We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend to all, Harvo. He leaves behind his loving family Gwen, Adam (Carolyn), and Emma. Born in Tennessee, growing up in Bel Air, MD, he attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. He loved Canada and became a citizen in 1970. He had many jobs in his life starting as a teacher and ending as a Staff Representative and Honourary Life Member of the BCGEU. For those who knew him, his kindness, sense of humour, and storytelling were legendary.
Legendary
He crossed into our world at the invisible line of 49
Deserting civil unrest, broken promises, and shattered dreams
Arriving with peace in his heart
Larger than life with a hearty laugh, quick wit and a fountain of knowledge
Humour was the friend that punctuated his gift to tell a tale
He held court like no other
Duchess, prince, princess orbiting his sun
He was a voice for the voiceless, dealing fairness and equity-like a deck of cards
Yet his game was baseball
A hometown fan to the end, following the show, a player in his own right and fantasy…
Always managing the stats
Another crossing, invisible and silent, shattered dreams and weeping hearts…
Leaving a mountain of memories
This legend of a man
Annie G…
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
-
Jerry Taylor
-
Norma Martin Dear Gwen,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Harvey far too soon, and also sorry that I did not really know him. I have fond memories of my games with you on the tennis court, starting in late 2002, and the visit that a few of us tennis friends had with you in Courtenay.
Thinking of you with sympathy and hope that we will have an opportunity for a visit in the near future.
Norma
-
Gayle Nye Dear Gwen and family,
So very saddened to learn of Harvey’s passing and sending heartfelt condolences.
Harvey was a valued colleague and advocate, approaching his work with care, sensitivity and humanity.
Very best thoughts and hearts afloat in his memory, Gayle
-
Louise de Lugt Dear Gwen and family,
I am so very sorry about Harvey’s death. He was a confidante to me and a great asset to our condo building always keeping strata fees down with his work. He has helped me with things I needed help with too. I often saw him outside and we chatted about everything and nothing. His humour and story-telling will be sorely missed!
He was a fine man with a kind soul.
Take care of yourselves and be gentle with yourselves,
Louise de Lugt
-
Jenn Weber Harv and Gwens home was my “other” home for most of my teenage years until they moved to Victoria a couple years before Emma and I graduated. I was so sad to lose my best friend and second family but frequent visits by train from comox made it possible to see them. Harv was such a gentle giant to me. His laugh and humour made me smile and he always made me feel at home. I especially loved when he would play his “mouth horn” early in the morning when Emma and I would rise from her room not quite ready to take on the day yet. It was amazing how much he sounded like a real trombone 🙂
I will always cherish my time and memories I had being a part of their family. Love to you Gwen, Emma and Adam.
-
Lena Bradsen As a close friend to his daughter Emma I got to spend time with Harvey a few times. Wonderful man that was so loved by his family. His calming presence was so nice to be around.
I know he is dearly missed. I offer my condolences with such a difficult loss.
Lena
-
marie curry Gwen I am so sorry to hear about Harvs passing last week.
Thinking of you.
-
Elsie McMurphy Dear Gwen,
Graham and I were shocked and saddened at the news Harvey had died so suddenly, and send our deep and warm condolences to you, Adam and Emma.
Such a man- in every sense of that word! His twinkling eyes, sotto voce comments on life’s passing parade and thoughtful kindliness will stay in our memories.
With sympathy and love,
Elsie
-
Darlene Thorburn Gwen, I am so saddened to hear about Harvey. I worked with Harvey for years and he was a valued friend. His humour is legendary and more than once it made my day. My heart and thoughts are with you, Adam and Emma. He loved you all so much. My thoughts are with all of you. Take care of each other.
Darlene Thorburn
-
Mike Orders Dear Gwen,
Mike Orders and Tereena Perfitt here. We both worked with Harvey at the BCGEU and we must say that this news is ever so sad to hear. Harvey was a great guy and you are right, a legend in his storytelling.
He was a colleague we were all fortunate to have bringing reasoned thoughts and discussions to all that we did. Truly a huge loss for your family and friends.
The pain you and your family must be feeling reflects the love and closeness you all shared and were truly blessed by.
Only the best of thoughts are with you, Adam, Carolyn and Emma.
Stay strong and take care,
Mike and Tereena.
I remember Harvey as a happy and delightful person at Bel Air High School. His humor and sensitivity to fair play was always part of his personality. I was President of the Senior class at BAHS. We all loved Harvey and missed seeing or hearing from him over the years. He was a wonderful person.