Darren “Scotty” Harness, 61, passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2020 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.
He was born in LaPorte, Indiana on April 30, 1959 to Roland Durante and Elaine Ethel (Wright) Harness.
In 1992 he moved into Birkey Street group home ran by Cardinal Services. He enjoyed his time there with his roommates and many loved staff members over the years. His roommates and support staff became family. He loved going for long walks and bus rides. He enjoyed many picnics and going to local Chinese restaurants. He spent many hours working on puzzles and rearranging the furniture.
Over Scotty’s 28 years at Birkey St. he had many staff that became family. His “bonus sisters” Kristie Redman and Marylee Jones were always there to accompany him on an adventure. They spent many hours driving to local parks and zoos to take Scotty on the walks and picnics he loved so much.
In 2016 Joshua and Debra Wood became Scotty’s guardians. Adding “bonus siblings” Jordan, Zander, and Annaliese Wood to Scotty’s family. This also officially added Amy and Lawrence Harner as “bonus grandma and grandpa.” He loved doing puzzles with the kids, eating Chinese food for Christmas dinner, and boat rides with his extended family.
In October of 2020 he was moved to a group home managed by Dungarvin, where he lived the last two months of his life.
Friends are welcome on Wednesday January 13, 2021 from 5-6 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A Memorial Service will follow at 6 p.m. with Pastor Robert Puhr officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to Birkey St. Group home/Cardinal Services 504 N Bay Dr. Warsaw, IN 46580 or by volunteering your time at a local group home to be impacted by the love and connection that Scotty and his roommates have contribute to our lives.
PLEASE NOTE: For your protection, the entire funeral home staff will wear masks. It is mandated that family members and their guests do so as well.
Please click the link below to live-stream the memorial service at 6pm on Wednesday, January 13th:
https://zoom.us/j/91240837188
Dan Weaver says
Scotty would always greet me and would check me out to see if he liked me. After a few months he decided I wasnt so bad after all. Sorry that we lost him.
Marylee Jones says
I will never forget you Scotty. I have learned so much from you, you amazed me everyday. I enjoyed working with you. I will remember you for all those little things that made you you and made you happy, like when you felt the music when we played Jazz or the cryin’ Blues and seeing how happy you were on your bus rides, and Butterscotch pudding, the colors red and black, and your puzzles. When we meet again my friend I hope you can tell me what you read in my palm !
Rest in Peace Love Mary
becky says
Scotty was so funny. He did like to check you out make sure you was ok. Loved his laugh.
John white says
Anyone who got to know Scotty, got to know how great of a guy he really was. He would investigate me every time we saw each other and then it would be right back to how things were. I’m blessed to have gotten the chance to know such a great man. RIP my friend and I hope to see you again some day ❤️
Kymberley Cassel says
I’m so sorry for the incredible loss of Scott. I will always remember him taking my had nd and looking closely at it as if he saw something written in it. I wish his staff and family strength and prayers.