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Harry Homer Obituary

Harry J. Homer, 78 OCEANSIDE -- Harry J. Homer died on Thursday, September 30, 2010 of complications following heart surgery. Born in Philadelphia on Jan. 14, 1932, he survived a rocky start in life to become a devoted family man and friend/mentor to countless individuals, especially those in trouble. A member of AA for 55 years, Harry H. traveled far and wide to share his experience, strength and hope at AA meetings and conventions across the country. People were drawn to Harry H., and he to them. It didn't matter to Harry whether the person was an investment banker or a tattooed biker; he always had a kind word, and a way of remembering birthdays and children's names. A child of the Depression, he learned roofing from his father, and practiced that craft until a few months before his death. He spent time in the Army Air Corps, and moved with his first wife to Arizona in 1958, where he worked as a roofer and studied computers. In 1971, he moved to San Diego as a single man, working as both a roofer and an assistant at the VA, where he specialized in helping Vets with drinking problems. It was in San Diego that he met and wooed Dottie, the great love of his life and already a mother of 10 children when they married in 1978. Harry was a simple but complicated man. While he adored NASCAR racing and restoring antique cars, he also loved opera, poetry and traveling abroad, especially to France. He started a tradition of taking men in recovery to Europe to introduce them to a wider world. Harry J. Homer, a friend to many and a helping hand back to life for others, is survived by his wife Dottie; two daughters, Diane Huston and Gloria Marquez, both of Arizona; 10 stepchildren -Robert Jones, Michael Jones, Jim Jones, Andy Jones, Daniel Jones, Gary Jones, Tom Jones, Cathy Goldberg, Patty Jones, and Debbie Niekirk; and 20 grandchildren as well as four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 23, at Summit Christian Church, 292 E. Barham Dr., # 202, San Marcos, Calif. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

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Published by North County Times on Oct. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Homer

Not sure what to say?





Edward g fisher

October 4, 2023

ALWAYS loved you my friend/
you will always be remembered,
far and wide.

Dave Spencer

October 31, 2010

Harry was one of my heroes. He was a spiritual man who walked his talk with simple grace, dignity and humility. And he always kept it light with a smile and a joke. His example will remain me and many others as I try to emulate him in my own way.
My deep condolences to Dottie and the rest of the family.
Love, Dave & Katharine

Eddie Fisher

October 25, 2010

You always had a smile. You will be well remembered, Harry.. Myself and many others miss you.
Peace and Love,
Eddie F.

Cat Reeve

October 23, 2010

Grateful, Harry - for the many years of sharing the path together; for your effervescent smile, your gentle compassion, your experience, strength and hope. You truly will live on forever here - your legacy rests with every soul who knew you. You'll always be very, very missed. God bless you and keep you - until we meet again. Love, Cat R Man, that smile of yours!!!!!

shakey mike gwirtz

October 23, 2010

Harry, I sent you an e mail yesterday and it came back. So, I called you and the number is disconnected. I did a search on your name because you are a true friend. I am in shock as I write this. Dottie, I am so sorry for your loss. I last saw you at the anniversary for your 55th,Harry, in S.A. TX. I filmed it for you and want to send you a copy. It was such a fun time. I know that you are with H.P. now . Say hello to Tom D. , your sponsor from Philly for 50 years. God truly blesses us and gave you 55 years of real life. My wife Anne Marie and I will really miss you. Say hi to Jimmy and Rosa for us. I will never forget your laugh. It was so genuine and full of life and happiness. Goodby my friend.

October 23, 2010

Harry, See you on the next Broad Highway. Thanks for making this road a little easier for me & others.
Max Isbell

LouAnn Burcham

October 19, 2010

hey Uncle Harry, I miss you already. Losing you is like losing a piece of my mom. but you are with your sis Sally now and i bet both of you are as happy as can be to have each other again. I will miss you but i know i will see you again. so as mom would always say, bye for now. SWAK

October 18, 2010

Harry was a true flesh-and-bone example of a spiritual way of life. He brought spirituality off the pages of a book and into his everyday actions. No one did it better.

Gratefully,
Paul Cleary, Oceanside, CA

October 14, 2010

A man well liked and greatly loved for his ''spirited'' way about himself and others. He always greeted me with a huge smile, kiss on the lips and a kind word. I will always remember Harry as ''One Classy Man'' Thanks for passing on such treasured times! Dottie was so lucky to have you. Loved San Antonio!!!
Steve and Alexandra Hurd

Gordon & Joyce Ray

October 13, 2010

Dottie...We extend our support to you and the family during this trying time. We, along with many, will certainly miss Harry...his kindness, assistance and ready smile for all. We will always remember with fondness our train trip to LA with you two. May God strengthen and comfort you.

October 13, 2010

Harry you are one of the best men I have ever known. Thank you Harry for being there for me and so many others. Rest in Peace for a job well done.
Linda DiRosa

Kay Livingston

October 13, 2010

Harry, you will be truly missed. Your smile always lit up a room! God bless you Dottie & your family. Know that Harry will always be smiling down upon us!

Kay Livingston

October 13, 2010

Harry, you will be truly missed! Your smile always lit up a room. God bless you Dottie & your family. Know that Harry will always be smiling down upon all of us.

Johanna Bravatti

October 12, 2010

A wonderful man, whom just by sitting next to my me at airport touched my life gave me strenght and hope to continue my life with Grace and Dignity.
My thoughs and prayers are with the family.

Johanna B, Carlsbad CA

Glenda Ely Bellanca

October 12, 2010

Harry, you will be missed but your legacy lives on in the lives that you touched. There are so many. My family will never forget you. Prayers are with you Dottie.

Monroe Billingsley

October 12, 2010

Thank you Harry for never forgetting my name. You will truely be missed.You really inspired me.

Paul S.

October 12, 2010

If it wasn't for a specific life that Harry touched, I wouldn't be where I am today: happy, joyous and free (and employed!). The car show won't be the same. May grace and serenity embrace Dottie and family.

John & Sam Perales

October 12, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family Dottie. What a great legacy to leave behind, Harry will be missed.

October 11, 2010

An amazing man with a big heart who helped so many. He will be missed.

bob murphy

October 11, 2010

Thanks Harry for all your service. We'll miss you . Bob Murphy

Ronna Bixby

October 11, 2010

Love you Harry...will miss setting up chairs at Harding St and dinner on Thurs nights...as well as meeting up at Grandmas for breakfast when I taught Drivers Ed. Thank you for all you did for drunks over the years. Thank you for your wonderful sense of humor. Ronna

Hall O'Regan

October 11, 2010

Harry-you never gave up on me.I love ya!!
HALL Lowell,OR.

October 11, 2010

You will be missed by all of us my friend. What a legacy to leave! We were so blessed to have you! Michealine

Patick Sweeney

October 11, 2010

When Harry got to Heaven's gate the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" fell softly upon his ears and he now rest in the arms of His Creator. Harry was a good man and we be missed by us.
Patrick Sweeney and Family

Brock Howard

October 11, 2010

Harry thank you for being an amazing example of humility, unconditional love, patients, tolerance and being positive. I've always admired that about you and I will miss you.

Mary Ellen Kokoszka

October 11, 2010

What a shock to learn of your passing, Harry. I will miss your friendly smile and greeting.

Paul Doyle

October 10, 2010

You don't know what you got till it's gone. Well he gave me alot, and he'll be with me all the days of my life. He was a man's man. And you knew right where you stood with him. They got a good one. And the beat goes on.

Lauren Geyer

October 10, 2010

Harry was a special person, with a special spirit. He always made me smile, even when i was up to no good. Love ya Harry.. i will miss him dearly. Love Liberty*

Christopher Montgomery

October 10, 2010

Harry was and will always be a warm smile and greeting hand. He new my name before i knew his and i always felt welcome in his presence. What a life you lived, Love ya Harry!

October 10, 2010

Thank you Harry for your kind smile, caring words and empathy for those in trouble. While you will be missed by many here on Earth, the angels are dancing as they are joined by one of their own.
Sandy H.

Frederick Park

October 10, 2010

Harry was easily one of the kindest guys I've ever met. He was what I'd describe as a positive man. I will miss him.

Jeff Keirns

October 10, 2010

Harry was such an inspiration to all of us and will be sorely missed. Our hearfelt condolonces to Dotty and all his family.

Jack Boyce & Terri Breining

October 10, 2010

Harry gave so much to so many, including us. He had a gentle soul and a mischievous smile. He seemed to enjoy his life and the company of his friends. We will miss him.

Jack Boyce & Terri Breining

October 10, 2010

Harry was a great gift to so many, including us. He had a gentle soul and a mischievous laugh, and always seemed to enjoy his life and the company of his friends. We will miss him.

Tom C.

October 10, 2010

RIP Harry, Thanks for leading the way and keeping the doors open for me so there was a place for me to come.

Tom Calder

October 10, 2010

Harry, I will miss you much but take solace in knowing that you are amongst many friends at the big meeting in the sky.

October 10, 2010

He always had a smile on his face. Chris and Sarah (New York, NY).

cathy tuschhoff

October 10, 2010

Harry was like a Dad, I had a great deal of respect and love for him, He will be missed here but im sure God is smiling as he passes through the pearly gates and thats a blessing. Our love always, Cathy from Grandma's and family .

Aiden Ely

October 10, 2010

Sponsor, best man, best friend, second father. You changed my life. I will miss your counsel and your laughter, but your legacy will live on in the lives of all the men you have sponsored and those we now sponsor. Bless you Dottie.

Harry and Dottie 12/2010

Aiden Ely

October 10, 2010

Osd Sr Center Grand Opening 2009

October 10, 2010

Harry, Yes OUR Harry- Not enough words can tell of the devotion, love and laughter he gave to us all. You always felt like the most important person in the room when you spoke with him. His spirit lives on- Thank you Dottie for sharing your guy with us!
lisa (Osd)

October 10, 2010

It was a pleasure and a privilege to know the man - I'll miss him.

Dan Howard

Denise Loury

October 10, 2010

We will all miss that smile Harry - you are with your angels now - Hugs, Denise and her M&M Girls

bull b.

October 10, 2010

harry sounds like a great exaMPLE, he will be missed and he is admired for his service to getting people sober

Travis

October 10, 2010

You'll be missed Harry. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.

Paul Sullivan

October 10, 2010

It was my privilege to have known and admired Harry for almost 35 years. His counsel and example helped me and countless others in my early sobriety and he will continue to hold a special place in my heart till I join him at the “Big Meeting�.

Mike F

October 10, 2010

Harry always had a kind word and the ability to see right through a persons troubles and get them back on beam. While you are missed today, we will surely find you in Heaven.

William Nitka

October 10, 2010

My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of Harry. Harry was an exceptional man and helped so many people in his family and community. He made an everlasting impact in my life by providing me with hope, a powerful example, a true friend and confidant, and a great legacy. He will not only be missed by his family, but by the countless men he helped along in their journey. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dottie and Harry's children. Long live Harry's spirit.

Janie & Charlie Meyer

October 10, 2010

Harry's happy face will be greatly missed. My prayers for loving peace to Dottie & all those who knew & loved Harry.

Kansas Cafferty

October 10, 2010

Always have been and always will be one of my heros. You are already missed but I find reassurance in knowing you lived and lived well. I am glad you made a career out of it.

Jay Stinnett

October 10, 2010

Harry was a marvelous example of how a person might age, but never grow old. His smile was infectious and his impish grin drew you to him like a moth to a flame. His sincere interest in others, especially those in need was a joy to behold.
Harry could infuse a baffled person with hope through the alchemy of his own experience and compassion. A true beacon of light to all of us privileged to know him.

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