Harry McCormick Obituary

Harry Maxwell McCormick Cheyenne, Wyoming Harry Maxwell McCormick, 87 went to be with the Lord July 16, 2010 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 5, 1922 in Sault St. Marie, Michigan to Ralph Steck McCormick and Eva (Maxwell) McCormick. Harry graduated from high school in Sault St. Marie, MI in 1940 and attended medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While in school he met Geraldine "Gerry" Marie Smith and the two were married July 21, 1947. During much of his career, Gerry worked at his side as a histology tech. "Dr. Mac" earned a masters degree in pharmacology and physiology from Wayne State University. In 1950 they moved to Denver where he began a training program in Pathology at the University of Colorado Medical Center. A few months later he was called to active duty and served as a Navy doctor attached to the Marines. During the Korean War he was awarded a Medal of Commendation while serving as a battalion surgeon. While in Korea, Harry's heart was touched by a young Korean boy who was gravely wounded in the war. Two years later he became a part of their family. After his time in the service, Harry completed his residency in Denver, CO. and then served as an assistant professor of Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania at Pittsburg. He was certified by The American Board of Pathology and worked as a laboratory director for hospitals in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wyoming. Harry and his wife, Gerry, worked for 3 years in Saudi Arabia, 1974 to 1977. Their stay in a 3rd world country opened a new opportunity of learning, and living, and gave them many stories of inspiration to share. Dr. Mac was one of the first doctors in the country to be board certified in Addictionology, and he worked in this field in Wisconsin and Ohio. After retiring in 1995 he and Gerry moved to Cheyenne to be near family. Harry was an active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and VFW Frontier Post 11453 where he was past commander. He loved learning, was very adventurous, and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and tending to his yard. His life brought joy and enthusiasm to many. Everyone who knew him loved him and he will be greatly missed. Harry is survived by his wife Geraldine, sons Matthew and Lewis Mark McCormick of Cheyenne WY., Michael (Debbie) McCormick of Katy, TX., and daughters Gerry (Robert) Bodley of Port Huron, MI. and Heather (Eric) Wiseman of Cheyenne WY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Bryan Bodley. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 3325 McCann Ave, Cheyenne WY at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday July 21, with Father Timothy Davies presiding. Cremation has taken place at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes.