Former MC of calypso competitions, calypso tents, etc. Urban Harrigan has died after a prolonged illness.
The well-known MC was very often the life of the show in his heyday, with his wit and humour often having patrons in stitches as his jokes, impromptu and otherwise, would more often than not hit the mark.
Harrigan’s brother-in-law Ron Deschamps posted this FaceBook message on the passing of a Dominican icon who had been ailing for a while and was retired from public life:
“Heartfelt condolences is going out to my sister, Patsy Harrigan, on the passing of her husband, Urban Harrigan. Harrigan has finally given in to a heart condition that he has fought over the last 6 years. I pray that the Lord will embrace him and guide him home, while empowering you with the strength to continue. Harrigan has left behind a rich history of involvement in the development of carnival in Dominica. May the Lord bless him”.
Meanwhile Harrigan’s wife Patricia has also been sharing fond memories of her time with him.
“He said I was the best wife he could ever have,” she said while describing him as a husband who loved, was generous and “just so sweet”.
“He was a man that if somebody on the streets needs something and we have that one item at home, he would take it and give it to the person. We don’t mind that because he always helped the poor. My husband always said that the person was more in need than we were. He was there for everyone,” a sobbing Patricia told Dominica News Online.
According to her, Harrigan was a family man who would do some extraordinary thing.
“He used to take MB (a mentally ill individual) every Saturday, take him to our home, bathe him, feed him and give him clean clothes and then take him back to town in his car,” she explained.
She said her husband was the best husband in the world.
“He always gave me blessings and thanked me for all what I did for him,” she said.
“I was there with him during his last few days. His last words to me at the hospital last night was that he loved me. I know he died at peace. I was expecting him to die but not last night but that was his call and he went to meet his maker,” she noted.
70-year-old Harrigan died at the Princess Margaret Hospital after complications from an enlarged heart and lung complications.
Urban and Patricia Harrigan shared three children in their 41-year marriage.
my condolence goes out to mrs.harrigan and the rest of the family on the passing of bro.harrigan,had a lot of fun at his home on kennedy avenue,when he was once my neighbour.(MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE)
Pats, I am so sorry for the lost, you have not just lost your husband but your best friend. I am happy to had have the chance to LAUGH and dine with him. My he rest in peace and from Sonia, Everdean, Junour, Gloria, Miss Eileen Winston and I Brenda we will remember you and the rest of your family in our prayers.
My Uncle Harro’s as I affectionately called him was a classic, unique and iconic individual. I have spent some awesome years with him and his amazing family. I say this all the time and I got it from him. I say good morning to everyone even though it is 4pm in the afternoon. When I heard him greeted someone late in the afternoon that way, I asked him why and he told me that was the “freshess” greetng of the day. I still smile at that. Uncle Harro’s convincing way of telling you that everything is going to be alright was a sure comfort to me. I will miss him dearly.
My Uncle Harro’s is definitely with our creator and it is up to us to do what is right so that we can have the
assurance to see Uncle Harros one day.
I love him with all my heart and I will miss him dearly. Aunty Patsy, Marcel, Brian,
Damian and the entire family may you find comfort in knowing that he is in such a better place and he is happy and he rejoicing so you be happy and you rejoice. May God’s peace and joy overflow in your lives, in your heart as you celebrate the life on this amazing being. God is Love
I was previlaged to have known Urban Harrigan; and all the good that have been said about him is ture, but his humor and spontainity that impress me most.
He was a stans up’ befor we knew bout stand up comidian.and the joke i always remember among the rest; is the one about the monkey who had a hemrage and there could be no circus that day;
Patsy and the extended family cherish the memories; for he gave it his all and he DID IT HIS WAY.
RIP Harro;
January20,2012 To my aunty Pasty Harrigon, and Farmiley may the Lord watch over you and the farmiley, i know my uncle give you enouth, strengh , he was the best husband, any one could ask for, may his soul rest in peace, and i know he is going to meet his lord, and he has a special place, from his niece and husband mr and mrs Royer in new york.
Sensay Dominica’s Earl lawrence and Family wishes to extend sincere condolences to the Family of the late Urban Harrigan. Mr Harrigan was a true gentleman and an inspiration to me and other Carnival and Calypso promoters. He was one of the most charismatic pioneers of MC’s in Dominica and the Caribbean.He had that magic or a voice that when he announced a performer such as “The Lord Breaker”, you would hold your breath. May he rest in peace.
Condolences to the family. He was an active man and served the Loubiere etc village council as Chairman and served well.
Harrigan was indeed a pleasant individual. I remember growing up he would stop at home unannounced on many occasions to share some jokes and disappear soon after, no doubt to light up another family’s life. Princess shows were not the same without him as the Emcee. To his wife and sons I say, take comfort in knowing that Harrigan lived a good life, made his mark and was loved by many. On behalf of my mother Joan Farrell and my brother, his God child I wish to extend my condolences to Mr.Harrigan’s family and friends. Blessings!
Mrs Harrigan, Marcel, Brian and Damian -Your loved one lived an exemplary life…Be consoled in all your fond memories of Mr. Harros.
rest in peace mr harrigan,i will always remember his signature joke about the lords seed,i could say this much,the entire windsor park fell down,two preacher men were preaching,one was translating in patou, while the other preached in english,the one in english said,and the lord sowed his seed on the mountain,the one in patou said,aye bondie coud gwen le a ce moutine la,and the birds came and eat up the lords seeds,aye zozyo vinee apee magain gwen bondie,up til now me my boys does recall that joke,i pray the almighty god forgive him for that joke,beside that is what patou is,dangerous broken french.
It says alot about a man, when only positive comments are posted on his passing. I would like to tell the Dominican community I am very proud of them for respecting him and his family during their bereavement.
Mr. Harrigan was a very respectable man and friendly with everyone. He was knowledgeable about a lot of things. I remember we were at the queen show which Kamala won. Everyone was choosing their queen and he came up to us and said ‘watch out for that girl in the white swimsuit’. It was just amazing because she was not considered a front runner in the public poll.
I knew him as a customer at the institution I worked and a friendly man on the street. Mrs. Harrigan, you are one lucky lady. That man always spoke about you. You were blessed with a man who truly loved you. May God guide you through your period of grief. Remember, Harry would not want you to be sad.
My deepest condolences to the following families,Deschamps,Harrigan,Laurier,Charles,Everington and the Loubière community,my love to patsy & the boys.
From Lilia, Gairy & Didier.
R.I.P Mr Harrigan, you will always be remembered, for your kind words.
To my sister Patricia and her three sons Marcel, Brian, Damien and son Jeff,also the grand kids may the Lord guide you all in your time of grief and sorrow, May he give you all the streghtn to carry thru. RIP dear Brother in Law Harro as he was known to the family. Wishe I was there in person to stand with my sister at this time of sorrow, all th best and god’s speed, no more sorrow no more pain but resting in the arms of the Lord.
Deepest Sympathies to Patsy & and family.
May he rest peace & be strong patsy, cominig from lilia & gairy
R.I.P mr harigan we will miss u and u will not by forgotten.condolences to the family
Mr Harrigan was a gentleman.Let me express my condolences to his wife and family.when i were a kid i used to like his mcing.jah bless bro
I met harrigan one weekend many years ago; it is was a means retreat and this man undoubtedly a peoples person. Funny, caring. He would light up a place. A very generous individual. RIP. Harry.
OUR CONDOLENCE TO THE HARRIGAN FAMILY, KEEPING THE FAMILY IN PRAY
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Harrigan. Mrs. Harrigan,Marcel, Damien and Brian, my prayer for you all is that you all will hold strong through this rough time. Mr. Harros (as I used to call him) was a very funny and pleasant man. Hold on God will give you the added strength.
RIP Mr. Harrigan. A trailblazer as far as MCing was concern. Condolences to Brian, Damian and Marcel and his wife Patsy.
Sincere condolences to the family. I remember Harrigan during his MC days. He kept the crowd alive. Rest in peace.
mrs harrigan love i remember coming to your house with your son and was always entertained by your husband and your self you all are a great family and i know mr. harrigan died well. he was a man of great faith and he loved god and his creation. i know he really loved and i thank god for him and may his soul rest in peace. find strength the creator whom he loved so much. RIP MY DEAR FRIEND URBAN HARRIGAN. TO MARCEL, BRIAN, DAMIEN AND YOUR DAUGHTER may you all continue to love your mommy just as daddy did.
may your soul rest in peace,i will never forget that night you took a micro phone at a jazz night out in st.croix and frilled the crowd,and you said am from dominica.you made me glad ,rest my brother.
A Good man. May you rest in peace.
my sincere deepest condolences to the harrigan family. I mourn with you. To the boys and patsy hang in there with hope that he is at rest now in a good place. will always remember him in to loubiere madrelle where I lived for 18 years every saturday morning was it, use to go buy her best black pudding and growing up with his sons. yes we go way back with the DeJhean family also. may his soul rest in peace. one would never say his frequent calls to the radio talk shows, showed any sign of a person ailing with his heart,. one love to all. bless.
Peter karam/family
R.I.P Mr Harrigan
Rest in Peace Harrigan. Condolences to your wife, children, immediate and extended family.
I am saddened to learn of Harrigan’s passing. He was a great MC who kept our shows “alive.” He was also a wonderful human being. May he Rest in Peace.
May Jehovah give you the strength that you all need at this time.. As the god of all comfort he will help you at such time which is so so crucial.. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all… Especially the port officer…
RIP Mr Harrigan, You were truly and amazing and kind soul. You are now in a better place no more pain no more sorrow. To Patsy and sons I say be strong you will get through this difficult time.
Some years ago, Damian Harrigan took me to the family home in Loubiere and there I met his father Urban. He was delightful company, and I remarked to Damian it was a pleasure to have met his father.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Harrigan, Damian, Marcel and the rest of the family. Mr. Harrigan was a well-loved man.
To our cousin Patsy and her sons, Reggie, Beverly, Valerie, Karen, Nicole and Newton Winston want to wish you comfort and peace in a time like this. God is there for you. Love
Harry (as I called him) was a strong defender of his faith. He was a pleasant and courteous person and a positive example to his work colleagues at the Government Printery in particular, and the Public Service in general. My condolences to his wife Patsy and family. His soul rests in peace.
Condolences to his wife and children, and to his sisters and their children.
Bro Harrigan. May your soul rest in peace. While the calypso world remembers him (as an MC and even possibly a member of the DCA executive), he was also very much involved in his commuity (e.g. Village Council, choir, sports etc). And he was a caller of-and-on on the talk shows, adding his two-pence.
Rip, Mr. Harrigan. Patricia, you had a really great husband who left a legacy for us. Accept my condolences.
From Mr. Harrigan I learnt one great lesson I have taken into my marriage. He said that no matter where he went and how much he drank or ate, he always left room to eat the meal that his wife had prepared at home because he placed value on the effort and committment she put into preparing that meal. I pray for the strength of the family at this time. May God comfort you all.
May his soul rest in peace. To his wife mrs. Harrigan, you are one in a million. A woman who really stood by her man/husband in every possible way. The the rest of his family especially Damian, hold on strong.God will see him through
My condolences to Mrs. Harrigan, Marcel, Damian and Brian. May he RIP
Deepest condolences to Partsy,Marcel,Brian and Damain. Harrigan is one in a million, may his soul rest in Beautiful Everlasting Peace. Stay Strong Harrigan family. Best wishes from Merle,Winnie and Boys.
Rest in Peace Mr. Harrigan. Wish that your family be comforted during this time of grief. Got the opportunity to work with him in the public service.
Here’s a man who will live forever. Everyone with whom he had contact was blessed. Harri was one of the kindest and most giving person that I ever met. And he took every opportunity he got to tell the world how much he loved his wife and family. It always warmed my heart whenever he called the radio station for whatever reason, and would always add about Patsy that she was the best wife in the world. I learned from him to regard my wife as the best in the world.
The memories are lasting. He has left this world, but he will never be gone, and certainly, never forgotten.
may your soul rest it peace harro, you were one M C that always tickle me.Hope you get your due recognition during the carnival season.
Mr Harrigan was a gentleman.Let me express my condolences to his wife and family.She was one of my many customers buying my tomatoes while working at J.Astaphan.
We often end by saying, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.But we cannot view life after this life,like buying a lottery ticket.It is not a chance,it is a choice.If we chose the Savior before death,We have the assurance that we will Rest In Peace.Not May rest in peace.David said in Psalm:116 15
“Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints”
Let me remind you a saint is not what we are taught in the R.C Church.A saint is any sinner who turn to Christ for forgiveness of his or her sins.
If you are saved,you can sing this hymn with certainty
IT IS WELL,IT IS WELL, WITH MY SOUL.
May God bless
Keep your religious views to yourself. Harros lived a life unlike many “born again”,he did not tell people he waqs a christian. He dispalyed christian principles to all. He had every oportunity to make his peace withhis maker and we are sure he did. What about you? Stop judging others. Do not tell me you area christian.let me see it by your life and works.
Very well Said, by your actions we will know who you are, and judge no man.
dont be angry with the man he quoted the scripture and it is a fact if you dont make your peace in this life time your soul will not be at peace in the next
You had to go there and get heavy with it.
Is this a type of condolence message or a religous critism? Harrigan may your soul rest in peace. Patsy and your sons, be consoled that he is now in the arms of our Maker
A GOOD AND KIND INDIVIDUAL. ALWAYS HAD A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR EVERYONE. WE LOVE HIM BUT THE GOOD LORD LOVES HIM MORE.
TO AUNTY PATSY, MARCELLE, BRIAN, DAMIAN AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY I SAY REST IN GOD’S LOVE,HIS GRACE WILL SUSTAIN YOU.
MAY HE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
I knew him many, many years ago when he was a young adult.
We all called him simply “Harrigan” never “Urban”. He once told me I permit you to call me “Harry”.
I never did, but permission accepted my friend.
He was a likeable, very jovial young man at the time.
Of modest upbringing, he would often talk of “you have to learn to “cope”. I guess that meant doing the best with what you have. I am not surprised to read that he became a famous MC, because he would often laugh at the slightest joke and even poke fun at problems.
You made us laugh and that’s a legacy anyone should be proud of.
Condolences to your family and may they be strong at this time of your loss.
REST IN PEACE MC
RIP Mr. Harrigan
RIP Mr. Harrigan. Can remember you at Confirmation classes at Loubiere. you will be missed.
The Executive Management of the Institution of Calypso in Dominica The Stardom Calypso Tent and Swingin Stars Ochestra,wishes to extend sympathies to the harrigan family and wish you well during this period.may the good lord continue to bless you all.he will be surely missed.RIP comrade.
Heartfelt condolences is going out to.Patsy and family.Greate guy,very good friend he sure will missed by me.Gods blessings.RIP BRO!
Hold Tight Harrigan`s. All my Love and codolences.
Hold tight. All my love and Condolences.
May your soul rest in peace Harros. Our deepest sympathies to Patsy, Damian, Marcel and Brian and the rest of the family on the passing of a wonderful man. You will be missed. May the angels and saints lead you to paradise.
hey pasty be strong he will be in a better place no more suffering may his soul rest in peace
RIP Harrigan. We will miss you in the choir at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, Queens, New York.
may your soul rest in peace calypso lovers and the association will surely miss you gods guidance to the family of mr harrigan.
My condolences to the Harrigan Family
may your soul rest in peace mr harrigan.you are in a better place.
May his soul rest in peace. He has gone to meet his maker
Rest in Peace, Bro. Mas Camp, Stardom and all the calypso faithfuls will always remember you.
Deepest condolences to his Family and the calypso association may his soul R.I.P
rip
A very kind, happy and pleasant fellow. I will surely miss him.
To aunty Patsy, Marcel, Brian and Damian may God give you the strength to cope with your lost. He was a good friend.
Harro’s rest in peace
HARROS BOY .. REST IN PEACE .. ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES .. TAUGHT ME CONFIRMATION IN LOUBIERE .. AND HIS SON IS MY PARTNER .. ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES MY PARTNER ..
I am speechless. Another one of our icons has left us. May your soul RIP.
Condolences to the family.
May your soul rest in peace Mr. Harrigan. you were a wonderful man ful of humour and even towards the end yu fought the fight.
You were truly blessed
He was an icon RIP Harrigan
May God see the family through this trying times. This man was well loved in Dominica. May he rest in peace.
R I P!