In lieu of flowers, Harry’s wish would be for donations to be made to the PEI Humane Society.

Dr. Harry Hariharan passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 

He is survived by his spouse, Shoba Hariharan, and daughters Shebel Hariharan (Jay Hanley and stepsons Taylor, Patrick, David) and Shami Hariharan. 

Dr. Harry Hariharan started his veterinary career earning his BVSc in India and then completing his DVSM in Edinburgh, Scotland. He then continued onto further academics including his MSc and PhD in Microbiology in Guelph, ON in 1976, moving on to finish his postdoctoral studies at Mizzou (MU) in Columbia, MO.

Harry's (or "Dr.Harry" as he was affectionately called) professional forays and travels with his family took him to various countries including Switzerland for a medical research and development position, and Somalia and Indonesia as a United Nations expert in infectious diseases. He then settled into academia and research in Zambia, before making his permanent home in Prince Edward Island in 1988 at the newly established Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) where he saw the first graduating class.

His position as a professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at AVC extended beyond his love for teaching students; he led the Diagnostic Laboratory which received clinical specimens from all over Atlantic Canada. His prolific research projects and publications included topics in food safety, public health, and wildlife on Prince Edward Island as well as infectious diseases around the world. He also spent academic time in Scotland, India, and the Pasteur Institute in Paris, bringing these valuable insights back to AVC. His expertise was sought by organizations and researchers around the world and he was awarded a Professor Emeritus at the end of his career. 

Harry had the honour of being the first person originally from Kerala, India to settle on Prince Edward Island, which was similar to PEI in many ways. His love for adventure and travel during his career always remained in his heart and reflected in his stories told of the different countries, cultures, safaris, and sights seen with his wife and two daughters over the years. He loved to walk and play tennis, and was involved in “Pedaling for Parkinson's” in Prince Edward Island, which was a special achievement.

Harry will be forever remembered for his gentle spirit, humility, brilliant mind, adventurous nature, jokes (memorable to family, friends, and students alike!), love of animals, and devotion to his family. 

Despite a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis, Harry remained active, determined, and resilient. His passing brings a peaceful release from a courageous 15 year long battle with the disease.

A visitation will be held at the Belvedere Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4-7pm.  His family will be arranging a celebration of life in the upcoming months.