Derek Allan Harmon

I remember being younger and my mother told me true, find someone who grows flowers in the darkest parts of you. Take heed when things get hard, and don’t you ever turn around, you’ll find someone somewhere that grows you to the clouds. Sweetest of the sunflowers, how your the sun to me.”

- Zach Bryan

Obituary

Derek Allan Harmon, 36, lost his lifelong battle with depression on Friday, August 2nd in Bakersfield, California.



Derek was born on December 11, 1987, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Scarville, Iowa, where his roots run deep. His strong work ethic abounded as he helped his father, Doug, work the land, care for the livestock, and harvest the crop each year. Hard work didn’t deter Derek. In fact, it drove him. He persevered in everything he did. As a young teen, it was his goal to work more hours at Don’s Motor Mart than anyone else on the payroll…and he met that goal week after week after week.



This same dedication drove him to excel in school as well. Derek graduated from Lake Mills High School with high honors and a GPA very near 4.0. He continued his post-secondary education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. He earned a double major in Spanish and Biology. He was able to put his Spanish major to use when he studied in Costa Rica for a semester. He completed his Masters in Physician Assistance Studies at the University of South Dakota in December of 2012. Derek served as a dedicated Physician Assistant at Clinica Sierra Vista and Bakersfield Family Medical Center at the time of his death. He also practiced at several urgent cares in Bakersfield, where his compassion and commitment to helping others was evident. Empathy, compassion, acceptance, and grace were character traits instilled in him by his mother, Rhonda, his greatest support.


A huge music lover, Derek grew up playing the saxophone and had a deep appreciation for live music. He was affectionately known as “D Harmony” by his friends due to his love of singing. His passion for music was reflected in his love for attending concerts and experiencing the energy of live performances. He also had a deep admiration for the art of drag and was an avid fan of RuPaul, celebrating the creativity and empowerment it represents.


From his first days until his last, Derek was an advocate for the marginalized. Those that mattered least to most, mattered most to Derek. He was never afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it came to standing up for those that couldn’t stand up for themselves.


Derek was a fervent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. He was honored with the Champion Award for his outstanding efforts in raising over $25,000 for his local LGBT center. Advocacy and support for marginalized communities was definitely a defining feature of his character.


Derek's love for travel, which he may have inherited from his Grandpa Duaine and Grandma Ellyn, was a significant part of his life. During his college years, he studied overseas in Costa Rica, where he was able to become even more fluent in Spanish. This experience enriched his ability to connect with diverse communities and fueled his passion for exploring new cultures, places, and cuisines. He and his partner of ten years, Jesus Martell Gonzalez, loved to discover new destinations together. Their engagement took place in Zanzibar, Africa; a testament to their shared love for travel and adventure.


A charitable spirit, Derek inherited his generosity from his grandfather, Don Grothe. Derek was known for his profound commitment to giving back and supporting causes close to his heart. Some of the charities closest to his heart include The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, Black Lives Matter, The Trevor Project and many more.


In addition to his advocacy work, travels, and support for others, Derek was a lover of the arts. He passionately supported the Bakersfield Museum of Art and RAM Gallery, where he spent much of his time nurturing his appreciation for artistic expression.

Derek was deeply committed to serving others and encouraging those around him to pursue their dreams. He was the person everyone turned to if they needed support. His unwavering dedication and willingness to help others was central to his life and work, often putting the needs of others before his own. Derek was also the first one to support his loved ones new ventures, he always made a point to show up and tell his loved ones how proud he was of them. His light shown bright for all those around him. But, sometimes, the brightest of lights can’t see past their own shadow. His depression and personal struggles became more than he could overcome.


Left to cherish his memory is his partner of ten years, Jesus Martell Gonzalez; his parents Doug (Rhonda) Harmon; siblings Chalsea (Drew) Roder and Jerod (Samantha) Harmon; nieces Gracie, Jeneva, and Peyton Roder; grandparents Duaine (Ellyn) Harmon, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives, and close friends. He was also blessed to be accepted into the Martell-Gonzalez family and will be sadly missed by all.


Derek was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Donald and Ila Grothe, both of whom meant the world to him.

Derek's legacy of love, advocacy, and grace will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.



Written by Jesus Martell Gonzalez & Kimmy Brackey

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Memory wall

August 19, 2024

Derek your services were beautiful. Now reality will set in for us all. You will be forever a part of our work family.The halls may be different and a little quieter lol but we all will keep your memory alive. I will miss our conversations; you made work a better place. You have been an amazing provider and colleage too us all. ❤️

Cheryl Offerding

August 14, 2024

I've known Derek for 5 years. I owe my life to him. As my provider, he pushed harder than any of my specialist to get the best care & treatment for me. When i was at my worst, my lung doctor refused to refer me to USC for treatment. After speaking with Derek about it he said "F" that u need to get in with them because you have something more going on with you. After my First visit with USC i was re-diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease and began proper treatment. Had it not been for Derek's passionate heart for his patients, i would not be here today. He was the best provider I've ever had & caring friend. I'm so blessed to have known him all these years & he will be deeply missed.

Mario Sanchez

August 14, 2024

I only knew Derek for two weeks long several years ago, so the time was brief, but I remember him being someone who knew himself and all his parts. He was a direct and compassionate kind of person. Someone honest and helpful. I found myself in a bind and he quickly offered me help without judgment. He was the kind of person that made the world better for everyone.

Autumn Bay

August 13, 2024

I was Derek's San Francisco Realtor. I met him just a few days before... we were touring homes together and we hit it off so well. I remember being really excited I had made a new awesome friend. While looking at a condo together, we found out we had the same aesthetic style and taste, it was so fun talking about all the things we would change and how we would use the space. I remember really enjoying walking and talking with him and then meeting Jesus for our last tour. I remember going home excited to be helping him with finding a new home in San Francisco. I loved Derek's energy and light and I'm so saddened to hear this news. Thank you for sharing that with me in the very short interactions we had. Sending so much love to Jesus and his family. <3

Nancy Yeh

August 11, 2024

Thank you for the memories!
Thank Derek’s parents for his warm-hearted and compassionate upbringing.
It was a honor to be his friend.
A friend who gives and cares with a genuine love.
His patients are fortunate to have Derek as their primary care provider.
A medical provider who provides treatments with genuine care.
I will never forget your handsome face and will never thank you enough for your beautiful heart and generosity.
Your smiles and laughters are contagious.
Thank you for the memories. I shall miss you till we meet again.

Jenny S Yu

August 11, 2024

I am so lucky to call you my friend Derek. You are loved & you will be missed. We will never forget you. Love Callie & Jess ❤️

Callie Rae

August 10, 2024

Derek was like no other. He lived life by his own rules and convictions. I've had the pleasure to work with him for the past 8+ years and to me he was always The Advocate. Didn't matter how small or great the issue was, he was ready to go up against giants of all kinds. He pushed our staff to be better, greater and set a standard for our clinic to provide the best possible quality care. His shoes cannot be filled. He laughed wholeheartedly with his patients, cried with his patients, and gave honesty to them no matter how difficult the conversation. I respect him for that. A person like that is one of the rare gems of the world. He was truly one of a kind. To his parents, you raised an exceptional individual who greatly impacted countless lives that are changed for the better.

Katie Sanchez

August 10, 2024

It was an honor to be invited to Derek and Jesus’ surprise engagement party in Zanzibar by Their fond friend Eli 🧡. I remember thinking how Derek was so thoughtful , imagine flying your partner across the world to propose to them! That’s how thoughtful Derek was.
Derek was observant yet graceful with his choice of words.When we sat at that Bar’s patio in Zanzibar I saw two beautiful humans who love each other so much. ❤️❤️ That how I will forever remember this beautiful human being.

Hawa Nzota

August 9, 2024

I came under Derek’s care following lung cancer surgery and an acute kidney failure diagnosis in 2019. I was not familiar with the Priority Care program offered by BFMC but opted to be included in this program and am so glad that I did. Not only was continuing care by a PA-C included, I would be assigned a case manager to monitor my progress. The first time I met Derek, he was extremely thorough in going over my medical history. He asked questions that I later realized were designed to explore the person and not just the disease(s) being treated. When I would later vacation in Mexico, Derek made sure I knew that any doctor could contact him directly because he was fluent in Spanish and would be happy to consult should the occasion arise. Later, my wife would also be referred to Priority Care and Derek made sure she was assigned to him. He now treated our family and never lost his enthusiasm to see our health improve. I know we never knew Derek personally but we knew who he was, a deeply caring and very competent medical professional. Our lives are better for his being a part. We will miss him. We implore that the Priority Care program be continued as a tribute to his contributions, so the many beneficiaries can continue to receive this outstanding care.

Stan Jones

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