Harry Porter Webb

Harry Webb was born in 1933 and died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 92, after a full and productive life lived independently on his own terms. He was the oldest of six siblings, three of whom preceded him in death: Dean, Isabel, and Rodger. His first born son Michael Patrick Linn (nee Michael Henry Webb) died in 1982.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Linn Robson (George) of Petoskey, Michigan; his stepson, Walt Reynolds (Sharon) of Haslett, Michigan; his sisters, Helen Webb of Philadelphia and Sheila Webb of Bellingham, Washington; and four grandchildren—Paul Robson of Bellingham, Washington; Brian Robson of Austin, Texas; and Sam and Quinton Reynolds of Haslett, Michigan. His marriage to Helen Falvey, the love of his life, ended in 2000 following her illness. He was also close to numerous nieces and nephews who shared both his wonderful sense of humor and the trademark Webb grin.

Harry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1957, graduating alongside his brother Dean. He later received a Princeton University fellowship as a graduate student in sociology, earning his master’s degree in 1963 and completing doctoral coursework (ABD) in 1964. He served for six years as an assistant professor at Michigan State University, teaching both sociology and physical education.

During this time, he focused his scholarly work on the sociology of sport, organizing and teaching what is believed to be the first sociology of sport course in the United States, jointly offered through sociology and physical education departments. His academic work included research on sport and children’s play.

Harry later taught sociology for five years at Central Michigan University, continuing his research on children’s play and sport. After a year away from academia traveling throughout Europe, he entered Antioch School of Law in 1977 alongside his brother Rodger, earning his BSL/JD in May 1980.

He spent one year working in Washington, D.C., before returning to Lansing in 1981. Harry passed the Michigan Bar in 1982 and was formally admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in a Michigan Supreme Court ceremony presided over by Blair Moody Jr.

He devoted his law career to public-interest legal work, including assisting individuals served by Legal Aid of South Central Michigan, providing free legal advice and representation to low-income people, families, and older adults. Later he opened a private practice and worked well into his eighties.

He practiced law to serve people who needed it the most and will be missed by those who knew him the best.