Dr. Robert W. Harrison

After a long, fulfilling life of service and dedication to community and family, Dr. Robert Ward Harrison (92) passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2019, reuniting with his beloved wife of 69 years.  Born in Toledo, Iowa, July 18,1927, he graduated high school, enlisted in the Navy and, after being honorably discharged, entered the University of Iowa. There he met and married the love of his life, Lynette Baumann. Upon graduation in 1949, he entered the University of Iowa Medical School where in 1953 he completed medical school and a MS degree in physiology. After medical school, he completed an internship at the University of Chicago, followed by a four-year general surgery residency at the University, and a two-year residency in thoracic surgery at Cook County Hospital.  He joined a team of innovative doctors in early open-heart surgery as a thoracic cardiovascular surgeon in Grand Rapids in 1962. He was on staff for 28 years at Blodgett and Saint Mary’s hospitals and held leadership positions as Chief of Surgical Specialties and Chief of Staff in the late 1970s. He was Associate Clinical Professor at MSU College of Human Medicine and a founding member of the Michigan Society of Thoracic Surgeons, serving on the Board of Directors for many years. He stated his guiding principle as “doing as much for one’s fellow man as humanly possible.”

After retiring from surgery, he participated in cardiothoracic quality issue resolution and database studies for surgeries across western Michigan. He became a volunteer physician for the hospice program and was named chairman of the board of Hospice of Greater Grand Rapids, now Hospice of Michigan. When not working, Bob tended to an extensive vegetable garden at his beloved retreat on Lake Michigan, was an avid photographer, and traveled the world with Lynette. 

Bob will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children, Renee Ryan (William) of San Antonio, TX, Lisa Shuart (Mark) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Randy Harrison (Chrissy) of Edina, MN; his seven grandchildren, Patrick and Kelsey Ryan, Emily Hakim (Andrew), Daniel Shuart (Dena), Alison Shuart, and Robert and Alexia Harrison; and great grandchildren, Mark and Ellery Shuart.  He was preceded in death by his wife Lynette and the untimely loss of their son, Robert Harrison (Bobby), who died at the age of 21.

We thank Bob’s team of compassionate caregivers that allowed him to remain in independent living.  For their years of devotion, we especially thank Sue Walma, Brian Riemersma and Kathee Longberg. We also are grateful for the Acti-Kare team of in-home assistants, as well as Sallie Majeske and Karla Marks. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. A memorial service is planned for Sunday October 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church, 100 Packard Avenue, SE. 

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