Harry was born on December 11th.   He often talked about his childhood and how on many occasion he gave his parents grief.  I once asked him why he didn’t play sports in school since he was such a fan.  A car was his goal and like many things in his life he was determined.  By the time he was 16 he had a job at the local gas station.    Not many 16 year olds today would give up the luxury of school sports, TV or the Internet for a job after school and on weekends.  His parents did not have the ability to buy a car for their only son – he had to earn it and so he did.  This set the tone for the man Harry would become. 

At an early age Harry was intrigued by airplanes. After the military he received his license to teach and became a flight instructor in Aurora, Illinois.  Always thinking ahead he wanted to become a commercial airline pilot but that was not in his future.  Although being accepted into Northwest flight school his 30^th birthday came before the school and he could not pursue a career in which he had his heart set.  Not to worry.   Harry had a second plan and decided to become an Air Traffic Controller just so he could stay near airplanes.  Harry stayed with that career for 20 years and split his career between Seattle, Washington and San Diego, California.  Harry was always seeking warming weather and for those that knew him he was happiest in 90 degree plus heat.

In the 70’s Harry married at 39 years old but after a 15 year marriage it ended in 1992.  After retirement and an ended marriage Harry decided he couldn’t play golf every day and started working at Sears in Escondido, California.  Little did he know he would have a second successful career and along the way made many new friends.

Harry’s passion was golf.  As a kid Harry became a caddie at a local country club in Madison, Wisconsin (Maple Bluff) and gained a respect for the game that never ended.  (Although not playing, he was on the golf course the day he went into the hospital.)  Harry won many tournaments over his years including five Senior Club Championships and the Presidents Cup Championship.  He was also five time winner of the Sunburst Classic.  In addition, Harry was the recipient of the George Hossalla Award, the highest achievement at Shadowridge Country Club, recognizing his years of commitment to committees and projects.  He loved his golf and was not happy when not playing well.  Harry was a member at Shadowridge for 23 years. 

Harry was a family man.  Although he did not have children of his own he was always there for the kids around him.  Nieces, nephews, step children, and friends children loved being around this man.    His love for children was because he was a kid himself.   His two sisters, Helen Marie and Kathleen had five children between them and those kids meant the world to Harry.  He also embraced my nine nieces and nephews from the moment he met them.

Harry and I met in the late 90’s by chance.  Although I had known him casually as a member of Shadowridge our paths did not cross until February 16, 1999.  Both of us had been married and then each of us single for about the same period of time.  I truly believe fate brought us together that day.  After that date, we never parted.  Although we did not get married until four days before Harry passed away we had a committed relationship for almost 10 years. 

Harry loved his friends.  He was a huge presence wherever he went.   He adored people from all walks of life, and particularly admired those who loved their work.    Truck drivers to golf professionals – it made no difference to Harry as long as people were passionate.

Harry was very sentimental and was never ashamed of his tears.  He had compassion for those that were hurting or in need.  He was a sucker for donations and couldn’t say no.

Harry was dedicated to his Catholic faith .  He never missed church and felt strongly about making that commitment.   It guided him through this terrible illness and at the end Harry was at peace because of his relationship with God.  Many did not know this of him as he was a very private person when it came to religion.   Most people thought I was the faithful one and Harry “came along for the ride.”  It was totally the opposite.   I was not raised Catholic and although Harry never encouraged me to change my religion his quiet example brought me back into the church.   I am grateful.  

Harry was only 70 years old when he died of pancreatic cancer. I am sure that seems old to some, but not to us.   He fought his battle for only two months and two days.  This disease is an unknown enemy for the most part.  Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed after it has spread to other organs.  Right now it is a deadly disease, but Harry kept his faith and although he knew the odds were not good he wanted to prove the medical community wrong.  Even when he was hospitalized he thought he would be out on the golf course again.  He never lost his spirit and that is why this foundation is most important to me.   At the end, Harry knew he would be in Gods kingdom very shortly but when I told him we would be starting a foundation in his name he was proud that he could help others in their battle.

In life, Harry thought he was very average that wanted to get the most out of life, but in reality he was much more.    He taught me so many lessons those last few months.   This foundation will continue Harry’s fight to win the battle against pancreatic cancer.  We will never forget his spirit and his enthusiasm for life.  We love you Harry.

Liz Littel