Harold C. Wells

Harold Clive Wells 1923 - 2006, beloved husband, father, friend, Harold C. Wells, professor and Vice-President Emeritus of National University, San Diego, died in his home on October 10th, following a two year battle with prostate cancer. Harold was best known as a co-author of the book, "101 Ways to Enhance Self-Concept in the Classroom". This educational text was a best seller before it was in print, and remained on the best selling list for 13 years. It was widely used in classrooms throughout the world and was published in 26 languages. Harold's career as an educator spanned three decades and every level of public school education. He was a coach, an elementary school principal, a high school teacher, a college professor and vice president, a superintendent and served on two presidential councils on education. He was associated with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State, Eastern and Northern Michigan Universities and United States International University. Dr. Wells wrote extensively for professional journals, was a consultant to the government of Somalia, where he taught at a school that trained teachers, and maintained a marriage, family and child psychotherapy practice with his wife, Lilli. As active in retirement as he was in his career, he continued to write and published poetry, lectured at a local college, developed a peer mentoring group at an improvised school, served as chairman of the Commission on Aging in Traverse City, and as a board member of the Unitarian Fellowship there. In Indianapolis, he made an impact on the Jesus Seminar, establishing himself as an active and respected member of the group. He tutored teacher candidates from I.U.P.U.I. and served as a grandteacher to his daughter Ann's, classes, sharing his insight and experiences with her students. Harold was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He had a boundless joy, a delightful sense of humor, a quest for knowledge and a valiant and heroic spirit. Harold leaves a legacy of love and laughter to his wife, Lilli; his children, Ann Wells, Todd Wells, Frank Stover, Ileana Davis; and to his beloved grandchildren, Suni, Kayla, Catarina (Katie), Breyanna, Timothy, Jordan Jack, Olivia and Cade. His departure on this last of many exciting journeys, was peaceful and calm, and left those who loved him with the joyful understanding that he died as he lived….fully, peaceably, lovingly. There will be a small gathering of friends and family at Harold's home on Saturday, October 14th between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and a memorial service will be at the Oaklandon Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on October 28th at Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Indiana University School of Education at I.U.P.U.I. to support a teacher scholarship. Please make checks payable to: IUFHarold C. Wells Fund, Indiana University Foundation, P.O. Box 663802, Indianapolis, IN 46266