Dr. David William Harsha, born on August 12, 1949, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2019. Dr. Harsha earned his undergraduate degree at Kansas University and his doctorate in Physical Anthropology from Tulane University. He was a leading researcher for the Bogalusa Heart Study, helping understand how proper diet and exercise can achieve positive long-term health outcomes. He worked for more than 20 years at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, continuing his work to understand and address heart disease risk factors. Dr. Harsha was one of 12 children. He was a beloved husband to Gayle Baer, Ph.D., a father to Celeste Morvant, Seth Baer-Harsha, Aaron Baer-Harsha, and Dr. Sonya Lydick. He was uncompromising in his belief in justice, equality and the dignity of others, and imparted this onto his family, who were his greatest source of pride and devotion. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001 on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm till 2: 00 pm. Interment to follow at Gates of Prayer Cemetery on St. Joseph St. New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Dr. Harsha's memory to the ACLU or the American Heart Association.
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I remember David as a handsome warm person with a wonderful smile. He is missed.
Arlene Baer
Family
November 6, 2022
David, you were the first person I ever in my life heard speak the word "modem", what with your dial-up access to and through LSU/the Heart Study. How well you wrote! I think I still have a copy of that Psychology Today article you co-authored all those years ago. And as if that weren't memorable enough, you were also conversant in lower-tech pop culture--rock music, especially--and just the man we all went to whenever we needed to know anything about anybody in its pantheon. --Oh, and your unforgettable rescue cats, among them the obsessive Rowl bent on sniffing guests' shoes! Such good company you provided, good times, high spirits, goofy laughter. What a warm, kind, and utterly brilliant person you were, immense fun to meet up with at Jazz Fest, so witty and quick with dry one-liners, a boon companion and loyal friend always. Thanks for being who you were and for getting born in the first place. I hadn't known you'd left us until just a few days ago. Idiot me, I took for granted that you'd always be there like the sky or the Mississippi River and let myself lose touch. What a grief to find you gone. I guess you'll forever be waving an offhand goodbye now in all our memories and lightheartedly pedaling away on your battered bike into an Uptown sunset without a look back. Shine on. My condolences to your family.
Annette Harper
Friend
December 18, 2020
I met David during graduate school at Tulane and we became close friends. He was an inspiration to me in all things anthropological, rock and roll, gonzo literature, and WWII. Exploring David's encyclopedic knowledge of everything in the galaxy was one of my greatest delights. I regret that I have not kept up with the Baer-Harshas since I moved from New Orleans, but I am sure that the three beautiful little ones I met only once have grown into happy, curious, and wise adults. Gayle, I am so very sorry to learn just now of David's death. Peace to all of you.
.
Marcia Jordan Hartwig
Friend
December 14, 2020
Hard to believe it's been a year. Didn't have much chance to see David but on the occasions that I did, I always remember him being such a sweet person and oh so good looking. I know the family must miss him a great deal. May his memory be a blessing.
Arlene Baer
Family
November 7, 2020
Gayle I can’t believe that it’s been a year since David passed! It been so many years since we’ve seen each other. But I remember how nice David was! So very sorry! Take care of yourself and be safe!
Marilyn Zellner
Family
November 6, 2020
I am so sorry for your families loss!
Barb Wente-Linke
Classmate
January 26, 2020
I just heard of the passing of my dear old friend of many years, David. We were classmates and graduated in 1967 from Lawrence (KS) High School. He was so kind and intelligent. We used to correspond, but had not in several years. May the Lord Jesus comfort all his loved ones. David was truly a gem and I will miss him dearly.
Helen "Hendle" Pendleton Rumbaut
January 26, 2020
For Gayle and your family, We are so sorry about the passing of David. Sending our love to you and your family!❤ Arlene and Jennifer
Arlene Baer
November 17, 2019
For Gayle and family. I'm so very sorry to hear about David's passing. Sending my love to you and your family! Marilyn
Marilyn Zellner
November 17, 2019
So sorry to hear about David, we wish we could be there....praying for you all.Kevin and Kristi Harsha
Kevin and Kristi Harsha
November 13, 2019
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
November 13, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home
November 12, 2019
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Nov
13
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
Nov
13
2:00 p.m.
Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
Funeral services provided by:
Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
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