Jeffrey Kim Harries

Dr. Jeffrey Kim Harries passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2021 three and a half years after being diagnosed with ALS. He faced his diagnosis with his usual grace and optimism. Jeff is survived by his wife Leona, his nine children Molly (Marcus), Hu (Destinee), Rose (Dylan), Katie, Angus, Maggie (Mitchell), Bruce, Emmett, and Annie, and his grandchildren Enoch and Rosie. Jeff also had many in-laws, nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply. He was predeceased by his father Hu, oldest brother Tommy and sister-in-law Karen. Jeff was born to Hu and Joyce Harries in Edmonton, AB. He was the fifth of six siblings and had a wonderful childhood growing up between Windsor Park and his parents’ cattle ranches. He had an abundance of friends who remained a part of his life until the end. He completed a BA at UofA, and after he obtained his MBA at UBC, he worked in business for a few years. He then changed his mind about his chosen profession, went back to university to study sciences and was accepted into the U of C Medical School in 1985. This is where he met Leona; it was love at first sight! Jeff and Leona moved to Penticton in 1990 where they opened their Family Medicine practice and started building their family. All nine of their children were born at the Penticton Regional Hospital. Throughout Jeffrey’s career as a Family Physician, and into his post diagnosis retirement, he developed a special interest in helping those people suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), by teaching about and promoting the use of effective medications in treating this condition. He recently founded the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society (please visit at CAUDS.org). Jeffrey took great pride in his work in the wine industry at both Paradise Ranch, and Slow Vineyards, growing top notch grapes. He had a sunny disposition and a wonderful sense of humour; he was an avid learner and had a remarkable memory; he loved farming and keeping up with the newest technological advances (Go Tesla!); he could never get enough tea or apples; he was the best husband and father and Grampy in the world (maybe even the universe). He touched the lives of so many people in the best possible ways. Jeffrey’s family would like to thank Norma Concina, Dr. van den Berg, Dr. Jumaa, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Walker, Dr. Bannerman, The ALS Society of BC, and the Moog Hospice house for their loving care. Prayers will be held at St Ann Catholic Church at 7 pm on Nov 12th; funeral mass the following day at 10 am. Providence Funeral Homes will provide an online link for those who are unable to attend the funeral service in person. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1296 Main Street, Penticton, BC. To watch a recording of the service, please click the link below.