Letter: Remembering Dr. Percy Harris & his contributions

'Beloved” is an overused word, but it's difficult to think of a more appropriate one for a longtime patient, admirer and - at the risk of being presumptuous - friend to describe Percy Harris.

I trust The Gazette will chronicle the many accomplishments of Dr. Harris, his late wife, Lileah and their outstanding family. Cedar Rapids is a much different, much better, place because of their presence. But a great many individual lives are better, as well, for entrusting him with the care of their health. He was our family's doctor until his retirement; I always tell people that he could make you feel better just by putting a hand on your shoulder, and he did that a lot.

The job was personal for him. One example: My phone rang on a Sunday evening. It was Dr. Harris. He had taken his daughter to Adventureland that day, and while she was on a ride, he was reading a professional publication and came across something he thought might be relevant to a problem I'd been having for a long time. He suggested I come in the next morning so we could talk about it. I did, and he was right. End of problem.

I have no doubt other of his patients have similar stories to tell.

He was a man who made a difference. The community and people like me were blessed to have known him.

Mike Deupree

Solon