Michael Ray Harshfield

How does one take the measure of a man when he passes away? By examining his life and the impact it had on others. By this measure, Mike Harshfield lived life as a caring soul who made a difference in the lives of others. He had a big heart, showing others kindness. When Mike laughed, he meant it. A smile often partnered with a tell-tale twinkle in his eye. He thought of others rather than himself. No wonder he worked in the health-care field and became Director of Clinical Education in Respiratory Care at a Houston-area college.

Mike loved teaching, devoting his life to imparting to his students at Lone Star College-Kingwood the life-saving skills of respiratory therapy. His legacy lives on in the students he instructed and in those patients who benefited from his teaching prowess and hands-on care. After helping to extend the lives of others, Mike’s passing completes the circle of life.

Mike loved family most of all, not only as a husband and father where it matters most, but also as a son, a brother, a grandfather, an uncle, and a nephew. Family gatherings, large or small, made him the happiest. He dearly loved the annual reunions hosted by Uncles Charles Lee Dildine and his wife Mary, and James “Sonny” Dildine and his wife, Carol. His legacy lives on in the great memories those close to him will always cherish.

Mike loved home, learning at an early age in a military family that the hearth follows the heart. After growing up all over the world, Mike put down roots in Houston to raise a family and lived in the same house for almost 30 years. His legacy lives on by giving truth to the adage that home is where the heart is.

Mike loved learning. While not surprising for a college professor, his thirst for knowledge never flagged or ceased. A prolific reader and Student of Life, Mike could bore you to tears with obscure factoids about the Civil War or excite you with some unexpected insight on a topic you thought you had mastered. His legacy lives on in the eternal quest for knowledge that mankind can put to good use.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, and his Masters in Health Education. His career as a respiratory therapist and educator in the medical field spanned forty-two years. At Lone Star College-Kingwood, Mike served as an Instructor and Professor in the Respiratory Care program, specializing in Clinical Education, Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. He served as Director of Clinical Education in Respiratory Care, returning to faculty member status in 2013 for health reasons, and retiring December 31, 2016.

Mike’s life-long interest in and passion for the sciences dates back to childhood when he received a microscope in third grade as a Christmas gift. His first patient was his brother Pat. Mike always stood ready to bandage a scraped knee or elbow, so he could view the “tissue samples” on a slide and his passion for the sciences and intellectual curiosity was born.

Last, Mike loved life, living it to the fullest. Remarkably, he did so despite facing personal tragedy all his life that would have crushed lesser folks. His legacy lives on in the example he set for others about how to accept and overcome life’s vicissitudes. A quote from Nelson Mandela aptly defines Mike’s attitude: “Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Mike leaves behind his courageous, devoted and loving wife, Katherine Broussard Harshfield; his daughter, Katheryn Guro Harshfield Mendoza, also an RRT and a Neonatal Pediatric Specialist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, ICU, Houston Medical Center; his son, Timothy Charles Harshfield, SSgt., U.S. Marine Corps.; and his grandson, Ian Patrick Mendoza, first in his class in kindergarten (of course) who can’t decide if he wants to be an airline pilot, King of the Tyrant Lizards (a/k/a Tyrannosaurus Rex), or a doctor. Other survivors include Mike’s brother Patrick Lee Harshfield, his sister Brenda Kaye Gorman and her husband John, his sister Terrie Harshfield Edgar and her husband Perry, his niece Nicole Treese and her husband Bryan along with their three children Garrett, Hayden, and Davis, and his nephew Michael Layton Evans. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Jo Helen and Charles Layton Harshfield, and wife, Patricia Ann Harshfield.

In the final measure, Michael Ray Harshfield, November 23, 1951 – December 8, 2020 made the world a better place. In death, he continues to live on. All who knew Mike will miss him.

In lieu of the usual remembrances the family is requesting donations be made to either Houston Food Bank, Star of Hope Mission, Houston Hospice, or Vitas Hospice Spring.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home but friends and family are invited to join along on Facebook Live.

Reception to follow at 25303 Mill Pond Lane, Spring, TX 77373.