Dr. Harry A. Harbison, DPM

June 10, 1952 – August 20, 2018

Dr. Harry Arthur Harbison, DPM passed away on August 20 at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center due to complications of heart disease. A long time podiatric physician practicing in Long Beach, Dr. Harbison treated his patients with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. He loved his profession and his patients, and was treating and helping others even on the day he passed.

Harry was born in Long Beach in 1952 to Arthur and Maxine Harbison, the first of two children. The family later moved to Huntington Beach where Harry attended Marina High School, earning a varsity letter in wrestling. He attended Golden West College after graduation and completed his Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences at University of California, Irvine, in 1980. A brother in Phi Delta Theta fraternity, he was active in social and charity work. He loved sports, especially skiing, and enjoyed many trips to Mammoth with his buddies.

After graduation, Harry worked for Allergan in the research division. Although he found the research lab interesting, his great love of people led him to medicine, and in particular, the treatment of foot diseases. He attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine from 1981 – 1985, receiving his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Harry was known by his friends to be “jokester” with a great sense of humor and a generous heart.

After completing his residency at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach, he took over the podiatry practice of his friend and mentor, Dr. Tom Amberry, and began what was to be his lifelong vocation. He was an active member of the state and local podiatric medical societies, and served on the editorial board of professional journals. Dr. Harbison was a consultant to the Wound Healing Center at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, a Board Certified Surgeon of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He served as assistant residency director, and mentored new podiatrists. He was known to be a good clinician, but could be stern if he felt the resident doctors were not reaching the level of quality that he knew they possessed.

Along this journey, Harry found a passion for motorcycles, and especially British motorcycles. In his 20’s he scraped together enough cash to purchase parts to restore a classic BSA motorcycle. He would happily spend time in the evening fitting parts together and hunting down more components. Later he purchased a Triumph Sprint ST in cerulean blue. He’d climb on his beloved Triumph, “Rev ‘Er Up,” and disappear down the road with the bike club. Harry always said riding was the closest thing to true freedom that a person could experience.

Dr. Harbison was incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful, talented podiatry staff, especially Maria Cordova, who ran the office (and Dr. Harbison) for 14 years. She would become Doc’s confidant, manager, protector and loyal friend. Although Dr. Harbison did not have children, Maria was loved every bit as much as if she had been his own daughter. She always told him “I will not leave this office until that front door closes for the last time.” And she was true to her word.

Harry was blessed in his personal life with a wonderful girlfriend and love, Trudy Waymire. She shared the final years of his life, becoming his soul mate and companion. She shared the good times and the not so good with love and tenderness.

Harry is survived by a sister (Paula) and brother in law (Jim Cook) of Orange, CA, nephew James, niece Alyssa, uncle (Corwin Smith) of Hewitt, TX, and by the patients, residents, and podiatric community he loved so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 23rd, at Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683. Family viewing 9:30 am, with services at 12:00. Burial and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a worthy charity of your choice.