Paul J. Harph

Dr. Paul J. Harph LUBBOCK-It comes with great sadness to announce the passing of Dr. Paul J. Harph. Paul was born in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 2, 1933, to Joseph and Marie Harph, and died July 22, 2013, at his Ransom Canyon home. Paul was educated in Jesuit schools in Cairo and graduated from Cairo Medical School in 1957. He came to the U.S. in 1959 as an immigrant and served as an intern at Saint Claire's Hospital in New York until 1960. Later that year he passed the American Medical Qualification Examination and served as Assistant Surgical Resident at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Mich., until 1961. He completed his second year of surgical residency at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1962. Paul fulfilled his duties as Resident Physician in general surgery from Marion County General Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind., in 1965. He completed a residency in thoracic surgery from the Medical College of Georgia Hospitals in Augusta, Ga., in 1967. He was granted a license to practice medicine and surgery in the state of Texas in 1969. Starting in 1965 he was in contact with the immigration department and became a naturalized citizen in 1975. Paul practiced in Lubbock, Texas, for 34 years until retiring in good standing in 2003. He is remembered as a meticulous surgeon, well-liked by his many patients and well-respected by colleagues and friends. Paul knew no strangers. He had a marvelous sense of humor and cared about a person's character rather than social stature. He enjoyed many sports including tennis, sailing, swimming and watching football. He had a passion for art, beauty and classic cars. He could talk for hours about local events and world issues with knowledge. The lives of those who knew him were touched by a remarkable man who lived life to the fullest. He was so proud to be an American citizen and always appreciated the wonderful life this country afforded him. A proud man, Paul demonstrated enormous courage and incredible mindset to fight a brave battle against the cancer that eventually claimed his life. He wished for others that, all serves be aces, and it is a true blessing to have known him. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Survivors include two sisters, Mathilde and Gabrielle; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A casual reception for family, friends, and colleagues will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the home of a friend at 27 E. Lakeshore, Ransom Canyon. Memories and stories can be shared as a celebration of Paul's life.