Dr. Ryan Harrington
January 2, 1932 ~ December 16, 2014
Dr. Ryan B.Harrington died in the Palliative care unit of Sanford hospital on December 16, 2014. He had been ill for more than 13 years with myeloproliferative disease. On November 26, he sustained a hip fracture and was not able to recover from the additional health problems, associated with the injury.
He was born in Hancock, Michigan, on the shores of beautiful Lake Superior, on October 2, 1932 to Ryan C. and Constance (Freidrichs) Harrington. At the age of 9 the family moved to Minneapolis when his father was transferred. They moved to Fargo when Ryan was 12. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1950. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU). When the Korean conflict broke out, he was activated by his Naval Reserve unit. He served for two years as a Navy Corpsman, assigned to a Marine Unit.
Upon discharge he enrolled at the NDAC as pre-med student. He was accepted at UND Medical School where he received a BS in Medicine. In 1958 he transferred to the University of Kansas. He received the Doctor of Medicine degree there 1960. After graduation he interned and completed a residency in in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s in Kansas City. He was then accepted for a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Neurology and Neurodiagnostic medicine. In 1966 he began practice with the Neurologic Associates at the Neuropsychiatric Institute in Fargo and served as Clinical Professor the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He spent many years teaching students and residents in medicine. He truly enjoyed this opportunity. He received certification by the Board of Neurology and the Board of Neurodiagnostic medicine. He later examined for both those boards for several years. In addition to his practice, he was involved in administrative areas, serving on hospital boards and as President of the Neurologic associates and Chair of the Neuropsychiatric Institute Board of Governors. He also served on the board of St. Luke’s Hospital. He was elected to Fellowship in the American College of Physicians.
Ryan and his family were members of Nativity Catholic church. He served on the Parish Council. For several years the family were actively involved in the Christmas Eve dinner. In recent years he enjoyed delivering meals to those who are homebound for that event. He served on the board of Catholic Family Service, as well as the board of the Opportunity School.
In 1959, while working one night as a medical student in the emergency room at the KU Medical Center, he was assisted by a senior nursing student, Agnes Diller. That encounter led to their marriage on November26, 1960. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in November 2014.
Ryan enjoyed many summers at Lake Melissa near Detroit Lakes. He especially enjoyed sailing his c-scow and pulling his children and many others behind the boat for water skiing. A most enjoyable past time was walking his dogs for miles each day. In retirement he also delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. He met many new friends through this activity.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Agnes, and 3 children. Anne Johns, Detroit Lakes, MN Ryan (Lynn), Naperville, Illinois, and Mark (Miriam), Bloomington. There are four grandchildren, Ashley Johns and Kathryn, Jack and Elizabeth Harrington. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Johnston.
Ryan’s surviving family extend sincere thanks to the staff and particularly Dr. Levitt, of Roger Maris Cancer Center, as well as the staff of 5-east of Sanford Hospital. The family will be ever grateful to the Palliative Care Unit staff of Sanford. Their outstanding care made his last days much more comfortable.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the Presentation Sisters, Catholic Charities North Dakota and Sharehouse.
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Fargo North Dakota
Agnes, I was so sorry to read about the passing of Ryan. I remember when he came into the optical where I worked, we would talk about his special four legged furry friends. His face would light up while telling me about the them. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Moorhead MN
Agnes and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I remember working with Dr H as a baby nurse on the Neuro Float team at St Lukes. He taught me so much about the care of the person – not only the patient.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you now and in the coming months. God Bless.
Fargo ND
Dear Ryan and family, i’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I go to Nativity church and was there yesterday at the 11:00 mass and must have missed seeing you. I will be thinking of you and your family during this holiday time. take care Ryan and the rest of the Harrington family.
CHerie
Class of ’84
Santa Clara CaOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have such wonderful memories of visiting, staying at lake Melissa and uncle ryan taking us out on the boat. Memories that will be with us forever. Such a loving family we are so glad to have been part of your lives. Hugs and love from us.
moorhead mnMy thought and prayers go out to the family.
Dr. Harrington was my Dr. from 1975 until his retirement.
He was a kind and caring and wise man.
Linda Anderson
Bismarck ND
Dear Harrington Family,
I was a medical student under Ryan’s tutelage in 1976. To this day he has been one of the main influences in my professional life, teaching me things I use every day to center medical care on the needs of the patient. I never knew another physician who combined so well competence and compassion, while still being so very efficient. One of the finest teachers I ever experienced. The world is better for his amazing life, but also I know he is missed so very much. Please know some comfort in all of the people he helped.
Charlie Volk
Bismarck
San Diego CADear Agnes,
Sorry to see that Ryan has left you. Sounds like he has been ill for while. Miss the fun we had with him on the lake
Grover
Fargo ndSo sorry for your loss. My prayers for strentgh and courage during the holidays.
Bless you
Amy
Fargo ND
Dear Agnes:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss. Ryan was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.
To the family of Dr. Ryan Harrington:
It saddened me deeply when I read of Dr. Harrington’s passing. He was of great importance to me. Being an epileptic and having seizures, I went to see him as a teen and young adult. I was in my twenties when he found the medication that stopped them completely. I have been a controlled epileptic for almost 40 years now.
That meant I could work for a living, raise my children, teach Sunday School, etc. etc. My life is “normal” and it is thanks to this man.
He was one of the kindest man…not just the kindest Doctor…I’ve met. It was a pleasure to deal with him.
Be proud. I’m sure there are many stories like mine out there.
Boise Idaho A very fine , truly Catholic man who was a fellow classmate at UNDSMedicine.
Grand Forks ndAgnes and Family: We are very sorry to hear about Ryan’s passing. At our early years at Nativity we were made to feel welcome by you both. We are sorry for your loss. Ryle and Vetta
So sorry for your loss. Ryan was a sweet and gentle man. I will always remember our walks around the neighborhood with Elmo and Hunter. Ryan always had a joke or two to tell me as we walked. I will think of him every time I walk. God Bless
Fargo ND
Agnes and family:
It was such a pleasure to get to know your husband, father, and grandfather over the last few years. I was first introduced to him at Nicole’s where he and Agnes stopped for a simple lunch. When invited I sat down with them for a few moments and I couldn’t help but notice his great love for Agnes. As he shared the story of how they met so many years before he held her hand and spoke with a twinkle in his eye.
In spite of his personal struggles over the past 2+ years he would always express a genuine interest in me and my work when I called the house. He’d ask sincerely, “How are you adjusting to Fargo?” or “What’s keeping you busy these days?” Ryan would routinely spend a few minutes offering some sage suggestions about our work before handing the telephone over to Agnes. His kindness and enthusiasm was often the highlight of my day because he was so authentic. It was obvious that he had a love for Fargo and a commitment to making this the best community it could be.
When I last visited him a week ago he knew his time was coming to an end. He continued to express pride and gratitude for the dedication and brilliance of his own personal nurse as he commented, “If not for her loving care and advocacy on my behalf I would not have endured this long.” Ryan was one of the finest men I’ve ever met. He and Agnes are role models for how I want to live my life within the community, within my familial relationships and within my marriage.
May your own personal memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength at this time of loss. My heart and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
“What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.” Author Unknown
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Agnes and family. Ryan was a great man. It is my honor and privilege to call him friend. I have many fond and good memories. He touched many. He will be missed
Fargo ND
Agnes,
You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you all.
Fargo ND
Agnes and Family~
I’m so very sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. I worked as a secretary with him at TNI for many years. He was a very efficient doctor, and such a hard worker and dedicated physician. He will be deeply missed by many.
Fargo ND
Agnes—I am praying for you and your children today. I am so sorry, but am so glad that Ryan has no more pain or concerns as well. May our Lord comfort you in the days ahead. Much love to you
Sandi RN, FCN
WEST FARGO ND
TO THE FAMILY OF RYAN HARRINGTON HE WAS MY DR FOR MANY YEAR HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED……….. MY CONDOLINCES GO OUT TO THE HARRINGTON FAMILY………. HE WAS ONE SWELL GUY TAMMY HOVET
Grand Rapids Minniesota My heart goes out the Harrington family. My wife was a patient of his from 1976 to his retirement she suffered a Aneurism as a child Ryan was a very good Physician. I loved our trips to Fargo NTI Clinic to see him. I learned a lot of my wife’s Aneurism. Our deepest Condolences to You all! ;
Fargo North DakotaAgnes, I was so sorry to read about the passing of Ryan. I remember when he came into the optical where I worked, we would talk about his special four legged furry friends. His face would light up while telling me about the them. My condolences go out to you and your family. ;
Moorhead MNAgnes and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I remember working with Dr H as a baby nurse on the Neuro Float team at St Lukes. He taught me so much about the care of the person – not only the patient.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you now and in the coming months. God Bless.;
Fargo ND
Dear Ryan and family, i’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I go to Nativity church and was there yesterday at the 11:00 mass and must have missed seeing you. I will be thinking of you and your family during this holiday time. take care Ryan and the rest of the Harrington family.
CHerie
Class of ’84;
Santa Clara CaOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have such wonderful memories of visiting, staying at lake Melissa and uncle ryan taking us out on the boat. Memories that will be with us forever. Such a loving family we are so glad to have been part of your lives. Hugs and love from us.
;
moorhead mnMy thought and prayers go out to the family.
Dr. Harrington was my Dr. from 1975 until his retirement.
He was a kind and caring and wise man.
Linda Anderson;
Bismarck ND
Dear Harrington Family,
I was a medical student under Ryan’s tutelage in 1976. To this day he has been one of the main influences in my professional life, teaching me things I use every day to center medical care on the needs of the patient. I never knew another physician who combined so well competence and compassion, while still being so very efficient. One of the finest teachers I ever experienced. The world is better for his amazing life, but also I know he is missed so very much. Please know some comfort in all of the people he helped.
Charlie Volk
Bismarck;
San Diego CADear Agnes,
Sorry to see that Ryan has left you. Sounds like he has been ill for while. Miss the fun we had with him on the lake
Grover;
Fargo ndSo sorry for your loss. My prayers for strentgh and courage during the holidays.
Bless you
Amy;
Fargo ND
Dear Agnes:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss. Ryan was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.;
To the family of Dr. Ryan Harrington:
It saddened me deeply when I read of Dr. Harrington’s passing. He was of great importance to me. Being an epileptic and having seizures, I went to see him as a teen and young adult. I was in my twenties when he found the medication that stopped them completely. I have been a controlled epileptic for almost 40 years now.
That meant I could work for a living, raise my children, teach Sunday School, etc. etc. My life is \”normal\” and it is thanks to this man.
He was one of the kindest man…not just the kindest Doctor…I’ve met. It was a pleasure to deal with him.
Be proud. I’m sure there are many stories like mine out there. ;
Boise Idaho A very fine , truly Catholic man who was a fellow classmate at UND
SMedicine.;
Grand Forks ndAgnes and Family: We are very sorry to hear about Ryan’s passing. At our early years at Nativity we were made to feel welcome by you both. We are sorry for your loss. Ryle and Vetta;
So sorry for your loss. Ryan was a sweet and gentle man. I will always remember our walks around the neighborhood with Elmo and Hunter. Ryan always had a joke or two to tell me as we walked. I will think of him every time I walk. God Bless;
Fargo ND
Agnes and family:
It was such a pleasure to get to know your husband, father, and grandfather over the last few years. I was first introduced to him at NicoleтАЩs where he and Agnes stopped for a simple lunch. When invited I sat down with them for a few moments and I couldnтАЩt help but notice his great love for Agnes. As he shared the story of how they met so many years before he held her hand and spoke with a twinkle in his eye.
In spite of his personal struggles over the past 2+ years he would always express a genuine interest in me and my work when I called the house. HeтАЩd ask sincerely, тАЬHow are you adjusting to Fargo?тАЭ or тАЬWhatтАЩs keeping you busy these days?тАЭ Ryan would routinely spend a few minutes offering some sage suggestions about our work before handing the telephone over to Agnes. His kindness and enthusiasm was often the highlight of my day because he was so authentic. It was obvious that he had a love for Fargo and a commitment to making this the best community it could be.
When I last visited him a week ago he knew his time was coming to an end. He continued to express pride and gratitude for the dedication and brilliance of his own personal nurse as he commented, тАЬIf not for her loving care and advocacy on my behalf I would not have endured this long.тАЭ Ryan was one of the finest men IтАЩve ever met. He and Agnes are role models for how I want to live my life within the community, within my familial relationships and within my marriage.
May your own personal memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength at this time of loss. My heart and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
\”What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.\” Author Unknown
;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Agnes and family. Ryan was a great man. It is my honor and privilege to call him friend. I have many fond and good memories. He touched many. He will be missed;
Fargo ND
Agnes,
You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you all.;
Fargo ND
Agnes and Family~
I’m so very sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. I worked as a secretary with him at TNI for many years. He was a very efficient doctor, and such a hard worker and dedicated physician. He will be deeply missed by many.;
Fargo ND
Agnes—I am praying for you and your children today. I am so sorry, but am so glad that Ryan has no more pain or concerns as well. May our Lord comfort you in the days ahead. Much love to you
Sandi RN, FCN;
WEST FARGO ND
TO THE FAMILY OF RYAN HARRINGTON HE WAS MY DR FOR MANY YEAR HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED……….. MY COND
OLINCES GO OUT TO THE HARRINGTON FAMILY………. HE WAS ONE SWELL GUY TAMMY HOVET;