Harry Woods, Bruce Day and Ghazi Rayan MD

This book is a singular and fascinating trio of autobiographies and memoirs that tells the inspiring stories of three men’s interesting lives and the strong friendship they formed in their middle years. All with modest upbringings, Harry Woods, Bruce Day, and Ghazi Rayan overcame many difficult obstacles to become accomplished professionals and highly respected in their community. There is much storytelling in each of the memoirs, along with some historical background to the times they lived through. It is all about the importance of friendship, living healthy physical, intellectual, and emotional lives, and perseverance that are indispensable for happiness in life.

The co-authors’ friendship began in middle age, a time when most men find it difficult to create and foster new relationships with other men.  While their interest in bicycling and rock climbing initially brought them together, their shared curiosity about almost everything and desire to keep learning while pursuing an active lifestyle allowed them to relate to each other. All were from modest backgrounds and overcame multiple challenges to become accomplished professionals in their respective fields.  As a result of a common desire to impart a message about the importance of friendships and determination to younger generations, the three men penned an autobiography and memoir about their collective friendship.

In Trilogy of Perseverance, the authors seek to present a primer for healthy living for the body, mind and spirit. Offering personal anecdotes alongside historical references, the authors share a universal message about the value of hard work, which they consider quintessential for success.

About the co-authors:

Harry Woods was one the leading trial lawyers of his time and had a national practice focused on securities fraud class actions. He grew up in southeastern Oklahoma, attended New York University Law School and joined the White and Case law firm, one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City. He moved to Oklahoma City, where he was a member of Crowe & Dunlevy, the oldest and second-largest law firm in Oklahoma until his passing in March 2021. He was married for 53 years. In addition to his family, professional, and intellectual pursuits, he was a lifelong amateur athlete who pursued bicycling, wind surfing, rock climbing, and mountain climbing.

Bruce Day is a semi-retired attorney who has had a national practice involving securities fraud cases. He founded his own firm after serving with the Securities Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. and as the youngest administrator in the history of the Oklahoma Department of Securities. He joined Crowe & Dunlevy Law Firm in Oklahoma City, as the co-chair of the securities litigation practice group. He has been very active in state and community affairs. He has three daughters and three grandchildren. He and his wife travel extensively, and have participated in bicycling events and tours in Europe, Africa, South America, and the United States. He treasures his family and friends; a circle he actively engages in expanding.