It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Harry M.

Blount MD. He passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side on January 9, 2024.

He was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 29, 1936, the youngest child of Harry A. and Thelma (Freeman) Blount. At a very young age the family moved to the Detroit area.

At the age of 16 Harry graduated from South Lake High School in Detroit and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in history from Michigan State University in 1956. As much as he loved history, he wanted to follow in his Grandfather Blount’s footsteps and become a physician. He enrolled in University of Michigan Medical school and graduated in 1960. Following medical school, he proudly served 5 years in the United States Navy which included one year at sea on a troop transport ship, the USNS Rose. After leaving the Navy he received his specialty training in OB/GYN at Henry Ford Hospital.

Harry and family moved to Traverse City in 1968 where he began his medical practice at Thirlby Clinic in Traverse City. In 1968 he and fellow physician Tom Finch MD started Grand Traverse Obstetrics and Gynecology where he practiced until his retirement in 1992. He was a very active leader as a staff member of Munson Medical Center and the medical community serving as the head of multiple committees, President of the medical staff and member of the American Medical Association. He was well respected by his peers and adored by his patients. He was most proud of starting the first staff bio/ethics committee at Munson. As a dedicated and talented physician, he will be remembered as a kind and compassionate Doctor to his many patients and colleagues.

In 1960 he married Sharon (Cushman) Blount in the chapel on the University of Michigan grounds. She predeceased Harry in 1979. He had 4 children with Sharon: David, Dana, Kelly, and John. In 1992 he married Stephanie (nee/Sika/Fouch) Blount, which brought three additional children to his family, Shari, Scott, and Shawna.

Harry is survived by his wife Stephanie, their combined family of seven children and spouses, and 16 grandchildren. Harry’s children are David (Janice) Blount of Phoenix, AZ; Dana (Bill) Peterson of Suttons Bay, MI and their children Spencer, Griffin and Hadley; Kelly (Marc) Schwartz and their daughters Noa and Sadie of Sherman Oaks, CA.; and John (Amy) Blount and their children, Annie, Katie and Owen of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by Stephanie’s children: Shari (Joe Lanzesira) Prevost and their children Jaden, Cole and Luca of Cedar, MI.; Scott (Rachel) Fouch and their daughters Emory and Landry of Lake Leelanau, MI.; and Shawna ( John) Lyman and their children Warren, Tessa and Maddie of Traverse City, MI. Also surviving Harry is his brother Dale (Joan) Blount, sisterin- law Connie Blount, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins on his and Stephanie’s sides. It is an extended and happy family that brought much joy to Harry. He loved his grandchildren dearly and loved spending time with them, especially at many of their sporting events. As they began attending college, he enjoyed discussing their classes and their lives in general.

Grandpa, Papa, and Gpa as he was affectionately called will be missed terribly by all of them.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, brother Stanley Blount, sister Shirley Blount and infant son, Daniel.

He read voraciously, mostly nonfiction history. He wanted to learn to sail so he bought a book on sailing and a boat and taught himself to become an expert sailor. He also enjoyed fly fishing and the quiet sounds of nature. He made many of his own flies. He and Stephanie had many memorable travels to Europe and across the country, but one of the ones he loved most was their two weeks spent fly fishing in the backcountry of Alaska. He also enjoyed their winters in New Smyrna Beach where they had a wonderful group of friends. His smile, his gentle spirit, and his many hugs are a lasting legacy we will all remember.

Please join the family on Thursday, February 29th from 4 pm to 6pm at Visions at CenterPointe as they raise a glass to a life well lived and well loved, 12935 W. Bay Shore Drive Traverse City, Michigan. Military honors and the committal of his cremated remains will be held in the spring at Beechwood Cemetery in Leland.

Harry and his family are eternally grateful to Doctor John Stanifer whose care and expertise helped prolong his life after he was diagnosed with kidney failure. The family also extends their thanks to Munson Home Hospice and especially to Nurse Emily.

If desired, memorials may be given to munsonhealthcare.org or Munson Healthcare Foundation at 1150 Medical Campus Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 or you may choose kidneycompanions. org or a check to Kidney Companions at PO Box 325 Traverse City, MI 49685. Kidney Companions is a local organization created to help meet the needs of patients seeking kidney transplantation in northern Michigan.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.