Obituary of Harvey Nelson

Harvey Earl Nelson, recently of Langley B.C., formerly of McLure, B.C., passed away peacefully with family at his side, on February 13, 2021 at the age of 87.  

 

Harvey was the youngest of six sons born to Andy and Lavina Nelson on September 6, 1933 in the tiny hamlet of Lafleche, Saskatchewan. His was a rough and tumble prairie upbringing lived during the Depression and Second World War. After graduating high school, Harvey set off to find work. He found himself in places like Radium City in Saskatchewan’s far north, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, where he met and married his first wife, Roswyn. 

 

An early interest in the workings of radio and television led to Harvey’s career in the emerging field of electronic media.  With four of his five brothers residing in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Harvey moved there also and went into business with his brother Lorne; they opened Northern Video Electronics in 1963.  In 1970, Harvey moved to McLure, British Columbia with his second wife, Olga.  He worked for Kamloops School District in their maintenance department and later, drove the school bus on the McLure-Barriere route.  Harvey finished his work life as Ferry Operator, plying the McLure Ferry across the North Thompson River. 

 

 In 1980, Harvey, his brother Lorne and son Brian purchased an island adjacent to Harvey’s mainland acreage. Eventually, Nelson Island (as it’s now known locally) became Harvey’s home, as well as home to some of his children, on and off. Harvey forged many trails on the island and he and his beloved dog, Pablo spent many seasons hiking them.  Summers on the island were filled with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who came to swim, camp, hike, target-shoot, dirt-bike, fish and hang out with Grandpa.

Harvey’s favourite pastime was driving the back-country roads of southern B.C.  Sometimes he went in search of lost treasure, sometimes to pan for gold, but mostly, he enjoyed being in the great outdoors. Many friends, like his good friend Al Dunn, and some of his children, joined him on his travels on occasion, though gold was always elusive. 

 

In truth, Harvey didn’t need to search for treasure; he had a heart of gold and an abiding faith in God. Some might say he was generous to a fault. Many a tatty stranger was invited to sleep on his couch or partake at his table; some became his life-long friends. Harvey’s legacy is one of kindness, hospitality and genuine concern for his fellows.  Even in his last years, Harvey was quick to reach out to help others, push them along in their wheelchairs or sit with someone otherwise alone.  

 

Harvey is survived by seven children.  His first family: Brian (Jacquie), Rhonda (Mitch), David (Allison), Kenneth (Sandra) and their mother, Roswyn, and his second family: Harley (Marni), Melanie, Heidi (Colin) and their mother, Olga.  He leaves behind fifteen grandchildren: Stephanie, Ryan, Tim, Josh, Michelle, Kyle, Johnny, Katy, Matthew, Michael, Megan, Tyler, Cara, Courtney and Emersyn as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Lois Nelson.  Harvey is predeceased by his parents, Andy and Lavina Nelson and by his brothers, Allen, Bob, Morley, Gordon and Lorne Nelson.

 

A private ceremony to take place at a future date.  

 

Harvey’s family would like to express their gratefulness for the compassionate staff at Fort Langley Seniors Community, especially during these most difficult times. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Harvey’s memory to the Fort Langley Seniors Community’s recreation department are welcome.