William “Bill” Howard Harvey, 80, of Helena, died at home on June 11, 2011. Bill was born to Norman and Florence Harvey on August 23, 1930, in Flint, Michigan, where he attended Hoover High School. Later he was employed by Buick Motor Division. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the 3rd Air Wing until 1953. Following his honorable discharge he returned to work at Buick. On October 26, 1957, he and his sweetheart, Alice Reddy, were married and shortly thereafter headed to Helena, MT. Bill was soon employed by Grimes Buick Dealership and remained there for 32 years, most of that time as Service Manager.
Among Bill’s many interests and hobbies were painting, woodwork, sculpturing, leather work, golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening and especially family activities. He left many pieces of his art work that his family will cherish through the years. He eagerly anticipated hunting and fishing season every year. His last outing on the water with fishing pole in hand was less than 30 days ago. He enjoyed that day very much.
His sense of humor was enjoyed by all who knew him and he kept us all laughing, even in his last days. He offered advice freely on anything from vehicles to the best kind of tree to plant. The most important lesson he passed on to us, his children, was to love your family and friends because they are the most valuable things you will ever have.
There is a Marine tattoo on his arm that reads “Semper Fidelis.” That simple saying reflects everything Bill has been all his life, “Always Faithful.” The tattoo has faded over the years but will continue to leave a legacy to all who love and miss him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Alice Harvey; children, Michael (Lisa) Harvey, David (Sheila) Harvey, Paula Clinch, Karen (Larry) Ferguson, and Robert Harvey; sister, Betty Geyer of Flint, MI; grandchildren, Justin and Hannah Harvey, Tara (Dustin) Nordhagen, Kristin (Jeff) Filcher, Lauren and Ryan Clinch, Jacob, Lucas, and Scott Ferguson, and Bryce and Dava Harvey; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Kylie Nordhagen, and Braelynn Filcher; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Harvey; and infant daughter, Maryann Harvey.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 16th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 17th at Cathedral of St. Helena. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Bill’s name are suggested to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Brenda Deyerle says
Alice and Bob,
Ron and I were deeply saden to hear about Bill’s Passing. We have great memories of Bill that will always be in our hearts forever. Your entire family is in our prayers and thoughts.
Charlie & Mike Phelps says
Dearest Alice and Family
So very sorry to hear of Bills passing. We always enjoyed our meetings with you and Bill and always had a laugh about one thing or the other.
Will be in touch with you when we get home.
Much Love and Prayers
Charlie & Mike Phelps
Debbie Cooper says
Dear Alice, Paula, Karen & Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved husband and father. I will miss seeing Bill at the grandkids sporting events. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya. Deb
Duane & Barb Robertson says
We are thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your husband/dad. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Love,
Duane and Barb
John & Judy Havrilla says
Hi to all the Harvey family
Just want all of you to know I am grieving
with you and wish I could be there with you.
I have so many memories of all the times I
was around Uncle Bill that will stay with me
forever.Having lived across the street from
him if he was outside I would run over to see
what he was doing and he was always so much fun
to be around. Now when I look back I sure was a
pain in !!!!!! but that was why I loved him
so much. Love to all of you. Judy
John & Lorraine Watson says
Alice and family…
Our deepest sympathy to each of you at the loss of Bill. We will always remember him as a kind and caring man.
John and Lorraine Watson
John & Sara Havrilla says
My memory of Uncle Bill was from our family trip to Montana back in 1970-something, when he pulled out the kitchen screen to shoot something (a cat I think) on the backyard fence. Still remember that!
We send our heart felt condolences to you all.
Lynn & Kelly Tuck says
Alice – I did not really know Bill but I have fond memories of your tennis and golf days with Linda. My thoughts are with you and your wonderful family during this sad time. Memories and family will be your strength and comfort in the days and years to come.
Warmest Regards, Lynn (& Kelly) Tuck
Ray Sharp says
Bill you will be missed!
Rhonda Strainer says
Alice and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bill. I’m praying all the wonderful memories you hold close to your heart will sustain your grief today and in the days ahead.
Rhonda Strainer Score
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
I was so sorry to hear of William’s passing. My sister and I always enjoyed visiting with him when he would come in to get his hunting/fishing licenses, he will truly be missed in our office. My condolences go out to his family. God Bless
The Conner's says
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachal, Luke and Lila Conner
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Alice and the Harvey Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was truly a fine man with a wonderful sense of humor and a strong work ethic. He will surely be missed by you all. Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers. We send our Love and Sympathy.
Trudy Eaton says
My deepest sympathies and love are with you all. 3 generations of my family liked and respected Bill. I always wished he was my dad too. I have found in life that great memories are the key to happiness. Thank you for making so many great ones with me. I still remember Bill putting the “mouse” in my mailbox. You all are so in my heart and thoughts. I adored him and as always, all of you. My deepest sympathy from my family to yours. Love, Trudy