Kenneth L Harvey

Kenneth L Harvey

1927 – 2024

The funeral broadcast can be viewed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/SObUvEBjc8A

Heaven and Earth said “Aloha” to Kenneth L Harvey, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother when he returned to his Heavenly Father at the age of 96 on July 18, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children. He was born on December 11, 1927, in Pleasant Grove, Utah to his father Leo Paul Harvey and his mother Arvilla Christensen Harvey; he was the fourth of six boys.

Many of Ken’s fondest childhood memories are of working on the family farm in Manila (currently part of Cedar Hills/Pleasant Grove) with his parents and five other brothers. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic. Ken often recounted that whenever any of the boys complained of long or difficult work, their father would respond, “Let’s take a break and go pick cherries.” Ken enjoyed a close relationship with his parents and brothers. He also enjoyed all sports, especially boxing with his brothers, basketball, football, and bowling.

When Ken was 13 years old, he started walking to school with his neighbor, Elizabeth Simper. It was love at first sight. They were inseparable childhood sweethearts. In Ken’s words, “My heart told me she was the ‘one’ when I was a junior in high school, but I had to wait until I had returned from fulfilling my mission.” Their favorite date was attending dances together and dancing to the song “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” In the 11th grade, Ken asked Elizabeth to “go steady,” which they did through the rest of high school, his freshmen year of college, and during Ken’s two-and-a-half-year LDS mission.

During Ken’s interview, prior to submitting his mission papers, he was asked where he would like to serve. He indicated he would like to go to the same mission as his brother, Gene – the Eastern Central States Mission. To his surprise, when his mission call came, it was the opposite direction 3000 miles to the west, the Hawaiian Mission. On October 13, 1947, he embarked to Hawaii on one of the most impactful adventures of his life. When he stepped off the ocean liner in Honolulu and received a lei greeting, Ken’s heart immediately felt the spirit of “Aloha.” He served on every island in Hawaii including Molokai’s leper colony and developed beautiful friendships with members, companions, and investigators alike. Unable to leave the Hawaiian people he had grown to love through his heartfelt service, he asked for a four-month mission extension. That love was reciprocal, and when the time came for Elder Harvey to return home, a group of local members gathered to sing to him “Aloha ‘Oe,” the Hawaiian Farewell Song, and shower him with leis and shell necklaces.

When he returned home, Ken was ready to embark on a different type of adventure with his sweetheart who patiently waited for him the extra four months. On September 17, 1950, Ken asked for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage in American Fork Canyon. Ken sang the words from the song “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and pulled out a diamond ring “prize” in a Cracker Jack box. They were married and sealed two months later on November 10, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple by Joseph Fielding Smith. At their wedding reception, they danced to their song “Always” and Ken’s missionary companions sang the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.”

Their first home was in Pleasant Grove on the south end of the Harvey farm, and he started his first business, “Ken’s Conoco Super Service Station” in American Fork. One day while helping his dad on the farm, Ken had a serious toxic reaction to the chemicals used to spray fruit trees. They decided it was time for Ken to find different work to support his family. He returned to BYU and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1960. He had a long career at Hercules Aerospace as a Technical Superintendent until he retired nearly 30 years later.

Ken’s favorite pastimes revolved around his family and service in the community. Ken enjoyed and found fulfillment in the service he completed as President of the Pleasant Grove Kiwanis Club. He also served in various other leadership positions with the Kiwanis Club such as the Chairman of Foreign Relations and Lieutenant Governor. He enjoyed bowling and even won first place his first year when he joined a league with his son, Richard. Later, he joined the Senior bowling league and bowled twice a week at Jack n Jill’s in American Fork. At 86 years old, he retired his bowling ball to care for his wife after open heart surgery. He loved spending time with his family and was always ready to practice sports, help with homework, play games, and dance with Betty. Later, he looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and often attended sporting games and special events, hosted sleepovers, and always gave out big hugs and special treats. One of the family’s favorite memories was when Ken and Elizabeth took all their children and grandchildren to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ken and Elizabeth’s love for their own eternal family naturally led them to love the temple. They served many years in the Provo and Mount Timpanogos Temples. As a lifelong faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served in numerous church callings. He magnified the admonition to invite all to come unto Christ. Members of the church, his family, and the community knew Ken for his firm handshake, contagious laughter, bright smile, and unfailing optimism.

Kenneth L Harvey was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Elizabeth Simper Harvey; his parents, Leo and Arvilla Harvey; his brothers Richard, Gene, JH, James, and David; as well as his greatgrandchild, Chase Fowler. He is survived by his children, Richard Harvey, Kathy (Dale) Poulson, and Cindy (Paul) Hopkins, his eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Aloha Dad and Grandpa, we love you “Always.”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Alpine Country Club LDS Chapel located at 5212 West Country Club Drive, Highland, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 am. The interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

The funeral broadcast can be viewed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/SObUvEBjc8A

We would like to thank all our family, friends, neighbors, and Warenski Funeral Home for the loving support we’ve received during this time. The family gives special thanks to the compassionate and dedicated service of A-Plus Hospice, especially his nurse Michelle and his health aides Malene and Celia, who not only provided valued hospice services but also love and friendship