Harlan Lewis Sifford
  • Born on: May 18, 1927
  • Departed on: November 11, 2021
  • Resided in: Iowa City, IA

Harlan Lewis Sifford


A man without equal, I will never know another like him. Smart, witty, kind and loving. I miss him. He was always so kind to me and I loved him. My brother Steven and Harlan were a match unparalleled. A long and amazing life, lived with enthusiasm and grace.

Gayle Warner
Saturday, May 21, 2022

There is a hole in my heart. It is there because one of the kindest and most thoughtful men I have ever known has passed. The hole will always be there. But it is not empty. It is filled with memories of Harlan: his generosity, his humor and how he always made me feel special and how my life is oh so much richer because I was lucky enough to know him. I miss him now and I will miss him in the future. I am sure that in coming days there will be triggers that remind me of him; a New Yorker magazine cover; a piece of crystal in the sun, casting rainbows; a simple cup of coffee (hand ground) that turns into a chat with a friend on a cool spring morning in a garden. Along with the pangs of loss that these memories will bring they will each be accompanied by a deep bow of gratitude that Harlan was part of my life.

Hal Penick
Sunday, November 14, 2021

With the loss of this irreplaceable, brilliant, sensitive, kind, and classy man, Iowa City will never, ever be the same.

David Schmidt
Saturday, November 13, 2021

Harlan... he will always live in my mind, with his deceptively dour expression, hiding an exceptionally kind heart and an extraordinarily bright consciousness. Keith and I send our heart-felt sympathies to Steven and all the friends they have blessed with their lives.

Bu Wilson
Sunday, November 14, 2021

Harlan was my Godfather, and so much more. When I was young he treated me as a beloved nephew, and he treated me with respect at a time when very few did. He was a brilliant, artistic, kind, wise, and classy male role model when I desperately needed one in my life. I still have fond memories of going with him to Things & Things as a child, and being allowed to pick out my own gift. Later, he was always a good, good friend and advisor. His house was always full of light and love (and glass). I love Harlan and will miss him always. My loving condolences to Steven.

Charles Vane
Sunday, November 14, 2021

Harlan Sifford was a finely educated wonderful southern gentleman, thoughtful, gracious and generous in every circumstance. During the years I worked under him at the University of Iowa Art Department library I grew to admire him greatly, and was proud to call him my friend. His house was a jewel box of judiciously selected fine art objects, some of which, the crystal ones, would throw rainbows out his front window as you approached his door. I now have a big long cut crystal bobech hanging by my front door in his memory. I will always miss him.

Ed Arensdorf
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
<< Back to listing
Clive.jpg

"Iowa Cremation gave me extraordinary support when my husband passed away. Everything was handled with compassion and respect, and for that I am forever grateful."

- Barbara B. from Clive, Iowa

Muscatine.jpg

"Iowa Cremation's service was incredible and I tell everyone they should preplan with their staff."

- Patti B. from Muscatine, Iowa

Wapello.jpg

"The compassion and professional care extended to us by Iowa Cremation was very consoling and deeply appreciated by our family."

- Mary Ellen M. from Lansing, Iowa