YARMOUTH — The School Department has announced the death of Bruce Brann, the first principal to serve at Harrison Middle School.

He led the school from 1992 until his retirement in 2016.

“It’s a sad day here in Yarmouth,” Superintendent of Schools Andrew Dolloff said Tuesday.

He imparted the news of Brann’s passing in an email sent out to the school community on Monday evening, March 4.

“I am very sad to report that longtime HMS principal Bruce Brann passed away earlier today,” the email said. “We do not have (much) information to share, but wanted you all to be aware as soon as possible.”

“Mr. Brann will be missed, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for the many students and families he impacted during his time in Yarmouth,” the email added.

Dolloff said students in grades 8-12 were the most likely to remember Brann from their days at the middle school. Dolloff said the schools would be prepared to offer support to any student who needs it and the School Department would share the details of Brann’s burial services as soon as they become available.

“Although I only worked alongside Bruce for two years, I was fortunate to know of his work as a school leader in Maine for several decades,” Dolloff said. “As I remember him, I will always be struck by Bruce’s consistent response to the daily question, “How are you doing?” Without hesitation, Bruce would say, “Never better!”