Sam changed lives. There's no other way to put it. While he was infusing energy, hope, love and life into others, he was unable to turn it around onto himself. This was ultimately what led to the end of his life.

On Friday, August 4, after battling depression for many years, Sam Harmer took his life. He is survived by his wife and seven children.

Sam was a professor at Boise State and arguably the most popular human being we've ever been in contact with. He brought us our intern Jordy (pictured above) and so many other interns and employees in our building both past and present.

Last fall, Chris Cruise and I were campaigning to be the entire Treasure Valley's "First Kiss in the Morning" (still are) and we were able to get into Sam's PR class one night. I ended up getting really sick so Chris went in alone. That was the night Chris met Sam and Jordy and, now, the opportunity I see that I missed to meet an incredible person.

I can't thank Sam enough for making me who I am today. I wouldn't be taking on my PR career if it wasn't for him. I am beyond thankful to have you as such a light in my life. Thank you for pushing me to be the best PR rockstar I can be and making the world a better place. I will miss your dad like hugs and making us do a class cheer even when we had a bad day. You will be missed dearly.

Rest in Peace - Jordy

 

CELEBRATE SAM'S LIFE

  • Thursday, August 10
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Steuckle Sky Center above Bronco Stadium
  • All who knew Sam are invited
  • Casual and lighthearted
  • Free parking in West Stadium Lot - enter through Gate F

 

 

SAM HARMER MEMORIAL FUND

A GoFundMe has been established to help Sam take care of his children in a way that he no longer can as they age and go off to college. Funds will also go toward funeral expenses.

Mental health struggles are often invisible. It's our emotions and our feelings. The things people can't see. It's the things we can hide from others. Suicide can be the result of a struggle we just can't fight any longer. No one struggle looks the same. It's not just actors or people in music, it's our teachers, our family members, my cousin, my friend and almost the story of about 10 more people close to me who I can't imagine being out of my life.

Suicide is the result of something so much bigger. It doesn't just happen out of nowhere. There's help. There's hope. There's more. This, too, shall pass.

 

RESOURCES

Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: 208-398-4357 or IdahoSuicidePrevention.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

 

JOIN CRUISE & BOX

We are hosting the Treasure Valley Out of the Darkness Walk on September 30th at Kleiner Park. We would love to gather a group of PR Rockstars to walk in Sam's memory. Everyone is invited no matter who you're walking for.

 

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