October 20, 1928 – March 23, 2015
Dr. John W. Harrer, who practiced veterinary medicine for 36 years and never stopped caring for animals, was called home to be with his savior, Jesus, on Mar. 23, 2015. Born Oct. 20, 1928 in Bozeman, MT to Wilbert and Esther Harrer, John grew up on a cattle ranch near Belgrade, MT. After graduating from Belgrade High School, he attended Montana State University in the ROTC program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. John spent the summer of 1951 in Greece as an International 4-H Youth Exchange delegate. He then served two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. John married Barbara McNiven in Livingston, MT on May 3, 1953. Their son, Bruce, and daughter, Susan, were born before they moved to Pullman, WA where John attended Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1960. John worked as a veterinarian in Billings, MT for nine months before starting a veterinary practice in Wisdom, MT in 1961. In 1966, he purchased a veterinary practice in Harrah, WA, where he served the community for 30 years until retirement in 1996.
John was a longtime member of the Harrah Community Church, where he served on the church board. He was Adjutant of American Legion Post 223. As a member of the Yakima Hard Core Runners Club, John participated in many 10K races. He organized and started the Harrah block watch program. John was active in the Yakima Valley Veterinary Association, the WA State Veterinary Association and the National Veterinary Association, through which he advanced his education and training.
The family sincerely thanks the staff and caregivers at Cedar Hills Adult Residential Home for the excellent care John received during the final two and a half years of his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara, son, Bruce Harrer (Lori), daughter, Susan Hagensen (Jim), brother Bill Harrer (Dolores), sister Ruth Ann Massey, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 11 at 11:30 AM at Harrah Grace Brethren Church, 3701 Harrah Rd., Harrah, WA. Gifts in memory can be made to Yakima Humane Society, Harrah Community Church, or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation c/o Shaw & Sons, 201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901.