Obituary of William Alexander Harvey

William Alexander Harvey, known as “Alex” (usually pronounced “Alec”), of Hanna, Alberta, passed away at the Hanna Long Term Care facility on December 8, 2017 at the age of 96. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan, in 1994, and is survived by his loving children, Billy and Janet, their supportive spouses Mare and Cory, and his grandchildren Dylan, Jasper, Anya, and Liam. Alex was born in Kelowna, BC, on February 24, 1921, the second of six children, to David and Marguerite (Rita) Harvey (née Reid). He is survived by his siblings Ann Schell (White Rock, BC), Joyce Gauthier (Burnaby, BC), and Frank Harvey (Hanna, AB), and was predeceased by brothers Jack in 1972 and Richard in 2011. Alex worked as a farmhand and butcher’s boy growing up, and as a young adult became a truck driver, hauling gasoline and helping to build the Alaska Highway. He then founded Harvey Drilling, working, with brothers Jack and Frank, to drill seismic shot-holes in the far North. Eventually, he converted Harvey Drilling into a water well and pump service business, which he owned and operated for many years in Hanna until his retirement. He believed that one of his finest achievements was somehow convincing the pretty Irish schoolteacher, Joan O’Shea, to stay in Canada, marry him in 1966, and raise a family. Alex was proud to be a part of the Hanna community for his entire life (he finally retired from the curling rink at the age of 94), where he was known for his good humour and kindness. He was always ready for a game of crib, which he took great pleasure in, win or lose. Alex also delighted in knowing the friends of his children, who always looked forward to their conversations with him and many of whom regarded him as a father figure. It is perhaps the best evidence of a life well-lived that, when asked if he would change anything about his life, Alex responded no, he would do it all again, in exactly the same way. A memorial service celebrating Alex’s life will be held in 2018 in Hanna on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance. Alex’s family gratefully acknowledges the care and kindness he received from the excellent staff at the Acadia Lodge, Hanna Hospital, and Hanna Long Term Care. Donations may be made to: STARS Calgary Base Head Office 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary AB T2E 8M7 Tel: 1-403-295-1811