Ann Harman

It is with great sadness that we report that Ann Harman died Friday May 1, 2020. She was a key member of NPBA, our newsletter editor, held key officer positions in NPBA throughout the decades, and was generally NPBA’s “Queen Bee.” She taught our annual beginning beekeeping class for many years, and worked closely with her dear friend Billy Davis (the creator of the bee class teaching curriculum) editing and improving the class teaching materials from its inception and throughout the years.

She was highly regarded both nationally and internationally as a honey bee expert. Her resume is incredibly extensive and spans many decades. She kept herself informed of current bee research, knew many of the top scientists personally, and passed research along to NPBA in the newsletters she produced. She wrote prolifically - for bee publications, edited many highly regarded beekeeping books and educational materials, and is cited in credits by many other well known and respected authors. She was highly sought after as a lecturer, presenting at local, national and international events. She was a recipient of many distinguished beekeeping awards throughout the years. One of her most notable achievements was her extensive travel internationally as a volunteer teaching beekeeping in 29 countries (54 assignments) around the world, for which she was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2004, 2005 and 2008, and the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

She will be missed beyond words - the loss to NPBA, her friends and the beekeeping community is incalculable.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Her family will let the beekeeping community know in the near future what non-profits she supported, where those who wish to do so may make a contribution in honor of her memory.

Written condolences can be sent to the Harman Family at 1214 North Poes Road, Flint Hill, VA 22627.

Plans for a gathering to celebrate her life are being made, and will be held at a future date when social gathering restrictions have been lifted.