I read with great interest and admiration the obituaries of Percy Harris, MD and his wife, Lileah. I considered going to Coe College in 1978. Had I gone there, I would have met him, and he would have advised me well and led me by great example. He was 1 month and one day younger than my dad. Andre Galiber, SR, MD (deceased).
Instead of going to Coe, I went to Howard University undergrad and HU medical school. I heard about Dr. Percy Harris because he was the medical school classmate of my dad who had twice the number of children that my parents had. My father periodically mentioned Percy Harris and always did so favorably. I recently did a deposition in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a lawyer who was originally from Iowa and that person asked me if I knew Dr. Percy Harris. When I mentioned the number twelve, he knew that we connected on the same person. I'm so sorry I did not get to meet Dr. Harris even though I interviewed once in IOWA (for a residency) and did a residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Hopefully, I'll get to meet some of his children and/or grandchildren. My paternal grandmother taught piano, and my dad played the piano a little bit. Small world. Hope it keeps shrinking so I can meet the family of Percy Harris! Best wishes to the descendants of Percy and Lileah Harris.
Angelo K Galiber, MD
November 14, 2023
Not a condolence but just to tell you that I always thought Percy was the best of the best of my medical colleagues. He was a superb human being.
Dr. Curtis Hass
February 12, 2017
Peter and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember there is strength in numbers.
Dave and Cindy McMickle
February 2, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers for you and your familly. God Bless all your good works for Cedar Rapids.
Dennis Siamis
February 1, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Harris family. When I graduated from UNI in May of 1978 I moved to Cedar Rapids for my first job and opened a checking account at a Downtown bank on 2nd Ave which is now U S Bank. Informed the Personal Banker that I needed to see a Dr. for Physical. She sent me to Dr. Percy Harris as she said he was awesome and he was located downtown. Wow! Yes he was great Dr. and also an awesome man.
Shortly after I started I got married and my wife went to him as well. He delivered both our boys so he was really special to our family. He was such a caring person and would spend a few extra minutes in the exam room to talk as well. He had a great sense of humor and we both shared a strong love for baseball! He was a huge Cubs fan and my team was the Twins so I had to rub this in when the Twins had good years. I was also amazed how young he always looked even when his wife passed. I'm so happy he got to see the Cubs win before leaving us! We miss Dr. Percy Harris!
Steve Schroeder
January 31, 2017
We'll always remember the quiet gentleman who made such an impact on our community. We are blessed to have know him and his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denny & Jan Redmond
January 31, 2017
I felt I could not let this sad time pass with out expressing my sympathy to the Harris family. I well remember Mark, he started Kindergarten at Squaw Creek and on through school. I know is or will be 57. Our daughter Diana was in Anne's class. I would always see Lileah at school functions and at the grocery store. We would talk about the children's activities, Marks music etc. I had friends who were Dr. Harris's patients and always heard wonderful thins about him. Never had a conversation till January of 2012. Diana was in Hospice in Hiawatha, and Lileah was there also. Diana had a failed surgery in her 20's and was ill for 20 years and was terminal. We spoke at length at that time. Later I would see Dr. Harris at the grocery store, sometimes with Anne sometimes alone and we would visit. I was extremely touched to read of his tough start. So many people blame things like that. He sounds like a self made man to me, but being a humble person I know he would disagree. The Harris family have much to be proud of and to live up to.
Patricia Edaburn
January 30, 2017
I can hardly add anything to the eloquent thoughts expressed by Sue Plotz Olson, a classmate of mine along with Bruce at Washington. I'll always remember your parents for their class and dignity. They stood firmly for the principles that make good communities and good citizens. We are all lucky to have had them show us the way.
Susan Harman
January 30, 2017
Doctor Harris cared for our family for many years. He and Mrs. Harris headed a family that we are lucky to count among our good friends. We send them our condolences.
Bryan, Joyce and Pat McPartland
January 30, 2017
Doctor Harris cared for our family for many years. He and Mrs. Harris headed a family that we are lucky to count among our good friends. We send them our condolences.
Bryan, Joyce and Pat McPartland
January 30, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Harris family and especially to Peter, my classmate at Washington '73.
Virginia (Eckard) Eichner
January 30, 2017
Anne, Lileah, Bruce and the entire Harris family--As I told Anne, death is the end of a lifetime, not the end of a relationship. Your father will continue to be with you in so many ways. He and your mother were remarkable. If the rest of us strive to leave a fraction of the legacy they've left the world will be a far better place.
Brad Hart
January 30, 2017
First, my sympathies to e entire Harris family. Your Father, delivered both of my daughters, 1971 and 1974. Every visit from birth on up thru high school, he never changed his happiness to care for them. Every visit was with a kind smile. But I will never forget how Dr. Harris would call on my mother at home. Yes, he made house calls! You will never be forgotten!
Jackie Sorci Simmons
January 29, 2017
I would like to extend my condolences to the entire Harris family. Dave and I were junior high and high school classmates. I fondly remember Dr. Harris and my father sharing popcorn while watching TV together at our home.
Tim Hartman
January 29, 2017
MY sympathies to the entire Harris family. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Kory Greenwood
January 29, 2017
1963 I worked down the hall from Dr. Harris. He was our family Dr. from then until his retirement. He delivered my son (while listening to a football game on the radio I think when Walter Payton was playing). He regretted not delivering my daughter but was her dr. until she left town. He was on the sidelines at a Jefferson football game and reset my sons dislocated shoulder in '82. I wasn't billed during one particularly difficult year. In his office one day I hear him on the phone in the hall saying "Surely you can give up golf one afternoon for this." His complete physicals put todays
physicals to shame. He even had you walk down the hall so he could check your gait. And before all that I remember being in a club one night when one of his sons was playing in a band. Being in the band was o.k. but not there and Dr. Harris came and got him. We are so thankful he was our doctor.
Clarabelle Hardiman
January 29, 2017
My condolences to all of doc's family and also to his wonderful nurses Judy and Joni. I had the great pleasure of working right next to Dr Harris for 5 years at Mercy Blairs Ferry just before he retired. Many times he offered kindness, support, humor, knowledge and insightful wisdom that I carry with me and draw from to this day. Tears well up as I am writing this as I loved the man he was and all he stood for. I am in awe of his accomplishments although you would have never known as he was not a boastful man. Such simple kindnesses that overflowed from his gentle face and magnanimous smile ??
I want to share, I lived on my grandparent's acreage and told him we were having a great year for wild blackberries. He smiled and said you bring the berries and I'll get the ice cream for the whole clinic, and we did just that! He tried to get me to like pork rinds but said it was an acquired taste. He had a great love for Brach's circus peanuts too, as I recall. We had so much fun!
RIP dear man
Becky S. Miller
January 29, 2017
When I started my practice in Cedar Rapids, it was next door to Percy's office. He welcomed me and was supportive and friendly. I told him I was glad I had a beard. Since we had the same last name, that way people wouldn't mix us up. He threw his head back with a high-pitched laugh. We remained close the entire time I practiced in Cedar Rapids. I remember seeing them at a Bruce Hornsby and the Range concert. They were so proud because one of their sons was a member of the band. A great Doctor, a wonderful family man, a peerless community leader. RIP, Percy, you had an incredible life.
Ted A Harris
January 29, 2017
I met Dr. Harris as a nurse working at St Lukes starting in 1970. He was well liked by patients and staff alike. Kind and respectful to all he he touched. We were all in awe of his work and family ethics.
Saw him last in summer of 2008. He was so excited to see Barack Obama running for president!
His life gives me hope in these trying times.
Hilda Machula
January 28, 2017
I met Dr. Harris as a nurse working at St Lukes starting in 1970. He was well liked by patients and staff alike. Kind and respectful to all he he touched. We were all in awe of his work and family ethics.
Saw him last in summer of 2008. He was so excited to see Barack Obama running for president!
His life gives me hope in these trying times.
Hilda Machula
January 28, 2017
I first met Dr. Harris though the gas company in the late 70s as he was the doctor who performed the physicals. My wife adopted him as her doctor a little later.
During my time at the gas company I had the privilege of meeting Phillip and Paul and worked with Paul. Lots of good memories.
My heart goes out to the whole family.
Joel Frederick
January 28, 2017
Dear family, so sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a great friend to our whole family. He and Lileah were great supporters of me and many of my performances over the last 30 years. He always took the time to talk with me or my family when we saw him around town. He will be missed a great deal here in CR. Our sympathy to all especially To Peter my class of 73 HS class mate. We have had a lot of good times together!
Dennis Mcpartland
January 28, 2017
Dennis Mcpartland
January 28, 2017
To the entire Harris family, and especially to Bruce and Rebecca, as I know the two of you most closely - I am so aware that the loss of a father far eclipses the loss felt by anyone else. However, in a small way, I want to share what he (and Lileah) meant to me. I saw injustice met with calm demeanor, I saw anger met with smiles, I saw a parent's heartache met with determination, and I saw wrongs met with positive actions. That was a lot of learning for me as a child and even more insight as I process those lessons in adulthood. Much of the lens through which I see community was forged by what I learned from the Harris family. Ron joins me in sharing our most sincere sympathy with you all.
Sue Plotz Olson
January 28, 2017
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Well done! Well done! Well done! Throughout our community some stood in your shadow; some followed your footpath; others found your healing hands; and most simply recognized a seemingly bottomless heart. A vocation without any vacation, you were much more than a physician, father, leader -- you were an example for others follow; a constant beacon for our community. May others continue to share God's Blessings just as you have. And may your wife, family and friends celebrate the tremendous things resulting from your life.
Jeff Thorsteinson
January 28, 2017
Dear Family,
We are so sadden to hear about your father. Both your parents were wonderful people. How they touched lives, should be a great example to us all. We extend our deepest of sympathy from our family.
Sincerely,
Nancy Ruggiero-Petersen
Nancy Ruggiero-Petersen
January 28, 2017
Dear Harris Family,
I have known your parents since I moved to Cedar Rapids 45 yrs ago through Church at All Saints. They also lived one street over and behind where my parents lived. I was in a faith sharing group with he and your Mom many years ago but I got to know your Dad well when he and his good friend Herb started walking my street in the mornings. Almost every day after I retired, I had the chance to meet these two friendly men and speak with them. I grew to love them both. You are all so accomplished and blessed to have had Percy and Lileah for your parents and I know that they felt so blessed to have all of you as their children. May God bless you all during this very difficult time, I will miss your Dad as I was hoping when spring came I would see him walking again and get a chance to visit with him.
Lynne Sullivan
January 28, 2017
Many years ago I had a job working at Mercy Hospital medical records department. Dr. Harris did intern at Mercy at that time. I remember very clearly one day another employee in that department made a remark that Dr. Harris was very special because he always wrote "please" and "thank you" on his orders and none of the other doctors ever did that.
Shirley Twiselton
January 28, 2017
Aside from all of his personal and professional accomplishments, Percy was a true gentleman and a good friend. He was a long time member of our study group and will be greatly missed.
Frank and Cheryle Mitvalsky
January 28, 2017
Harris Family.
It was my pleasure to meet and know your Dad when he served as the team doctor for the Jefferson Football team. He then became my Doctor and treated my diabetes. When it came time to go to a specialist, he moved me to Tom McIntosh as he believed we would do well together. He was right. It was always positive to be near Dr. Harris and all that he represented to so many people. I consider it an honor to have known and related to him in many ways. Cedar Rapids and I are so much better because he was here.
William C. Jacobson Former Principal at Jefferson H.S. and always a friend to a great man.
William C Jacobson
January 28, 2017
To Phil, Paul and the entire Harris family, Great memories growing up with the Harris family! Hanging out at your house, playing basketball, listening to Cub games and sitting down for dinner with Dr. Harris and family are just a few of the many great memories I have. Your father would often ask me "what have you learned today" around the dining table--Believe me the bar was always high around that table! I'm leaving for a Mount Mercy Board of Trustees meeting today so unfortunately I will not be able to attend the funeral. I met Dr. Harris early in life as he was a young intern that delivered and brought me into this world. Little was I to know, 12 years later I would be going to school with his twin sons and hanging out at his home. It has been wonderful over the years to cross paths with Dr. Harris and talk about the Cubs and his family. May his memory be eternal. Brandt Worley & Family
Brandt Worley
January 28, 2017
I and my family will be forever grateful for Dr. Harris' call following the suicide of my husband, Jim. Jim had suffered from depression for 30 plus years and when he learned the insurance coverage for mental illness was being taken away, he lost all hope. Dr. Harris was the medical examiner and spent time consoling me. His words lifted the veil of my self blame and I am reminded of his caring, compassionate words often. Please know I wish many blessings for his family.
Barbara Colehour
January 28, 2017
Dear Mark and the entire Harris family, I simply loved both your parents. They touched the lives of so many. I was fortunate to get to know them both better in adulthood, and consider myself blessed for having that opportunity. Over the years I had the good fortune to be seated next to them at many fundraisers and community events over the last several decades. Both of your parents were great conversationalist I learned so much about them during those conversations. They both gave so much to Cedar Rapids and will be greatly missed. Please know the entire Harris family is in the thoughts and prayers of my family. Sara Riley
Sara Riley
January 28, 2017
Dr. Ghosh and his staff had the highest regard for Dr. Harris, his wife and his family. His dedication to his patients and our community enriched us all. We've posted a tribute to him on our website:
http://www.theghoshcenter.org/the-healing-presence-of-dr-percy-harris/
The Ghosh Center
January 27, 2017
I'm sorry to hear about Dr. Harris' death but am comforted by the fact that he had a long and amazing life. I was honored to know him from a young age because my dad and I used to go to Iowa BB and FBgames with him and his two sons Paul and Philip, who were a few years younger than me. He also was my doctor for a while. He was a giant in the community and the state and will be greatly missed.
Jeff Shuttleworth
January 27, 2017
I extend my sympathies to the Percy Harris’ family, he was a great man and will be missed by many. He was my special friend when he and I were members of the Iowa Board of Regents. I think we both felt like a minority on the board, I was young and the only female. We spent a lot of time together visiting about our lives and families, that time was very special. I’m sorry I can’t be with you at the service as I’m out of the country, but my prayers are with all of you.
Ann Jorgensen
January 27, 2017
Dr. Harris was a kind and caring man and excellent co-worker and physician. I'm so sorry for your family's loss as he has touched so many lives!
Amanda Miller
January 27, 2017
A true gentleman, insightful, compassionate and committed to his community. Percy and Lileah were bright and shining stars. May all of their wonderful children be blessed in knowing how much so many people loved and valued their parents and all their contributions to the world. The joy he brought with his smile and kindness will be missed.
Linda Langston
January 27, 2017
Not only an amazing Doctor an absolutely unbelievable man. Such a big part of our entire family for many many years, always impeccable thru the tough times and the good ones. You leave us all better for having known you. Rest In Peace.
The Scheel family
January 26, 2017
DR. PERCY HARRIS will truly be missed throughout this community as my family and i shared a long personal history with him as a friend and family physician. Not only did he deliver me and all my siblings from birth he also remained our family physician up until his retirement in 1999 a relationship that spanned over 40yrs. I remember losing my father when i was but 8yrs old, My father who was a long-time friend/patient would always speak so proudly of Dr. Harris as he considered it a privlage for his family to have him as our physician . The memories that stick with me the most were how after my fathers death. I remember how he became a mentor to me and brothers and sister's during our elementary, junior high and high school years always checking in on us, offering fatherly advice stressing the importance of a good education, having goals, staying out of trouble, staying healthy and taking care-of ourselves. I will always and forever be truly thankful Dr Harris for the impact you had on my life as i consider myself truly blessed to have known you. Dr. Harris was trailblazer not only in Cedar Rapids, but Iowa and throughout the country, as I'm sure many of his fellow colleagues would agree.
I extend my sincerest condolences to the children and family,
your father was and will always be a great man
To the family i leave you This
JOHN:11 25-26
{25}Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me though he were dead , yet shall he live {26} And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die Do you believe this?
You will see your beloved father again someday.
GOD BLESS
CLIFF Wright
Cliff Wright
January 26, 2017
The Harris Family: I met Dr. Harris when my family doctor, Dr. Estes, left him on call for his patients when he went out of town, he eventually became our son's doctor. Dr. Harris always had time to talk whether it was medical or something else. Lileah, Dr. Harris's daughter, became my office education student, at the Cedar Rapids School's District Board Building. Dr. Harris was a remarkable man, he had so much compassion and dedication for his patients. Cedar Rapids and our medical community
were blessed to have had such a gifted man share his life's work and family with us. So sorry for your loss--God Bless.
Sharon (Thompson)
January 26, 2017
We knew Dr. Harris as the Linn County Medical Examiner. He was always helpful to our staff and the families we served. He was a true professional and we appreciated his compassion and prompt attention so his duties. His obituary was beautiful tribute to a life dedicated to others. The world needs more people like Dr. Harris
Staff At Phillips Funeral Home
January 26, 2017
I did not know Dr. Harris real well, but my supervisor, F. Wallace Brown, at Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric (IIG&E) from 1981 til the early 90's was another great man and he knew Dr. Harris very well and he admired him greatly. I remember that first year (1981-1982) that I worked under "Wally" as we all knew him and when the company sent me to Dr. Harris for my annual company physical and how "Wally" spoke so highly of Dr. Harris to me. I was only a young "kid" of 23 years old then. I was so impressionable and I took to heart what the older folks said. They just don't make men like these anymore. That's why they call them the last great generation. It saddens me to report that Wally passed on himself about 3.5 years ago, and since he did, and since I knew how much he loved Dr. Harris, and since I doubt that anyone else would have wrote this condolence on behalf of Wally, I feel honored to be able to write it for him. May the Lord comfort Dr. Harris's family, now and always. Amen.
Mark Cochran
January 26, 2017
Dr. Harris was one of my favorite people on this earth! He was the Jelinek Family doctor since I was a baby. He always took his time to listen to you whether is be a medical problem or a personal problem, he was there with an ear to listen to ME - just me and always made me feel special as the only Jelinek girl and always wearing his sweater and a smile. Dr. Harris had a magical way of making shots not hurt and making me always excited to go to the doctor! I loved this man and my heart aches. God Bless him and his family
Susan Jelinek Thomas
January 26, 2017
There are not enough words to describe this wonderful man. As you know, he was my doctor for almost 31 years. But more than that, he was a caring, wise friend. His legacy in the Cedar Rapids community can never be overstated.
I have always had much admiration for you, his family. From the time you were in high school to your very adult lives now, you've always impressed me with your talents and work. That is a tribute to your parents and to you.
I was lucky to be able to speak with you at your mom's visitation. I can not do that this time, as I'm in Florida. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marva (Ashford) Livengood
Marva (Ashford) Livengood
January 26, 2017
Irreplaceable. A life well-led in every sense. Condolences to the Harris family and to all of us in this community.
Jim Arenson
January 25, 2017
Dr. Harris (we never could call him by any other name) took care of my wife and children for years. It is not possible to say too much positive about him. A true gentleman. Our sympathy to his family. Bruce and Margarita McGovern, rural Puebla, Mexico.
Bruce and Margarita McGovern
January 25, 2017
This man is a Saint. One of the most genuine, caring, compassionate Man I ever met. Wise, insightful, open, non assuming, giving, gracious, fun. He should be revered. All of mankind could not have had a better example of a Doctor, father, friend. Percy was my Doctor, our family physician, and he left such an awesome impression on me thru just casual acquaintance. I did not see him often after he left his practice but the wisdom, kindness, compassion and mirth he provided in nurturing my life as my physician persisted. He was genuine. I am so glad to have known Percy. It was a blessing. Very sorry for his families (and the worlds) loss.
Mike Mitchell
January 25, 2017