Emma, Rocky and Billy Dean. The “Shack” Family, and his close friends Bob, Waxxie, Peter, Mike and Dean, as well as brother in-laws Michael Sweig, Harvey Kok and Barry Tomas.
Jimmy was predeceased by grandparents Allan and Siri Untinen, Helen Whiteman and Acy Harney, Uncles Ron and Ken Untinen and cousin Rhonda Slongo-Neron.
We would like to extend our sincere thank you to the entire staff at the North Bay Regional Hospital. Words cannot express how grateful we are to all of you for providing such excellent care for “Our Jimmy”. Jimmy was in awe of how caring everyone was. Thank you to Dr. O’Grady and Paula Doncaster and the staff of 3B and 3C for your compassionate care and guidance.
Cremation has taken place and at the request of Jimmy there will be no service. Celebrate his life and cherish the memories and the music. Donations can be made to the North Bay Regional Hospital if desired.
From the words of our beloved Jimmy:
“I don’t mind you lending me a hand….you know this damned thing keeps on getting heavier…give it one HEAVE HO! And that will be all she wrote. Now we’re all keeping on and it’s better with you along. Cause it eases my mind when we spend our time..TOGETHER”
