Nan Harrison, (1939 - 2019) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.

Nan passed away peacefully this past Monday morning in her home in Longboat Key, Florida. She had entered hospice at the first of the year and was well cared and loved until the end.

We remember Nan as a beautiful, generous and caring person who had a positive influence on everyone who knew her. She was outgoing, social and full of life and loved bringing people together. We will miss her and remember her forever.

Celebration of Life
We will be having a celebration of life and reception at the Fairway Bay Clubhouse, 2018 Harbourside Drive at 1:00PM on Saturday January 26th. We'll have a short program from 1:00 to 1:30 followed by time to socialize and share memories of Nan.

Fred is also thinking about doing a memorial in Michigan later this spring or early this summer.

Donations
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to support in her memory to causes and organizations that she loved:

Tidewell Hospice in Florida
Tidewell provided Nan with great care and compassion during her time in hospice.

Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo
Nan was passionate about giving young people the opportunity to pursue their love of music.

Neuro Challenge for Parkinson's of Sarasota
In recognition of patients with Parkinson's including Nan and Fred's friends Larry and Nola Hietbrink.

Photos
We invite you to share photos in the Stories area of this website.

Tributes

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January 21, 2021

Nan would have loved the inspiring inauguration ceremony yesterday! I can easily imagine her enthusiastic praise for Amanda Gorman and her beautiful poem that captured the spirit of American democracy so well. I missed having that conversation with Nan. Always a passionate activist for causes she believed to be important, Nan sought to unite people and organize their efforts for positive changes in her community. A wonderful legacy!

May 10, 2019

Nan was one of the loveliest, fun loving people I knew...the last time i saw her was last summer on the lake...and we had a great chat about life and love and loss. She was amazing and I miss her steady presence in the world....sending much love to all of you
Mimy(Henry von Schreiner’s daughter)

February 13, 2019

So sorry to hear about this! I had the pleasure of working with Nan while at Hycorr between 2004-2009 and it was a wonderful time. She was always so positive and upbeat! Nan took her time to participate in activities during meetings with my wife Annie; inclusive of visiting family in TN. I will miss her very much and so grateful to have worked with such a great person. My condolence to Fred and family--may she rest in peace!

February 12, 2019

I got to know Nan and Fred when I worked with them at Hycorr. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Nan was always smiling and genuinely interested in how I was doing. Both she and Fred always encouraged me. Found out that she and my son-in-law were likely distant relatives as both are Higdons from the same area. I was there when they were both recognized for their efforts and were inducted into the AICC Hall of Fame for their work at Hycorr. You could not have one without the other. I will miss her.

February 8, 2019

A brilliant light has been extinguished but the afterglow will persist as long as those of use who knew & revered her remain.
Glen & Greeta Douglass

February 5, 2019

Charlie and I were so sad to hear of Nan passing. Nan was a breath of fresh air, and she always made us laugh. We were always so appreciative of how welcoming she was of us as extended family. She will be terribly missed.

February 4, 2019

Dear Fred and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Nan’s passing. She was such an amazing women that always cared about our family. We have so many memories of Nan throughout the ups and downs of Hycorr and she will be greatly missed and always in our prayers.

February 4, 2019

Nan will be greatly missed by Joyce and me. We had so many fun evenings at restaurants both in Michigan and Florida. Lots of good chatter and lasting memories. What a strong person she was as she fought so very hard right to the end. She hasn't really left us as all the memories are lasting. Bill and Joyce Melvin

February 3, 2019

I first met Nan and Fred back in the 70's, then lost contact for many years and reconnected after I moved to Richland 22 years ago. Nan always had a smile and a warm greeting for me and my wife, Olga. We'll miss her warmth, energy, positivity and the mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Our deepest sympathy to Fred and their family.
Tom and Olga Van Dis

February 2, 2019

I first met Nan in 1980 when our paths crossed in South Haven. We worked together on the Kalamazoo Art Fair where I learned to appreciate her talent, energy and great organizational skills. Later she joined my tennis group and we spent many fun hours on the courts and sharing our lives during lunch.
She gave so much to the community and impressed us all with her courage and determination in facing her cancer.
My thoughts are with her family at this time.

February 1, 2019

Our condolences to the Harrison family. Nan certainly fought back against cancer more than anyone I’ve known. As sick as she was she would always show up for book club and she never turned down an invitation to dinner.
Nan was fun-loving and up for anything. If there was any Gull Lake/Kalamazoo news Nan knew about it.
We miss her.

January 31, 2019

Although I didn't know Nan well, I always enjoyed seeing her and hearing her interesting stories if her life! She will be missed by all! Connie Mehaffie

January 31, 2019

Dear Fred and the Harrison Family,
Nan had an energy and sparkle that will always be remembered. As a board member on the Stulberg International String Competition I was impressed with her talents and am grateful for all she brought to the organization. Barry loved seeing Nan and Fred at concerts and events. We are so sorry for your loss -- and ours. Nan was a dynamo. Her efforts resulted in lasting gifts for the community. We are grateful to have known her. Jane Rooks Ross and Barry Ross

January 28, 2019

Dear Fred and family,
On behalf of LMC team from Taiwan and myself, we feel very sorry for the lost of your beloved Nan. She was a nice and kind person that we never forget. We deeply mourn our grief.

January 27, 2019

I first met Nan in the summer of 1970. I thought she was the perfect combination of country charm mixed with just the right amount of elegance. She almost instantly became a close friend to me and my family. I will always remember Fred’s excursions to country bars for food and country music, which was never complete until we heard Nan’s rendition of “YOUR CHEAT’N HEART”. I remember Nan’s love of her children and the attention she paid to ours.
And I, Karen, will always be grateful for the way she welcomed me into the friendship she and Fred had already established with Mike. She offered me opportunities I would never have had. I remember her great sense of humor, at times wonderfully irreverent, and her rich, devil-may-care laugh.
We have not seen much of Nan for too many years, but we will always remember her for the amazing woman she was.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Mike and Karen Moran

January 27, 2019

The best of people. Nan was certainly one of those folks who we will all sorely miss, for all the reasons you have already written in this stream. For us, not only was she a special friend to Kristy and me, but she was a business consultant and treasured supporter to my endeavors. There are some important things we could not have accomplished without her enthusiastic interest. Thank you, Nan. And thank you, Fred, for being one of the nicest people I know.

January 27, 2019

Fred
Although I only had the pleasure to meet Nan a few times I was saddened, to learn of her passing. I wish to extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy. No expression of sympathy, no matter how deeply felt, can help at this moment but I had to let you know that my thoughts are with you.

January 26, 2019

Nan was a very special person! She had so much positive energy and spread joy to everyone - her family and friends, plus all of the clubs, organizations and communities she touched! Nan will be greatly missed! Hugs to all in her loving family!

January 26, 2019

Mike and I were very fortunate to have had Nan in our lives. She was a great lady and a pioneer in so many ways. She was dearly loved by so many and will be sorely missed. I wish we could be there to celebrate a life well lived.

January 26, 2019

We wish we could be there to share the hugs, tears, stories, and laughter with the family and friends who loved Nan. She had a profound and lasting effect on each of us and will be remembered with love for her generous gifts of self to her family, friends, and community. As her sister I will cherish a lifetime of her influence, love, and wonderful memories!
Sally and Boone

January 25, 2019

Fred, Geoff, Karen and family,
Larry and I have been blessed to have shared Nan and Fred's life space.
They have been quite the team and have made life less difficult for so many. Oh the laughter, the crazy antics we shared as neighbors just makes me smile, cry, and be thankful for their friendship. We cover you with prayers of comfort and celebrate Nan's life with you.
Nola and Larry

January 25, 2019

Its been said "it's not the years in your life that count but the life in your years". Nan was so full of life! She will be sadly missed and always remembered.

January 25, 2019

Nan was an amazing role model for me. She was a working woman who was highly intelligent and business savvy while still being a caring community volunteer. I will lmiss her laugh, her wit, and her joie de vivre.

January 24, 2019

We will miss our Aunt Nan. I've been thinking about everything she did for us growing up. She would invite my sister and me up for a week in the summers when we were in junior high/highschool, and she always had so much planned for us to do: sailing with Fred, tennis lessons with Geoff, music or cultural events with her in Kalamazoo. One of our favorite Christmases was spent with the Harrisons in MI, when we went skiing for the first time. It has occurred to me that Nan influenced a lot of what I still love to do today. I remember hoping that I would be as active as my aunt Nan later in life. And she was so excited when Aaron and I announced we were moving to Colorado - because she knew it was in the name of adventure! She certainly led a fulfilling life and touched so many people.

January 24, 2019

Geoff,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I adored your mom! I got to her more after we graduated through the business' and I would run into periodically after I left Jiffy Print and always enjoyed catching up with her. My mom sends her best and you are all in our thoughts.
Mollie and Camille Lawrence

January 24, 2019

Fred and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Nan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you on the loss of a wonderful woman. Sorry I am unable to be there to say farewell. Let’s us know if there might be something here in Michigan. Hugs !!!

January 24, 2019

Fred, Geoff, Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Nan was a wonderful woman. She always treated me with kindness. The Harrison family was the first family on the block when we moved to MI from Germany that opened their hearts to our family. Geoff and I played endlessly as young boys. I can still hear Nan calling Geoff home from houses away. She had a voice that was larger than life. I remember the time she gave it to me and Geoff for chasing a sled across the lake that was blowing away. The ice wasn’t probably all that safe yet. Learned a good lesson that day. She will always be in my heart. Rod.

January 24, 2019

Her light was just too enormous to be contained in our earth’s gravity! No matter where she was, who she was with or what she was doing, she created an impactful vortex on all of us. We all carry that in our hearts and souls which means that Nan’s essence remains with us as we continue on our life journeys. God bless her and keep her, you and yours!
Jane, we would like to send flowers or contribute to Nan’s causes in her memory, which I think might suit her better. Could you help us with the information we’d need to do that when you get back? Please pass our heartfelt condolence to her loved ones.
We love you,
Carolyn and Randy Cole

January 24, 2019

I really enjoyed reconnecting with Nan at the HFA meetings. I especially remember going to Gull Lake, meeting Karen and Geoff, and going out on the lake in Fred's boat. I understand why she loved that place. And later at the HFA meetings in CA and NJ, we laughed and laughed. I will miss her so much. Steven and I send our condolences to her entire family.

January 24, 2019

Dear Fred, Karen, Geoff and Family, NaN was an amazing friend. Her love and support carried me through some of the saddest chapters and celebrated the joys. From the first moment we met on the beach in 2003 with our small grandchildren in tow I have cherished her friendship, humor and love.
I have to be in Maine (yes ME in -14 weather) to interview a prospective priest for our church and am so sad I will not be here to celebrate her life with all of you. I will reach out when I return. Much Love and prayers! I know Bob Twigg was there at the gates of heaven welcoming her with a joke and open arms. Much Love, BJ

January 24, 2019

Dear Fred and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Nan’s passing. I was honored to serve with her on the Board of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (MI). I will always remember her as a fiercely determined supporter of the arts in its many forms. We shared a common love of supporting causes that help young people discover what can fuel a lifelong love for the Arts. Rest In Peace, dear Nan.

January 24, 2019

Bob Hope said it best “Thanks for the Memories” We’ll miss you

January 24, 2019

What a gift to have known Nan for over 20 years! Peace to her memory!

January 24, 2019

It was such fun getting to know Nan and her family when the Higdon Family Association met at her home in Kalamazoo. She served twice as HFA President and was active for many years, always exerting a positive influence at family gatherings.

January 23, 2019

Nan, I will always fondly remember you as Hycorr's Numer One ambassador and my clever early cohort shaping the company's image via marketing. May you rest in God's eternal embrace. I will keep you in my prayers.
Fred, please accept sincere condolences for your loss. Linda and I send you our warmest regards and prayers, old friend.

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Recent Tributes

January 21, 2021

May 10, 2019

February 13, 2019

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Gallery

Kalamzoo Gazette announcement of nan becoming JLK President

Rachel, Ellen, Katy, Sarah, Karen and Nan at Fred's 80th birthday party

At Maury Decoster's 80th Celebration - South Haven Yacht Club.

Nan, Shirley Weiss and Cobi Chalmers June 1976 at Pretty Lake

Missing you. Sue Ron Betty and Lane. FWB LBK

Nan about age 7 (in center) with parents and sister Sally

Sisters and cousin Nancy at the beach 2012

The 3 Higdon sisters in San Antonio at HFA meeting

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Her Life

Nan's Biography

January 23, 2019

Nan Harrison passed away peacefully on January 21st in her home in Longboat Key, Florida. Nan was born in Ducktown, Tennessee to Walter and Rachel Higdon on January 6, 1939.

She was a student at Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for 2 years before transferring to the University of Tennessee where she earned her bachelors degree in 1961.

She married Fred Harrison in 1965 and is survived by Fred, and her children, Karen Long (Jeff Long) of Fishers, IN, Geoff Harrison (Linda Chou) of Seattle, WA and her sisters Sally Swain of Lebanon, TN and Jane Brackett of McCaysville, GA. Nan has 5 grandchildren: Forrest and Sarah Long, Devan, Colin and Rylan Harrison.

Nan was active in the community throughout her life. She had a great love of serving her community with the following organizations:

Kalamazoo Young Women's Club
American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she served as President.
Member of the Kalamazoo Service Club and then became a President of the Kalamazoo Junior League.
Higdon Family Association President and Board Member
Kalamazoo Arts Council Board of Directors
Stulberg International String Competition Board of Directors
President of the Fairway Bay Homeowner's Association

Nan was Vice-President and Office Manager at Hycorr Machine Corporation from 1985 to 2012.

smiles, laughter

February 4, 2019

Nan was always welcoming with a grand smile and warm hug. Playing tennis with Nan was lively, usually she added her humor!

Visiting her and Fred at their house over the summer was endearing since she was struggling. However, I was always impressed by her positive attitude, even after the stroke and even with the end sadly in sight.

I think of her each time I drive by their house. I miss you Nan.

Kate

January 29, 2019

I will really miss Nan. Her love of life, energy, intellect, humor, and kind spirit all contributed to the remarkable person she was. She was a valued neighbor, friend, fellow book club member, and lover of the arts. I am sorry to have missed her service in Florida but hope we can do something in Richland in the spring to honor and remember our dear friend.

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