Gilbert Harries

Gilbert Woodward Harries (Gil), age 88 years, of Duluth, Minnesota, died peacefully Friday, January 1, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, as a result of complications from surgery.  Gil was born on January 15, 1932 to Donald Dunbar Harries and Charlotte Michaud Harries in Duluth, where he grew up with his brothers, Donald and David.   He attended Stanford University and also the University of Minnesota where he received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and his Juris Doctorate (J.D.).  In 1954, Gil married Beverly Ann Juten with whom he had four children.  In 1993, Gil married Jean Baldwin Livingston whom he had first met in orchestra at East Junior High School.

Gil spent most of his 65-year legal career working in Duluth at Hanft Fride, PA where he was a shareholder and past president. He was also a past president of the 11th District Bar Association, he served on the Board of Governors of the Minnesota Bar Association, and he was a member of the American Bar Association.  Gil was active in community affairs.  He served as president of the City of Duluth Planning Commission, was president of the Duluth Public Library Foundation, served as president of the United Way, and was chairman of trustees of the Head of the Lakes United Way Trust.

Gil is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, and by his wife Jean. Gil is survived by his children, Thomas (Diannah Robertson) Harries of Bloomington, MN, Elizabeth (Ken) Harries Maeshima of Duluth, James Harries of Encinitas, CA, and Katherine Harries Muellner of Rochester, MN, and also by his two grandchildren, Miriam Harries of Pittsburg, PA, and Ian Maeshima of Duluth.

Gil was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, skiing, canoeing, sailing, and hiking with his dogs.  He loved to spend time at his lake homes with his family when he was not travelling the world from Japan to Europe.  Gilbert was a loving husband and father, mentor, and lifelong friend.   He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be planned for later in the year, circumstances permitting.  Remembrances and requests for information should be directed to Dougherty Funeral Home,  600 East Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805, 218-727-3555.

Gifts in memory of Gil may be made to:  The Duluth Public Library Foundation, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802; The Head of the Lakes United Way, Memo: Duluth, 424 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN  55802; or to a charity of the donor's choice.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.