I don't know why, but I had a few minutes to kill and decided I would go on google to see what Harry is up to.  It hit me hard to find out he died.  It is now about two decades since we worked together.  He remains the favorite boss I had.  He was a straight shooter and an honest man.  I miss him.  I know my feelings do not compare to what the family must feel.  It is now a year later but I just want you to know how much I care for him.

Mary Ann and family.  I was so sorry to hear about Harry passing.  When Harry hired me into Geac and JD Edwards my life was enriched.  You were also so welcoming to me.  I remember Harry suggested you and I open a pie shop.  

I am currently in Venice, Florida I would love catch up.

We would like to thank everyone for the kind words, emails, memories and beautiful cards. They have helped our family through a very difficult time. 

We are planning to have a celebration of life for Harry in Naples and in Muskoka in 2022.   

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with loved ones and friends.  

Mary Ann, Michael, Sami & Elise 


Mary Ann & family
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Harry.  We were so honoured to have met you both.  The fact that Harry reached out to us in our endeavour to build the Health Hub in Port Carling and so generously helped with such a generous donation to see it completed was a miracle.  
We were so honoured to have his support and dedication to help us complete this much needed service for the community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  
We thought the memorial service for Harry was at 5:30 p.m. today but must have misunderstood the date & time.  
We will contact Andy’s House to see if there is a link that we can go into to listen to the service.
We have just recently returned from British Columbia from visiting our son, whom we haven’t seen in over 2 1/2 years.
We will never forget all your generosity to bringing health care to the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Sending our love & prayers.  Allen & Linda Edwards


I had the good fortune of working with Harry at Lawson Software. Harry was a great business leader, but an even better person. I learned so much from him. I had the opportunity to travel with Harry on a 10-day business trip to Asia-Pacific, it was an incredible personal and professional experience that I will never forget.

All my best to the Debes family.

Jeff Frank

Harry and I first met in about 2005/6 when Lawson was adding a board director as part of the merger with Intentia. I worked with Harry as a board director and for him for 3 years while Lawson’s CFO. Harry was highly focused and disciplined  - and took his responsibility as CEO and company leader with seriousness of intent. While a driven person in business, he cared about people and took to heart teaching younger people in the organization and on his team. We spent a great deal of intense time together and while not close personally, his love of life, travel, books, learning and his family were always a topic for conversation. We also were both swimmers and would see each other on occasion in the pool. The world is a less interesting place with Harry’s passing but better off for the time he was with us. He was a very good man. My best wishes to Mary Anne and his family. 
Rob Schriesheim

I worked with Harry when he was the CEO of Lawson.  I have a lot of respect and admiration for Harry. He had a brilliant business mind.  He was a strong, strategic, and ethical leader.  But Harry was more than just an excellent executive, he  also kind and empathetic human being. He took time to mentor and coach employees both personally and professionally.  If only more executives had his leadership skills, the workplace would be a better place.   

Harry and Mary Ann were neighbors of ours in the Denver area. Roger and I have such fond memories of those days, getting neighbors together to "talk politics", business trends, our children's shenanigans (involving turning liquor to water?!), ending with Harry's favorite schnapps and great laughter by all!

We now toast Harry tonight with that drink, sitting around our fire pit, and listening to Gordon Lightfoot.  Harry was a brilliant, talented, humanitarian and loving man on this earth.  We now see him as a glistening star above.
We send our our love to Mary Ann, always a positive, supportive, giving friend and loving wife and mother. Our condolences to you, Mary Ann, and your family.
Eliza & Roger Hein

Harry was kind, intelligent, ethical, warm and engaging, a truly loving and honorable man.  Harry had a broad range of talents and I am thrilled to have been able to spend time with him while he was able to exhibit those many all star talents of his.  Whether it was golf or investing passion, his musical abilities, his desire to excel and strive for perfection, he was one of a kind. He could always put a smile on my face.  Harry was one of the most interesting men that I have met throughout my life and I can confidently say that most of us felt that way about him.  Our days together were so fun and I didn't get even close to enough time with  the polished gem that we all knew and loved.  Harry will be sorely missed.

Harry and Mary Ann have been like family to me ... we first met about 40 years ago.
Toronto, Muskoka, Atlanta and Denver have all had their own special memories, but my favourites will always be of those times shared on the dock, sitting in the red Muskoka chairs, watching the sun going down, while Mary Ann and I would be engaged with Harry while we would discuss the merits of that evening's wine, or he would impart some of his wealth of knowledge, or he would bring out some sort of exercise equipment, always trying to encourage us to be better.   I always admired that Harry had such an incredible love for Mary Ann and her love for him.  Harry at his core was a teacher and I will forever be grateful for him teaching me how to be an investor and to navigate the vast waters of Lake Muskoka.  Somehow he knew that I could learn ... more than I did.  There was always laughter, always something new and I've been blessed to have him as a friend.  xo Janette 

My wife Donna and I have known Harry, Mary Ann and family since our days in Sydney in the late 80s.  As fellow Canadians we had much in common.
Through baseball (co-owners) of the Sydney Blues, golf, dinner parties with expatriate friends, Harry was always engaging.  He was a dear friend that we will miss.
As foreign assignments always conclude and one moves to the next locale, our paths would continue to overlap in Denver and Naples.  Coupled with business dinners in many global centres, we never lost touch.
If there was one word that could describe Harry, it would be "brilliant"!  He is a dear friend who will be missed and was taken far too soon.  He is now at peace having suffered so much over the past 2 years.  Our condolences to Mary Ann and family. 


Harry’s enthusiasm for life was contagious and we were so very lucky to have our families’ paths cross when they did. 

Our daughters grew up together from the age of four like sisters that neither had. Saturday baseball would never have happened for our family if not for Harry and Mary Ann and Harry’s love of the game. 

Who else but Harry Debes would volunteer to help coach a team in Sydney whilst working in Atlanta? 

Memories of Harry’s sprints from the airport to get to the game in time. And nights, in our Sydney Blues gear, watching the pros play.  A team that flourished through Harry’s organised sponsorship.

Dinner parties were never dull. Harry always had a story to tell. 

We were fortunate to visit several times when the family moved from Sydney to the US and were spoilt with Debes hospitality and generosity. 

On a trip to Bala, Harry suggested fish and chips for dinner. Sounds good we said. What eventuated was a breathtaking sixty minute speedboat ride through wilderness country to a fish and chips restaurant on a remote island. It remains one of the most memorable and unexpected travel experiences we’ve ever had.      All delivered with Harry’s charismatic smile.

Mary Ann was the yin to Harry’s yang and together they made a dynamic couple, something very special and not found by many.

Harry touched the lives of so many and will continue to do so through the charities he and Mary Ann support.

What a rich, full life you had Harry, cut short much too soon.    There’s a very bright star shining now.

With deepest sympathy to Mary Ann, Mike, Elise and family,

Love from,

Denise, Frank, Dan, Lucy and James Carrapetta

Sydney, Australia 

I was fortunate to have met Harry back in high school while interning for Lawson Software. 

During my last week of work I was told I would meet the CEO of the company, I couldn't believe it. Harry was humble and kind. The few moments I shared with him have stuck with me to this day, and I smile every time I look back at this photo. 

Wishing his family the best.
-Fuad Mohamoud

I am deeply saddened to hear that Harry has passed away. Our sincere condolences to Mary Ann and family at this difficult time.

I first met Harry in a Stockholm meeting room in 2005 when Lawson acquired Intentia. I then had the privilege of being part of Harry's extended team at Lawson for the next 5 years. I did not report directly to Harry but as I was running the Asia Pacific business we had a lot of interaction and Harry was a  great CEO to work with - tough but the  consummate professional in front of customers and always took time to spend time with the broader team during his extensive travels. I recall fondly the several trips where we met in Australia where Harry always felt very much at home and his quirky sense of humour resonated with me and I recall many happy times (and good laughs) on the road with Harry when he traveled to the region.

Harry was very much the true global citizen in every sense and in addition to Stockholm I can recall meeting Harry on customer calls, corporate events or club trips in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, St Paul, Chicago, Paris, Florida, Manila, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manchester  and even the Caribbean. I always enjoyed spending time with Harry where ever we were in the world.

Despite being on opposite sides of the world I was very much looking forward to seeing Harry in person again which made this news even harder to fathom. All our love and prayers to Marry Ann and family. 

You led an amazing life Harry!

Sincerely David & Alex Hope



The words “Being a teacher at heart” perfectly describes Harry. 

I, like so many others, was a beneficiary of Harry’s teaching. He had so much wisdom to share. More importantly, Harry had the heart to share it. 

We all will miss his teaching and mentorship. But my fondest thoughts of Harry are those — mostly while traveling together — where we would belly-laugh uncontrollably as he told some story. Thank you Harry.

Mary Anne, on behalf of Jenny and I, thank you as well for our memories and your friendship. We are thinking often of you and your family.

God bless Harry and the Debes family.

Dean and Jenny Hager

Working with Geac in Toronto in 1993, I got a call. "Hi. This is Harry. A little birdie said you might like to work in Australia".  Just like that, our family was on a 22 hour flight that would change our lives forever. Working for Harry was stimulating, challenging, rewarding, fun, and career building.  Unforeseen was the lifelong influence living abroad had on our three young children; the adventures, experiences, friendships, and building of their self-confidence.  From Cindy and I, our condolences to the Debes family, and our thanks to Harry and Mary Anne.

Harry and Mary Ann provided a special welcoming place for all of us in North Bay, Muskoka. They showed interest, listened, provided support & friendship, laughter, music & good discussions. Their quiet altruism helped so many. We cannot pass by their place without a sense of loss while just being grateful that we had them in our lives. Our flag is at half mast as a symbol of what Harry means to us. Love, Margie & Rick Woodgate

Farewell and rest in peace Harry

Marnie and I have known Harry and MaryAnn for more than 45 years.  We were friends and went through many life experiences in our earlier days in Toronto. We were able continue our friendship after we were also transferred to Sydney. 
We have fond memories of attending their marriage, rejoicing in the birth of their children, celebrating their wedding anniversary in Sydney, and the numerous Christmas and NYE parties and other celebrations through the years. 
I worked with Harry at Columbus Software, Jonas & Erickson, and also at Geac.  The memories I retain are of Harry’s calm, considered, methodical, and professional approach to all business challenges. 
Marnie and I truly grieve for MaryAnn and her family at this sad time.
Harry left us far too early.  I will miss him, but we will always have and remember the memories of our times together.

Farewell and rest in peace Harry 

Marnie and Bob Lipa
Sydney, Australia 

Harry was a great friend of my dad.  I hope they have found each other.  Mary Ann I am very sorry for your and your family loss.  

Harry was a wonderful cottage neighbour but most importantly, our dear friend.  Apart from being one of the most fascinating people around, he was always keenly interested in everything someone had to say, no matter how trivial.  We’ll miss our long conversations over too many glasses of wine at dinner, sharing his love of impromptu band sessions, his summer dock parties and his laser focus on helping others.  Most of all, we will cherish one specific memory of Harry “ bunny hopping “ at the club’s Jimmy Buffet night.  That cool serious exterior did not fool us.  He was hilarious!  We miss him.

Brad & Lise

I met Harry during ourt MBA years. We formed a strong bond as we felt a "team" approach was the only way we could get through the program. As a result a strong friendship was formed. We shared highs and lows and at the end of the day, we were all successful.
Harry and I also shared a strong love for Westerns. Happy Trails Harry. You were always one of the good guys, wearing a white cowboy hat.

The Exton Family in Sydney, OZ

We’ve been friends with the Debes family since Elise and our daughter, Georgina, became close friends at primary school in Sydney in the 1990s and went on to start high school together before the Debes family moved back to the US.

The girls have remained close and have been able to visit each other and we have looked on Elise as being part of our family.

Harry and Mary Ann have stayed in touch all these years and Mary Ann kept us abreast of the health issues Harry was battling of late.

It was so very sad to hear that Harry lost that battle last week. A poignant reminder for those of us fortunate to still be here, that we should emulate Harry as much as we can by contributing back to our communities, being the best person that we can be and doing it with a sense of humour. Harry was a thoroughly decent person.

To the Debes family, we are thinking of you.

Love from the Exton Family, Annette, Ross, Georgie and Ben, Sydney Australia.


John and I were heartbroken to hear about Harry. It's still hard to believe that we've lost such a vital, engaged, and resolute friend.  We're so sorry for your loss, Mary Ann. Take good care of yourself.
Karen & John Amardeil     

Harry touched many many lives and they are all the better for it. I traveled with him to various Asian cities during early 90s on business trips. He worked hard and inspired others by setting an example. Learnt so much from him. MaryAnn, Michael and Elise, our deepest condolences. 

My memory of Harry and Mary Ann is of the support and generosity they showed to improve the lives of so many people in Port Carling.  The Health Hub brought primary care to rural residents,  the West Muskoka Food Bank and Bala Meals on Wheels provide food to those in need and Hospice Muskoka through Andy’s House provides palliative care to those who have come to the end of their journey through life.  The Debes family contributed so much to so many.

We, at Andy’s House, wish to express our gratitude for your support and send our deepest condolences in this time of loss. 

I feel so blessed to have known Harry for many years, first as a business colleague at Lawson Software, then as a dear friend in Naples Florida.  Our favorite memories of Harry were dinners hosted by Harry and Mary Ann in their lovely home.  These were always special and unique as they included fun games and singing planned and lead by Harry.  The great thing about memories is we get to keep them for a lifetime and can recall them over and over again. So I will do in memory of my friend.

Sandy and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Mary Ann and the family

I first met Harry when we worked together at Jonas & Erickson in 1986.  We were both Vice Presidents at the time, we then were acquired by Geac and Harry moved to Australia but we were still on the same team. Eventually our careers diverged and we both became CEO of  a public company.  I guess it was fate that we both acquired homes in Naples were he proceeded to school me at golf. 
Harry was an independent thinking, energetic character who will be greatly missed. It was tragic for us to watch the decline these last two years and Mary Anne was a rock.
Farewell my friend, I will celebrate your life always and play golf for you while I live.
Jean also sends her love to the family.

I’d like to thank Harry (and Mary Ann) on behalf of the students at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary school, who have — and will — continue to benefit from their philanthropic efforts. 

Kindness such as this is very special indeed. 

Love to Harry’s family at this time and moving forward. 

I had the privilege to work with Harry for almost six years at Lawson Software.  As CEO of Lawson, Harry was the complete package.  He was very disciplined in all facets of his work, but he went about his daily routine with a great sense of humor.  The combination of his discipline and humor often caught us off-guard, which I think he enjoyed.

Harry was a great teacher, leader and friend.  Even though we both left Lawson 10 years ago, I still reference the lessons I learned from Harry to this day.

While my relationship with Harry was mostly professional, he and I talked a lot about our families, and it was very clear how much he loved his family.  Mary and I offer our sincere condolences to Mary Ann and family.  You are all in our prayers. 

We will miss seeing Harry swim by our dock in North Bay. We always enjoyed our chats with him as he stopped to see how we were doing. Harry cared about the families in the bay and others in Muskoka with his generous donation of time and money for the health centre. We will miss his warmth and intellect, a rare combination. May Harry's memory be for a blessing. 

Harry left me this photo in the summer of 2011 after the sale of Lawson Software (he's seated in the chair). He had used the "I was a lifeguard" story several times in his speeches as a chief executive officer. "Each lifeguard has a station," he'd say. "But all are responsible for what happens in the water. If for some reason you don't dive in for the rescue, I will." 

It was an honor and a privilege to work with Harry from 2005-11. I worked with ten CEOs in my career. Harry was far and away the best. He had the best hair, the best smile and the greatest, most genuine commitment of any leader I've encountered.  

Harry was a good friend that I've known for over 40 years.  He was kind and generous.  Harry and MaryAnn were constant friends and supporters of our family.  I truly enjoyed spending time with him in Muskoka hitting the white ball.
I am sending heartfelt condolences to MaryAnn, Michael and Elise.  My family will always be there for you.
Harry hope to see you on the first tee soon.
All my love.

Harry was a great leader and had an amazing impact on my career at Lawson Software.  I am thankful for all he did to grow me personally and professionally.  He will be missed.

Jim Catalino

Harry was the most remarkable champion of others, and he treated those he supported as an equal. For example, each  year he labored to create a unique presentation for students of The Immokalee Foundation and shared with them the most valuable wisdom and knowledge  he’d acquired,  that they would need to be successful in life. Each  year he and Mary Ann took a large group of kids (whose college scholarships they sponsor) on a special outings to give them unforgettable educational experiences, such as a sailing trip with an aquatic biologist on board.  These are just two examples of the ways Harry mentored many young people and changed their lives.  He somehow also found time to invest in other volunteer service, his family, friends, and leisure activities.  He was a special person, and the world needs more people like him.  I extend my condolences to Mary Ann and his family for their loss. 

OBITUARY

Harry Debes

February 17, 1951 – August 25, 2021

Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens

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