CLC News The news and events from Central Lakes College
The community is invited to the Celebration of Life of Harold Palmer, or Coach Palmer, as he was lovingly referred to at Central Lakes College during his tenure at the college. Harold passed peacefully on May 9. His Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on July 29 in the Central Lakes College gymnasium, Brainerd campus. All are welcome to attend.
Harold served as a counselor at Brainerd Community College (now CLC) from 1968 until his retirement in 1990. He also served as Men’s Basketball coach from 1968-1977.
Michael Palmer, Harold’s son, said “My dad, the coach, the mentor, was the provider of knowledge and skill to his students and his athletes during his time at BCC/CLC. I had the pleasure of being the ‘towel boy’ when I was younger and watched as his team succeeded under his guidance and his leadership. As his son, I’ve always been so proud of who he was as a man, a human being and as a father.”
Harold was married to the late Darlene Palmer, a pioneer in local women’s sports, who started the women’s athletics program at Brainerd Community College.
Betsy Krause, Harold’s daughter, said “Our dad, Mr. P or ‘Coach’, loved to assist students in getting the help that they needed to continue their education and grow both as students and as athletes. Both he and mom enjoyed being a part of the lives of so many special people at BCC, staff and students alike. We will continue to honor their legacy through their scholarships that have been established at Central Lakes College.”
The Palmer Family Endowment Fund
In 2022, Harold established the Palmer Family Endowment Fund, providing scholarships to students with preference given to a high academic achieving student and/or an athlete who wants to go into coaching. This is in addition to the Darlene Palmer Endowment for Women’s Athletics, which honors his late wife.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the CLC Foundation and designated to support the fund. Checks can be mailed to: CLC Foundation, 501 West College Dr. Brainerd, MN 56401
Please make checks payable to the CLC Foundation.
