Tribute

We welcome you to watch the short video above — a message of hope in Jeff’s own words.

Dr. Jeff Harries

We are deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of exemplary family physician, husband, father, leader, visionary and true champion, Dr. Jeff Harries from Penticton, BC, Canada. Jeff died from complications of ALS on the morning of Nov. 9th 2021.

Among so many other accomplishments and life adventures – from running a vineyard to being a father of 9 children, Jeff was a major force in this country when it came to tirelessly championing a new and compassionate approach to treating alcohol use disorder.

More than a decade ago, Jeff researched and incorporated latest proven and effective medical treatment options for AUD into his practice. It was a shock to him, then, when just five years ago, he learned that many providers were unaware of this compassionate approach.

Jeff knew that he had information and expertise to share. And, even though he was battling a life-threatening health condition of his own, he set to work, presenting to 4,500+ care providers, clinicians, Supreme Court judges, Crown prosecutors, defense lawyers, child protection workers, counsellors, addiction service workers, and many more individuals in every corner of British Columbia and beyond. Those who were lucky enough to see the presentations will remember his depth of knowledge, his compassion and his humour. He won over so many hearts as well as minds.

In the past two years alone, just a few of Jeff’s accomplishments include: helping develop BC’s Provincial Guidelines for the Clinical Management of High-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder, receiving an invitation to help develop national guidelines, contributing to the creation of a prescribing app, and conducting and publishing research. In addition, he inspired the creation of our national nonprofit, the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society.

We continue to see the real results of Jeff’s tireless dedication. Clinicians are integrating AUD treatment into their practice, and once again feel hope that they can truly offer something to their patients, having said to Jeff words such as: “This work is so important and dignifying.”

Jeff brought hope to patients, with his unique ability to truly listen and his genuine and deep regard for all human beings, no matter their background or life circumstances. These are just a few of the words from patients thanking him for giving them back their lives, their dignity and control over their future:

“You’ve changed my life, Jeff. I will never forget your non-judgmental approach and appreciate you so much.”

“Thank you so much for all of your help. I cannot tell you how relieved I am!”

“I am ever so grateful that you are willing to help me in my road to recovery. There are no words to express how I feel and this gives me hope for myself as a person, daughter, mom, sister, and auntie.”

We continue to be inspired by Jeff’s gentle and empathetic way of sharing information, but also by his tenacity of purpose. When asked what we will do without Jeff, it’s not hard to answer. What he accomplished as one person will take many of us to continue, but we are ready and proud to take up his challenge. We are proud and humbled to have known him as a brother, a colleague, a friend and as a true champion.