Honoring the Life and Legacy of Past International Director Karla Harris

The Harris Family

Karla and Clarence Harris with their Lion daughters, Casey and Claren, at a 27A1 Lions Convention

Recognizing that he had been blessed throughout his life, Lion Clarence Harris became a Lion in 1992 to serve his community, help those less fortunate and to have fun. He was inspired by the example of his wife, Past International Director (PID) Karla Harris.

Over the years, they remained active as Lions and were impressed with the many extraordinary service accomplishments of Lions throughout their home state of Wisconsin and beyond. They witnessed firsthand that one Lion could truly make a tremendous difference in the world.

During the summer of 2016, Karla was honored to have Chairperson Gudrun Yngvadottir ask her to chair the District Governors Elect (DGE) school. Unfortunately, Karla was diagnosed with malignant brain cancer just months later. Nevertheless, Chairperson Gudrun enthusiastically supported Karla's decision to remain as chair. Clarence believes this responsibility gave Karla a greater sense of purpose, adding months to her life. While undergoing three surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and other medical interventions, Karla's resolve to serve never wavered.

During her last five months of life, Karla agreed to participate in a research study to help children with brain cancer. Despite many days of experiencing extreme fatigue and headaches, Karla readily agreed to additional monthly MRI scans and to wear electrodes on her head 18 hours a day in an attempt to disrupt cancer cell division as part of the project.

Seeing Karla endure the research protocol, which frequently produced painful results, Clarence suggested she stop the additional procedures. Karla's response remains ingrained in her husband's mind: "It's for the children. I'm a Lion for life, and that means not only for as long as I live but also for the lives of those children this research might help."

Karla was very proud to submit her final materials for DGE School and participated in a conference with Lions Club International (LCI) leadership, where she received much acclaim for her work. That evening, after writing presidential nominations for three deserving women Lions, she suffered a fatal brain bleed that ultimately ended her life. As a final gift, Karla donated her brain to the children's brain cancer project to further its research and gave the gift of sight to two individuals as an organ donor.

For Lion Clarence, choosing to include Lions Clubs International Foundation in his estate plan enables him to continue PID Karla's incredible legacy. "You see, one person can make a great difference in the world, and you can be that difference!" he says.

He hopes others will follow his example and leave a proud legacy for future generations.

You, too, can continue a legacy of service through an estate gift to Lions Clubs International Foundation. Contact Robert Kanonik, J.D. at +1.630.468.7067 or robert.kanonik@lionsclubs.org to discuss your options.