John Paul Harvat
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John Paul Harvat, age 52, passed away peacefully at home June 30th, 2023 due to complications from cancer. He was born April 6, 1971 in North Platte, NE to Tom and Rose Ann Harvat. He married Shelly, the love of his life, on June 5, 1999 and they “partied like it was 1999”. John and Shelly have three girls, Holland Faith, Harbour Shea, and Havayah Grace. John was one of five siblings, Natalie (Chris) Bubak, Keith Harvat, Brian (Charity) Harvat, and Teresa (Robert) Martin. John had a nickname for everyone, so if you don’t recognize these names, it’s probably because he called them something else.
John was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman (which meant he knew how to tell a whopper of a story). He always caught more fish than the guy he went with and always came away with a bigger buck than the guy down the road. John was an optometrist, having graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Indiana University School of Optometry. His exam rooms were often more than just exam rooms as he cared for their souls much more than their eyes. He loved serving and caring for his patients’ needs.
John loved his family well and was so proud of Shelly and his girls. He loved to play games with them, (especially a heated game of pitch) tease them, and make them sit across the back of his Toyota Tundra with limited leg room every Sunday on the way to church, even when they were all grown up. John was very proud of each of his daughters and wanted them to know both his love for them as well as his love of their Heavenly Father.
John loved Jesus and the family of God. He taught many Bible studies, hosted fish fries, led outreaches to children and wanted absolutely everyone to know the grace, mercy, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. In the last year and a half of John’s life, he spent most of his time fishing for souls rather than fish. Everyone at his church, Grace Presbyterian, will miss John’s smile, good-natured teasing, and the encouragement he offered as he followed Jesus through every trial and every joy on this side of heaven. If John were to sit with you today, he would want to know if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Have you experienced what it means to be a part of the family of God and to know the forgiveness of Jesus?
Please join us celebrating John’s life Saturday July 8th at 3:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church 3312 Calvin Dr, Lawrence KS 66049.
The family suggests memorials in John’s name to Grace Presbyterian Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. John was an amazing man and my family has forever changed in the best ways just by knowing him and the rest of the family. Much love.
As I read this, it makes me cry and my heart breaks for you all. When I read about nicknames it brought a smile to my face because I remember the birthday party that he gave Kristian her nickname, Cherry Bob. Have no idea how but didn’t matter. She loved it!
Shelly, you and your beautiful girls and the Harvat and Chitwood families are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Aunt Nannie
Shelly and girls….John touch so many lives including myself and Bruce’s. Your family holds a very special place in my heart!
Oh Shelly, I am so sorry for all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So much love for this man and his beautiful family. His love of God and his care for the souls of others was love in action. He will be forever missed here on earth.
Shelley, I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and the family
One of the finest men I’ve ever had the privilege to know and call “Friend”. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers these last months. Love to all 💙
I always loved fishing with you and all the stories. Peace be with you. Go fishing with Jack and save a pole for me.
My heart goes out to you and the girls. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Shelley and girls, from first meeting you all as neighbors to John becoming out eye doctor we were so blessed to have such a kind man in our lives. John will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lisa
So sorry for your loss. No words can help the pain and suffering you’re going through. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love always and forever sis your cousin Andy
I met John years ago when my daughter in law worked for The Eye Doctors. He was a special guy from the start. We had a common faith in God and spent most of the time talking about christianity during my appointments. He will be missed on this earth but Heaven gained a beautiful soul.
Dr. Harvat was beloved by our family. He was always so full of energy, kind words, and genuine care. He loved to talk about his beautiful wife and daughters and the heart he had for Jesus was inspiring. I am so grateful to have known him. Lifting your entire family up in prayer.
Shelly, you and John’s faithfulness to the Lord during this very difficult trial has been so encouraging to me personally. Such a beautiful testimony to the Hope that we, as the body of Christ have. Thank you for that. I’m praying for you and your girls as you grieve your loss… that your eyes will stay fixed on that Hope, and that it will bring the peace that passes all understanding. The Lord is close to the broken hearted.
Dr Harvat had genuine concern for me as a patient, and took excellent care to see that my well-being was always foremost. He went the extra mile for me on several occasions. We are many who will miss his smile. To his family, may you know the comfort of God. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thinking of you all!! John was not only the best eye Doctor the girls ever had the honor having, but also a great neighbor! We enjoyed watching Holland and the other girls grow up living close to you all. One particular memory we have while visiting the Dr was going in the back of the office for one of the girls Birthday and John has a MASSIVE amount of balloons all over the place!! All the girls had a great time playing with them!!
Will pray for your strength in the coming days! John definitely was one of a kind!!
My heart goes out to your precious family. John was such a nice man and he definitely leaves a beautiful legacy of love as a follower of Christ.
My daughter, Molly, was lucky enough to have her coach him at recreational volleyball. He made every girl feel talented & special. Sending my love & prayers to Shelley & the girls. May you always feel Johns love & the love of Jesus.
Shelly, Holland, Harbour, and Havayah,
I want to share a snapshot memory of a Sunday afternoon with all of you and John sorting Christmas gifts for Angel Tree kids, which captures so much of John. On that day I saw John tell a few whoppers with a big smile; serve others, especially those AT kids; love and lead your family well; and do it all with joy and the desire for everyone involved to know and bring glory to God. As beautiful as his life has been, God’s word tells a much more, much better, perfect and eternal life is John’s in Jesus. To paraphrase the apostle Paul, death doesn’t get to win. John does, you do, all who knows Jesus as Lord do! … With love and prayers for you to be comforted by the Lord’s lavish love for you.
Shelly and your beautiful girls,
We are so very sorry for your loss. John was such a wonderful man and a superb optometrist as well. He will be missed. Prayers for you all. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss Shelly.
John was a wonderful man and fishing buddy. He took care of my families eye care needs and was always so inquisitive and kind. He engaged with my boys and was genuinely interested in all they were up to.
We had done wonderful fishing and hunting trips although none were recent. I remember how competitive we would be. And yes, he pretty much out fished me most of the time. Of course we’d argue that as well.
My heart hurts for you and the loss of a great man and friend. I will always remember his voice when he called me “D”, short for Darin. 😊 I have many pictures in my mind and I will never forget him.
Shelly, Holland, Harbour and Havajah,
We will continue to pray for you as we have these last months—for God’s peace and presence to be with you and sustain you, even as life goes on with a huge hole in John’s place. So thankful for the imperishable inheritance that he has now attained, and the hope we have for that as well, through Jesus. And he will continue to encourage us even now as he has joined the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Hebrews 12:1-2 (this year’s VBS memory verse.)
Praying for you Shelly and your beautiful daughters. Our hearts grieve alongside with you and will continue to pray through the months and years ahead for you all. John always had a smile on his face and always kept everyone in stitches laughing as he shared stories. His strength, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in the Lord and His love for Jesus was such an encouragement to our family’s faith. Praying you all feel the Lord’s presence and his peace as you walk these days. I’m so sorry for your great loss. He will be greatly missed until we reunited with the Lord. We love you all.
Prayers and condolences to you and your family Harv. There’s a lot of memories from the past I remember n will never forget. I always respected you and often wished I had your smarts! Rest in peace John and may your family be held with peace in his hand n watched over for you.
Shelley, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the Lord is with you and bless you for this time of sorrow. I love you like you’re my little sister and for many years you were if you ever need anything call me
Met you guys in 1999 and have cherished your friendship ever since. Watching each others kids grow up, supporting each other and growing in the Lord side by side all these years continues to be a great blessing. We love how you guys made yourselves at home in our house, John kicking off his shoes and helping himself to the recliner. True friends! The Christmas buck. The marriage retreat. Fish fry. Angel Tree projects. Fourth of July fireworks. Teasing John about his eye exam “doctor face” when we had to get serious. Constant laughter and occasional tears. We love you.
Patsy Owens
I was so sorry to hear the news that John has passed. He was a great guy, will really miss him. Always had a joke to tell of just liked to pick at you. Sorry you did not get to spend the rest of your days together.
Shelly take care of yourself and your girls. Thinking of you and yours in this terrible time.
Prayers and hugs for all at this time. God Bless you all.
He will be waiting on you to finish your work here on earth to spend eternity with him. Sending you and your girls love and many prayers.
My wife and I knew John during his high school years. He was one of the most remarkable and talented young men we have ever known. Needless to say we thought the world of him. We were so sorry to learn of his passing. God has received a real angel. Our hearts and prayers go to his loved ones. Sincerely, Martin and Judy Gutschenritter
My condolences, definitely one of the good guys.
May your memories bring comforting days ahead. Hes fishing with the professionals now in peaceful tranquility. Love and prayers to you
Shelly, Holland, Harbour, Havaeh and family—I am so incredibly sorry to hear of this. My heart is with you all and I am praying for you. Sending so much love to a family who always has given so much love to others. John was such a positive force and I know he will be missed by so many and his memory and spirit of joyfulness will live on through his family. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was my eye Doctor and was the most amazing man. I felt like I had known him my whole life. You all will be in my prayers. May God comfort all of you.
We had John as our eye doctor for many years. Not only did he care for our eyes, but he became a friend. He was so proud of his daughters and his wife. You could see how much he loved you all. Also, he was the very best Christian. His love of the Lord was tremendous.
John also had the biggest smile. John was an angel on earth and can now be an angel with our Lord.
John will be missed. Our hearts are with each of you. He was the best.
RIP John.
You have continued to be in my prayers as I watched each of you wade through the deep waters of pain and suffering knowing what was to come. Yet through it all John demonstrated for you and for us all at Grace the power of living a Christ filled life with hands held high praising His Lord And Savior Jesus Christ. Tears overflowed Sunday as I watched 4 beautiful women also demonstrate the source of strength in this long hour of loss of the strong man in your lives. Though not easy, Jesus will comfort each of you.
It seems like it was just yesterday that we carried Teagan into the office for the first time. He turned 20 a few days ago. I can’t believe this. You will be missed more than you will ever know. Goodbye my friend.
John was my eye doctor. I remember this big tall guy with a huge smile greeting me for the first time when I was a teenager. He walked me through everything he was doing as though teaching me about it. When I left I told my mom what a cool dude he was. He remained my eye doctor up until my most recent appointment earlier this year, and I often found myself, after each appointment, telling people how cool my eye doctor was, and how I kind of wanted to be like him. People probably thought that was strange, but he was such a great guy. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Our community has lost a really great person that truly made a difference in people’s lives. My condolences to his family and friends.
I will always remember John as a kind person with a great sense of humor. Our condolences and prayers are with your family.
My daughter, Hailey Cobb worked with Dr. Harvet for several years. You see, she lost her dad at the start of her senior year of high school. She always spoke so highly of Dr. Harvet, his big heart and his shared Faith in Jesus Christ our savior. I truly believe it was a divine appointment when she was hired. He was a wonderful father figure for her. She moved on to Phoenix and her love and workplace for eye health and souls is still strong today! Thank you, Dr.Harvet, you made a huge impact on my girl.
I will be praying for your wife and your daughters!
Jamea Richardson
One of the funniest people I’ve ever met who ruled the Harvat family grass volleyball field like a king. A good man indeed from a great family. Condolences to all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find strength during this difficult time. My condolences.
Dr. Harvat,
I will truly miss you. I’m so glad that God blessed me with the chance to see you before he called you home. I work alongside you at The Eye Doctors, and it was such a pleasure. You taught me so much about the eye(don’t remember it all, lol) and it was such a great experience because of you! The last time we talk you showed me that you had faith in God and you showed me your strength through your fight. You did not lose this battle you WON!
Love Tesh aka “T”
Others have already made known the great love John had for Christ, his church, and his family. Our family’s special claim on John’s heart came from knowing John’s abilities as a fisherman and friend. Janet’s parents were staying with us in 2005 while her dad was dying from lymphoma. He had very little appetite, but being from Minnesota he thought he would be able to eat some walleye. I asked John whether I could go fishing with him.
The next day John showed up with a daughter in his truck and a bag with three pounds of crappie fillets and an apology that the walleye weren’t biting. That Sunday as I thanked him for his gift, he mentioned that his daughter had begged him to drive around our block a second time because she was seeing so many squirrels. Of course he went around a second time.
Dan, Janet, and David Yoe
John was always having fun. He was hilarious and good natured. I have fond memories of him from high school. Prayers continue for the Harvat family. Rest In Peace John.
My sincere condolences to Dr. Harvet’s family. He treated us like family at every appointment we had. He would always ask about my family and ask how Sam (grandson) was doing before he got started with our appt. I enjoyed talking with him and Sam even sent me with gum to give to Dr. Harvey once. Dr. H looked like I just gave him a million dollars and smiled ear to ear and said tell my buddy, Thank you! He most definitely had a heart of gold and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with during this time.🙏🙏
Dr. Harvat was amazing to work with. The staff both respected his intelligence and loved his silly side. He had the perfect blend of a caring medical provider and a good friend and advocate to his employees. There is no rarer form I can imagine. He was one of a kind
No words will ever be able to express the joy of knowing John and your family. Whether it was at church, or in his office…John ALWAYS had an infectious smile, a kind word, a laugh, and raved about the loves and ladies of his life, ALL OF YOU. This world will not be the same without him, and while we know God is gracious, merciful, and we don’t grieve as those who have no hope, the depth of your grief is hard to imagine. Please know that all who love you are holding you in prayer. We love you all so much and are just heartbroken for your loss. Love you so…Michelle, Randy, Carly and Evan Barnes
Dr. Harvat was my eye doctor and the best I’ve ever had. He was so thorough, so kind, incredibly funny and just a joy to have known. I have no words to express my sympathy for you at this time, but please know that I hope all the friends you have, as well as your church family, will give you comfort.
I have been a patient of Dr. Harvat for a very long time, and was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was always a joy to see, gave me excellent care, and genuinely cared about how I was doing. He left a big impression on me and will be greatly missed. Thoughts with the family.
To Shelly and the girls, I give my deepest condolences. My family and I share your sadness and are sending many prayers during this difficult time.
John was a dear friend and a great person that we all valued and appreciated!
May God give you comfort and strength.
My family and I will certainly miss John dearly!
Dr. Harvat was my favorite eye doctor since we switched over to him since I was 18! He would make me laugh and tease me about how I had an astigmatism in a certain eye just like my mom. Or tell me my lash extensions are in the way of seeing my eyes during the exam! He was a very funny and full of life individual! I’ll miss seeing him for my yearly eye exams! To his family, my condolences are with you during this hard time!
I spent four years watching John as a classmate at IU school of Optometry. He’d come into big time evening exams wearing a big cowboy hat while the rest of us were stressed out. He had a BIG personality and I kind of wrote him off as a goof. In the Fall of ‘97 to Spring of ‘98 we spent the last 6 months of school together living in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment on Key Biscayne for our last rotation at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – one of the most prestigious eye centers in the world. We drove into work together, home together and got to know each other really well. We worked in clinic, sat in Grand Rounds, attended Mark Dunbar’s Christmas party (John brought a personally decorated coconut that he picked up on the side of the road as his “dirty Santa” gift) and had amazing talks at night about everything from eye conditions to his super cool and beautiful girlfriend back In Bloomington (Shelly) to theology. John was passionate about learning more about Jesus and it was exciting to watch him live that out each day. As I got to truly know him, I found John to have a big heart for people and always picking up those who were down. He touched so many lives during those 6 months and I’m sure that number was exponentially increased in the 25 years since. Oh boy, we lost a really good one in Harvat – but Heaven is rejoicing and I imagine he’s running around hugging everyone (especially his Lord and Savior) wearing the finest cowboy hat ever. Hugs to Shelly and the girls and rest of his family – this will not be easy – but we can be thankful for his amazing life that touched us all and look forward to the day when we will see him again and hear all his new stories of how amazing his God is. Praying for the Harvat family.
Sad for me on John’s passing. Just a great sportsman, doctor, and a perfect example of how a human should be….my best to the family,,,
Shelly and all your beautiful girls, I am soooo sorry for your loss 😢. I’m sending prayers and hugs your way🙏🙏🙏 🙏🫱🫲🫱🫲 🫱🫲 🫱🫲
Dr Harvat was an amazing person and was always full of energy. I remember seeing him few weeks back with his beautiful family. I pray for progress of his soul! I will always remember him with a big smile on his face! He will always be missed! May God give strength to his family!
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to all the Harvat family. All the great Indian Hills memories and rides to school in the station wagon and maxivan are forever etched in my mind. It’s no surprise that the solid, loving, faith filled upbringing from Rose and Tom and his four siblings spilled over to John’s adult faith ministry and multiplied. The story of what he accomplished on this journey inspires me to live a better life. Sending all my love and prayers
Dr Harvat was the most kind and invested person in his patients. He always looked out for me and for a Dr he was the best. We had a great respect for each other. He shake truly be missed.
Prayers and Condolences to the Harvat Family, for your loss.
For 23 years, John saw to our eye care and made us feel as if we were his only patient’s. His attention to detail and bed(chair)side manner were “second to none”.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Dr Harvat!
Peace of the Lord be with the Harvat Family.
To the Harvat family..
I was a patient of John’s and oh what a fabulous man he was. We spent lots of time talking about his love of his girls and family.
During his journey he often talked about his “ducklings” going fishing with him and how he was saddened he had to leave you all..
He was so overwhelmed and proud of the way you all were with him. Just know how much he loved you all and was loved as a wonderful
person himself. I am so sorry for this loss. Stay strong… he did.
I’m beyond sad to here my great eye doctor has passed. He helped me out so much with my eyes. Also seemed like I was his only patient. I cried when they told me he had cancer, couldn’t even keep my appointment. He was one of a kind,will be missed. May God be with you and your girls
F
John was a true “helper,” and, as Mr. Rogers said, in times of trouble, look for the “helpers.” I remember the first time I visited his practice and he said to let him know if I needed help with anything. He paused with a twinkle in his eyes and said he should be more careful about offering that. He told me a few stories about patients who had taken him up on that offer and he ended up delivering groceries, stacking wood, and a few other “anythings” that patients asked him to do. Hearing him talk about his diagnosis and illness was both heartbreaking and inspiring. John truly helped make the world a better place.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
A man who leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. May we all strive to leave others better than we found them as John did with that incredible smile and dancing blue eyes and a heart that loved and cared for everyone. Prayers for his beautiful family.
Dr. Harvat was our eye doctor for many years. He was special in all ways. We enjoyed talking about fishing with him and we will miss him so much.
Dr Harvat was my favorite eye doctor and I will miss his great smile and enthusiastic care.
I worked with Dr. Harvat a few times while working for the Eye Doctors many moons ago. He was always so nice, not just to his patients but also those of us that worked for/with him. I still work in the world of eye care and he will be missed.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of this great man. As patients of John, he has taken care of our family for many, many years and we may have even been some of his first patients at the Eye Doctors on Iowa St. He was incredibly kind, extremely intelligent, and most of all, enormously caring in everything he did. We always looked forward to our appointments to catch up on news of his beautiful family. Our hearts go out to them in thought and prayer. He will be deeply missed. So very sorry for this loss. He was loved by so many.
From John’s old roommate from IU, 515 S. Fess/623 S. Woodlawn in Bloomington…..So very sad to hear this news. We (“Bixy”, “Gers”, “AB”) LOVED “Big Harv”, I just wish that we had stayed in touch after starting our careers/families. He loved life, loved fishing, loved his family, was brilliant in school, was a darn good bartender, and just about the nicest, goofiest, down to earth guy. We went from not knowing him at all to being great friends in no time, and loved his stories of growing up in North Platte, hunting, fishing, football, Univ of Nebraska, etc etc etc. We were blessed to have known him and call him a friend.
Prayers for Shelly and his girls. May He live on through you.
John was my eye doctor for many years and certainly the one that I had a very high regard for. I feel fortunate to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Devastated to hear this. Dr. Harvat was my optometrist for many many years. He saw me through my cancer battle and I saw him right at the end of his. We shared many a story of life during my office visits. A Dr who definitely cared about his patients. I did not know what to say in our last encounter. But his final words will stick with me. “See you next year.” He knew we wouldn’t as time was short. But the optimistic view was much appreciated. Much love to the family. He always spoke so highly of Mrs Harvat and his daughters.
To John’s family,
John was one of the best optometrist that I have ever had the pleasure of going to. He was a also a good friend over the many years I knew him.
I know he will always be with you in your hearts.
To the family of John, what a wonderful man!! His smile, humor, and fun personality, spot on getting me to see again, such a joy to work with will be missed. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Dr. Harvat was our family eye doctor since the day he began to practice in Lawrence. He was an amazing doctor, very attentive and knowledgeable. He put his patients at ease with his smile and humor. When I had a concerning situation, he gave me his cell number to call after hours, if needed. We had many conversations and laughs over the years. I will always remember my last visit, we discussed the definition of the word “crisp” for at least five minutes. He was a tease and often told me that he was glad that we knew each other well enough, that he could give me a hard time. Dr. Harvat loved to talk about his family, he was very proud of his girls and wife. He always inquired about my kids, and seemed to remember so many details. He will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. I will be forever grateful for his care.
I always looked forward to my yearly checkup with John because it gave us a chance to catch up on our hunting and fishing stories (John’s were always better). About a year ago I had my annual appointment and John revealed that he had cancer. More than anything he wanted me to know that Jesus had a plan for him and he was at peace with whatever lay ahead. He was looking forward to spending every minute with “his girls” and trying to catch one last monster fish. He was truly one of a kind and I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
John was a blessing to us. His big smile and penetrating sparkling eyes were rays of sunshine. His faith in Christ while suffering is what will continue to encourage us for the rest of our lives. He was a good one!
So many wonderful memories of John- from church and from being patients of his. He loved telling us stories about his family. Shelly- He was so proud to be your husband. Holland, Harbour, Havayah- he loved being your dad. Our whole family will miss his playful spirit and generous and kind character. He made an impact in this world and will be missed by so many. We love you Shelly, Holland, Harbour, and Havayah. The Donohoes
I am shocked and devastated by this. Dr. Harvat was my eye doctor for well over 10 years, always made me laugh and I always looked forward to seeing him. My prayers are with his family. I am so incredibly sorry for this immense loss.
Bless you Harvat family. We really enjoyed John’s friendliness and outgoing spirit. As you know he was an advocate for getting men together for fun and spiritual growth. Always a great time!
We pray that good memories, your faith, and the support of those around you will bring you comfort at this difficult time. Certainly it will not be easy. We will be praying for you all.
Very best wishes.
Jim & Stef Hanna
Shelly & girls,
Keeping you all close in my heart & in my daily prayers. Dr. Harvat was not only our favorite eye Dr, but just a good ole friend we enjoyed catching up with at our yearly exams. He beamed with pride speaking of his 4 girls.💕 May God wrap his loving arms around you all.
Praying for you Shelly, Holland, Harbour, Havayah, and Family. God was at work through John’s life and we were all blessed by his presence. Praying for comfort and peace.
I met John at our men’s bible study and was immediately impressed with his love for God, Knowledege of scripture, love and care of others before himself, and ability to teach the word of God. He is already greatly missed but I am glad he is with our Saviour..
Dr. Harvat was a genuinely nice guy and a wonderful optometrist. My husband and I started seeing him when we moved to Lawrence and then our children would see him once they came along. He would put our children at ease and would remember things from year to year that made us feel like we were his only clients. When we saw him last year and he told us that he was sick and having a hard time with the treatment, you never would have known because he still had a smile on his face. He always spoke highly of his family and was so proud of his girls. He truly cared about eye health and always did a very thorough exam with our whole family. I really do not think that we will be able to find another doctor that even comes close to his skill and kindness. Reading all of these posts, it just proves how much of an impact that he had on so many lives. We will miss you, John.
John always loved me and my family so well. So grateful for him. Prayers for all the Harvats.
He is my favorite eye doctor. I trusted him with my eye sight and eye care. He was a joy to work with while taking care of my eyes. He will be truly missed.
What a HUGE HOLE it is in our Harvat/Freking family to not have John physically present, but we know HE LIVES ON in our hearts as well as in heaven and in the lives of all he touched throughout life!! He remained faith-filled to the end: He has fought the fight, won the race, and now lives in the FULLNESS of life & love & joy & peace… FOREVER!! John has new powers now, and every time it rains I’ll think of him watering the fishies here on earth! He loved to fish for fish, but he was most glorious in fishing for other human souls for God!
My heart is so sad. John was so kind and I admired his love for his gorgeous wife and girls. He was so very proud. Such a kind man.
Dr Harvat was our optometrist for many years. He was such a kind, caring person. He took the time to explain everything, from anatomy/physiology of the eye and procedures. He was never hurried. His voice always so calm and reassuring. He was a practitioner who made you feel like you mattered. So kind. We both enjoyed our conversations with him about an array of subjects. He will be greatly missed. We will continue to hold his family in our hearts and keep them in our prayers.
John was my eye doctor for 18 years – my wife and kids as well. I considered him a friend. When together, we talked about family, sports, friends— he knew I have heart disease and we always talked about ways to understand and deal with that. He would share new ideas and research he came across. I cried with him last summer when he shared the news, dreamed of making it through this spring despite what the doctors were saying. He did it, and he carried himself with joy and grace the entire time. His fun loving nature, kindness, and care made him special as a professional, more so, I am sure, as a dad and husband. As incredibly awful as this is, and he will be terribly missed by so many, how wonderful that we all had him in our lives.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Harvat’s since he began at EyeDoctors. He was so full of life, a bright star in a dismal world. The BEST eye doctor ever. It gave me such joy how he loved & was so proud of his family. He will be greatly missed by so many. I know he walks with Jesus now.
John Harvat was my number one best optometrist ever, me wearing glasses since age 8. He guided me through cataract and macular hole surgeries. He beamed with considerable pride whenever I asked about his daughters–whose photos graced his office. And to his great credit, he was quite the KU sports fan. An office visit would always include some sports talk. I visited with him at Holcom when he came to the gym, still working on his athletic concerns. He continued to work, despite his health concerns, until he just couldn’t. A multi-faceted and professional real human being.
Shelly, I am so very sorry for your loss. I got to know you each time you came through my checkout line at HomeGoods. I raised my whole family going to Dr John. One of my girls is still in the area and still goes there, as I do too. I never left without a warm hug from him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls.
To the Harvat family thank you for sharing John with me. He was my eye doctor and helped me save my sight. He was very annoying at my subsequent eye exams he made me work too hard reading those eye charts I loved that I was able to help in a little way as a cardiology nurse. His love for his family and his god was always apparent. He was a great human being and I miss him. I cannot imagine how you all feel. Just know that John and God are holding you close.
John was an amazing human and doctor. Jokes, laughter, and teaching us so much about our eyes and health were things John did for our entire family. He was one of those people who had a knack for making you feel very important and special when he spoke to you. Shelly and girls- he loved you all very much and couldn’t say enough about you when we talked to him. Rest easy, John, and we will see you again someday.
It hurts my heart to know that I won’t be seeing Dr. John Harvat again on this plane of existence. I believe that he has graduated cum laude from schoolroom Earth. He helped me so much as my optometrist and friend. I only wish I had known him better and longer. He was the best doctor and such a good person. He will be dearly missed by so many. Deepest sympathy and condolences to his family (of whom he was very proud) and many friends. I weep for us and rejoice for his soul’s evolution, and an end to his pain and illness.
Passion is the first word that comes to mind in my describing John (aka Doofus – among many others). He had a relentless passion for Christ that was second to none. He had a passion for his family. He had a passion for his friends and he had a passion to live his life to the fullest. I’ve never met a doctor that would hand out his personal cell number to his patients, which is a testament of his dedication to his patients. I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t a better outdoorsman than me, but it wasn’t easy to concede that fact in the moment and he knew it anyway. His family became my family, and my love for all of them is eternal. He mentored the growth of my Faith with true Grace and for that, I will forever be grateful. There are so many stories and memories to share and I know everyone he met has many of their own. My prayer is that we take John’s passion for Christ, and pay it forward. Poo Poo Bear, Bone, Bird & Buck – love you all and know Home Depot East is only a couple minutes away. John – although you have beaten me once again (in seeing Christ first), remember in “IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS” and I will see you again one day.
My buddy John. If you knew him, you loved him. He was my friend and brother. I am so very grateful for John or “Dr. Harvart”. He was a huge support to our family when Caden was sick. I loved that voice. “Hey D! Let’s go shoots some B’s.” Or in warmer months… “I know D, we can catch some walleye or crappie! …No, I know you, you’ll want to go catch those greasy bass!” He would say with a chuckle, a glint in his eye, smile as big as the world. So many good times and wonderful memories. Great talks, basketball, hunting, fishing and even ice fishing. I’m going to miss his big heart so much. We will celebrate you today and always.
Continued prayers for you Shelly and the girls. We know how difficult a challenge it is to lose someone you love so much. We are grateful and comforted by knowing his heart and love for God which was displayed in practical real ways shown by his great love for others. If we can be of any encouragement or support to you in any way please reach out. Much love.
My husband and I went to Dr. Harvat for many, many years. We loved him as a doctor and he was a wonderful man. I would take him my Elderberry Jelly. He loved it but he said his girls and staff loved it too so he would have to hide it. We’re going to miss him so much. Much love to his girls and his wife, he loved you all so much and talked about you all the time.
So sorry for your familys loss. Dr Harvat was my kids eye dr for a long while years ago. May you be surrounded by love in your grief.
My heart is sick with sadness Shelly that you and your beautiful daughters are going on without your husband and father. He would want you to have happy futures with love. I pray that you can carry on knowing he is in his lord’s home. Bless you always.
Dr. Harvart was one of the kindest people I know. He was my eye doctor and my mother’s doctor when we lived in Lawrence. We moved away two years ago, and I did not know he’d been ill. I count myself lucky to have known him. He helped me through a difficult time, and I will always be grateful for his compassion and intellIgence. My mom and I looked forward to our visits because he truly was a caring person, always positive, always willing to take extra time if need be. We enjoyed hearing him talk about his family, and his pride and devotion to them was evident. He truly was a bright light. I hope his family will find some comfort and peace in their memories.
Family, friends, grade school teachers, mentors, and everyone else who was a part of John’s life. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of you for helping create the most honorable, trustworthy, and friendly person I have ever had the privilege to know. He would have been a great man on his own but you ensured that he was conspicuously exceptional. John was a mensch and I will miss him!
John was our eye Dr. And we will miss him. He was always so kind and caring. He Loved his family & the Lord. I just learned of his passing today. Our prayers are with his family. May God comfort you at this time & give you peace and strength.
John was not only my eye doctor for over 20 years but we always shared fishing and hunting stories. We would see each other on the lake fishing our favorite spots and bragging about what we caught. I will miss his humor and overall graciousness. On a Saturday afternoon I scratched my eye and called him on his cell. He was on a date night with his wife and he insisted I come to the office so he could take a look. My heart aches for John’s family and everytime I fish a favorite spot I will remember him yelling over from his boat asking me how big is that walleye I just pulled in as he floated up next to me. Rest In Peace my friend!
Dr. Harvat was a great doctor and a fine man as all above have said. I was his patient and knew I was getting the absolute best care whenever I saw him. He really did care about the people he saw. I offer my sympathies to his family.
John was my eye doctor for over 15 years, and he also saw my wife and daughter. His was the only doctor’s appointment I looked forward to. He was also one of the most optimistic optometrist I ever met. We always discussed recent research (both medical and my own) and he always had an interest in what I was doing. Most importantly he was never just interested in examining the eyes, but how the blood vessels in your eyes reflect the your general health. Literally a window to your health and medical state. After I told him about heart condition, he always did additional checks and suggestions for me to stay healthy. We also shared stories about our overseas experience. However, while I was doing research, John volunteered to provide medical service to developing countries. John is a good man, and he is a mensch in every sense of the word. I will miss him.
Oh my goodness! I just heard. This breaks my heart. We’ve been going to Dr. John for about 20 years. My kiddos loved to see him as he made them (and myself) feel like we were his most important patient(s). He remembered everything the kids did and always loved to tease them. He was always concerned about our overall health and not just our eyes, although he was very thorough and honest about our eyes. My love and prayers go out to the family. ❤️
John was an amazing doctor and took care of our family’s eyes for over twenty years. His fascination with health and how our eyes are the windows into our inner physical world was second to none. I was your realtor when you sold your first home in North Lawrence and was so honored to work with your beautiful, sweet family. Prayers are lifted for your broken hearts.
Dr. Harvat was my eye doctor for the last fifteen years, along with seeing my husband and daughter. Of all of my regular medical providers, he was my favorite. He always remembered me and my particular concerns, the sign of a doctor who really cares about his patients. I trusted his instincts and his advice, and he actively monitored issues from year to year. And he was always so fun and funny which made appointments enjoyable. After I had my daughter, my eyesight improved a bit, and he told me that I just needed to have six more kids and then I’d have 20/20 vision! When I found out recently that he was on medical leave, I sent a card to let him know how much his caring presence met to me. Even if he was not able to read it before he passed, I hope he knows how much he was loved by his patients. Judging by these messages, he will be greatly missed by family, friends, patients, and all those he touched. My deepest condolences to his family.
The number of messages on this site gives you a sense of how great a guy he was. He was a fantastic doctor, and that is coming from another doctor. I definitely will miss my visits with him…. 🙁
I am lost for words on learning of Dr J. ( that is what I always called him) since I was Junebug to him .. He was the best and I always loved catching up on his family life and stories of his girlsHe was loved and will be missed by so many . May the good Lord wrap his arms around all of you in this time of need with love. And your memories comfort you.
Dr. Harvat was not only my eye doctor for the past 20 years but also an all-around great guy! He was recommended to me by a friend when I first moved to Lawrence. I have to say that I enjoyed every single visit to his office. He treated me with the utmost respect and genuinely cared about my eyes and so much more. I enjoyed watching his girls grow into young women from the photos he proudly shared and hearing stories about his family life. He was a gifted doctor, a mentor, and a very good man. He told me of his terminal illness during my last visit and I wept. He calmed me by telling me he was okay and that he had his family and his faith and was accepting of the prognosis. Never had I known anybody with so much compassion and courage. My sincere condolences to his wife and daughters. The heart remembers most what it has loved best. I know your memories will comfort you and bring you peace always.
My daughter was one of Dr. Harvat’s first patients, she had a rare eye condition in children, and hated nothing more than to have to see an eye Dr. When she first saw Dr. Harvat, her legs were only as long as his chair, she never ever complained with him, they laughed together, and he saw her regularly until he had to quit working. He had mapped out on graph paper the issue with her eye, and in an emergency, she saw one of the other Dr’s, who was amazed at Dr. Harvat’s accuracy with my daughter’s defect.. She was 4 when she first saw him, she saw him through college and beyond. At her last appt. they told her he had retired, we were surprised, but nothing more was said, and she saw a new Dr. who is fine, but not a man alive, could ever replace Dr. John Harvat, the compassion and true caring he had for patients – was remarkable. I will always be grateful for his help. We are so deeply sorry to hear he passed away, he was so vibrant, and kind. God had other plans, but my heart breaks for his wife and children, who he always spoke of so fondly.. My sincere condolences to the Harvat family, and to his staff..
Dr Harvat was one of the best men I have ever known. He was truly a good person. Even though I usually saw him only once a year in the exam room, it was always a highlight of my day.
I am going to try to honor him by practicing love for everyone.
I am so sorry for the loss his family is feeling, but I’m confident he will be near when you need him.
Shelly I am truly sorry for yours and your daughters loss. Dr. Harvat was always my favorite eye Dr. He always put a smile on my face when I would go see him. My daughter And my grand babies love going to see him. He was awesome and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughter and family and friends. May the good lord be with y’all at this difficult time. His memories will live on forever. We will be thinking about y’all at this difficult time in y’alls life.
Dr. Harvat was instrumental in my family and I’s life growing up. We always looked forward to our appointments because we knew he cared deeply about us. He was always more than an eye doctor to us. We thank him for everything he did and wish that he may rest in peace.
John Harvat Family – I am so sorry for your loss. John was my eye doctor for 19 years. I enjoyed every year for my annual exam. We would talk more about your family and his hunting/fishing adventures than my eye appointments. We were always sharing pictures to see who had the bigger prize. He had such a great personality and was always happy. It was a total blow when he told me his diagnosis. I can tell you that he loved every one of you. He beamed with such happiness that he got to spend so much time with all of you. He just raved about fishing with his girls. He will be truly missed and I will have nothing but laughter every time I go into the office for my eye exam. My deepest condolences to all of you. He was a great man and will be missed by so many lives he touched.
I just became aware of his passing. He became a friend who happened to be my Eye Doctor when I sat in that chair every year. May I offer as helpful: “MAY YOUR HEARTS’ MEMORY POCKETS WRAP AROUND YOU AS YOU FIND YOUR PEACE AS HE HAS FOUND HIS.” Please feel free to share, pass it on as you wish. Continued blessing to all of you.