Dr. Harry M. McBride

1930 - 2016

Dr. Harry M. McBride, optometrist, 85, of Farmington, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, in Farmington. He was born Dec. 25, 1930, in Houston, Texas, to Melvin Martin and Cora Maisie McBride. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Harry grew up and attended school in Sugarland, Texas. He spent a year at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he met his wife Sue in 1954, and they married in August of that year. After graduating from the University of Houston with a doctorate of optometry in 1958, he and Sue moved to Farmington to raise their family and open his optometry practice. He served the community as an optometrist until his retirement in 2001. He belonged to many service organizations in the community over the years, including Civitan Club, Four Corners Daylight Lodge AF & AM No. 80, Chama Lodge No. 17 AF & AM in Cuba, N.M., and was a 50-year member of San Juan Lodge AF & AM No. 15, and a 25-year member of Electa Chapter No. 13, OES. He was a member of First United Methodist Church from 1963 to 2016. Dr. McBride had a special place in his heart for New Mexico and also for the Navajo people, many of whom were his patients and friends. He loved nature, and was an avid birdwatcher for many years. He had a very successful vegetable and flower garden in the alley behind his home, which he enjoyed working in during his spare time. A music lover from a young age, he played clarinet in his school band, and later became adept at his Hammond organ. He picked up his clarinet again for a short time after his retirement. Dr. McBride and his wife spent several of their retirement years traveling the world with various tour groups, and visited many places all over the United States and Europe. He particularly loved the trip they took to Ireland, which was a part of his heritage and close to his heart. He created a happy childhood for his kids, who learned from both his serious side and from his infamous sense of humor. He will be missed for his infectious laughter and his generous spirit. Dr. Harry was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Charles McBride; and parents, Melvin Martin McBride and Cora Maisie (McMeans) McBride. He is survived by his wife, Sue McBride; sons, Martin V. McBride (Karen); and daughter, Kelli A. (McBride) King (Dennis). A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 21 at the First United Methodist Church in Farmington with the Rev. Brian Adams and Dr. W. Douglas Mills officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or your favorite charity. Dr. Harry's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Burial and Cremation, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.