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Douglas Harper Obituary
August 22, 1938 - November 15, 2020
Resident of San Jose
Douglas M. Harper, M.D., 82, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of his wife, Barbara, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Doug was born in Reedley, California and raised in Fresno. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, Santa Clara University and graduated from Creighton Medical School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1963. Doug did his internship at Sacramento County Hospital and his psychiatric residency at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Doug practiced psychiatry in Santa Clara County for nearly four decades. He was extremely dedicated to his patients. In addition to his private practice, he performed civil and criminal forensic evaluations and was medical director at Crestwood Manor for his entire career.
Doug's faith was an integral part of his life. He was a parishioner at St. Christopher Parish for nearly fifty years. He attended daily mass, was a Eucharistic Minister, participated in the nursing home ministry, and was active in social justice, writing a column for the parish bulletin. He was also a volunteer in the Ombudsman Program at Catholic Charities.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Madeline Ribail Harper, his brother, Richard, Harper, nephew, Philip Harper, and sister-in-law, Mary Campbell. Doug is survived by his wife of sixty years, Barbara, and his six children, Julia Harper Cooper, Kathleen Harper (William White), Michael Harper (Sally), Laura Harper (Jennifer Wright), William Harper (Valerie), and Thomas Harper; and eleven grandchildren, Andrew (Phoebe), Sarah and Jonathan Cooper; Liam and Christian White; Sam (Eliana), Abigail and Patrick Harper; and Michael, Stephen and Cecelia Harper; sister-in-law, Mary Harper, and brother-in-law, Dennis Campbell.
The family wishes to thank Dr. A. Dimitrios Colevas and his clinical team at Stanford and the team at Hospice of the Valley for their care and support. Due to the pandemic, the funeral mass and inurnment will be private. If you wish to make a donation in Doug's memory, it can be made to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134 or online at www.catholiccharitiesscc.org/donate.
View the online memorial for Douglas M. Harper, M.D.
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Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Harper
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Rick Fields
February 21, 2026
I was one of Dr. Harper`s patients at O´Connor and I thought he was the best I stayed with him until he retired and I miss him. God bless him. He taught me how to destress and I use that today.
Elizabeth Johns
January 31, 2023
Dr. Harper was no-nonsense but caring and compassionate. I will never forget him.
Nerisa
November 30, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Eva Kinsman
May 27, 2021
Doug and I started first grade together at St John's Cathedral School together in about 1944. His mom and dad, Madeline and Floyd were almost surrogate parents to me in those early years. We continued school together until we graduated from Memorial High in 1956. We were close in those primary grades. Doug went on to be a fine man who contributed much to this world. May he rest in peace.
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Nerisa Lopez
December 9, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I also met Dr. Harper as our Ombudsman at our Facility. He was a devoted man, visiting our residents weekly and patiently listening to their concerns. I didn't have the chance to tell you how much I value all your personal and professional advice. You will be greatly missed.
Josie Reichert RN
December 8, 2020
I have known Dr. Harper as our Ombudsman. He comes to our facility every week as volunteer to check on our residents to make sure they are safe and treated with dignity. He is soft spoken, patient and compassionate.
I always look forward for his visit because I know that I can rely on him.
He had taught me a lot of things on how to handle challenging behaviors.
It was a honor to know you Dr. Harper.. Thank you for making a difference!!!! Rest in peace .
Luz Cofresi-Howe
December 7, 2020
My prayers are with you and your family.
Diane Leland, daughter of Fay Aboumrad
December 7, 2020
My mom was a patient of Dr Harpers in the early 2000's. She had Alzheimers disease, and he was always so kind and gentle with her. I remember how he would look into her eyes when he spoke to her. He was always so respectful. My prayers to you Barbara, and to all of his children......
December 6, 2020
My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May the God who comforts those who mourn uphold you and heal your hearts.
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