I was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend to all, jokester and a man of many hats ... literally. Some might also say that I was of a thorough, particular and scrupulous character; in fact, you might find my name in Webster’s Dictionary under “meticulous” — but it’s always been important to me that things are done with excellence, class and careful consideration.
My journey began in the freezing December of ‘49. Tucked away in the warm comfort of my mother’s womb, I realized it was too cold to make my entry, so I waited for a warmer day and arrived on Jan. 23, 1950.
I had a wonderful life with my parents and sister Linda. Every time we had an outing, Mom would chase us with a washcloth to make sure our faces were clean (that happened often). Later on, the grandkids had that pleasure.
On May 18, 1974, I married the love of my life, Peggy Ramón. We had three beautiful children, and after them came eight wonderful and “not” spoiled grandchildren.
My passion has always been the outdoors, admiring everything God has created, including all things historical, wise and beautiful given to us by Native Americans. Of course, you all know that I love fishing; maybe you’ve even heard a good fishing story or two and wondered if they were true … I’ll let you use your own imagination. I especially loved fishing in the middle of winter and sleeping on the frozen lake, listening to the ice crackle, wondering if it would break beneath me.
During summertime, I loved walking the hills where I could best hear the birds’ beautiful voices. At lunchtime, I sat on the tailgate of the old truck, listening to my favorite: Bar J Wranglers. While doing this, I enjoyed my chocolate milk and doughnuts as I watched the ants and scorpions. Yes, scorpions, scurrying away with the leftover crumbs. (Just a side note — scorpions would rather have salami.)
As a member of the Presbyterian Church, I was an Elder and Clerk of the Session. I was quick to help with janitorial duties: shoveling snow, mowing the lawn and helping those in need. Unfortunately, as my illness progressed, I could no longer help as much as I wanted. However, at any time of my life, I always tried to spread the Lord’s words and teachings and tried my best to serve others in a Christ-like way.
I was a Mason for more than 25 years and held several offices, including Master of the Blue Lodge twice and KYCH, the Worthy Patron of Esther Chapter 9, Order of the Eastern Star. I also enjoyed many years alongside the lovely ladies in Job’s Daughters, Bethel No. 19. I was a proud member of the Korein Temple. As a Shriner, I held several offices, including president of the Evanston Shrine Club. It filled my heart with joy to help the children receive needed care. The yearly May Onion Sales was one of my favorite fund raisers, with all the proceeds going to the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thank you to everyone in the community who made the sales successful.
For over 15 years, I was a member of the Evanston Car Club. I made many forever friends, participating in the various car shows throughout the west. It was always a great time (sometimes stressful) organizing the many car shows in Evanston, but it was well worth it knowing all the proceeds were for the children to have warm coats and dry boots. Thank you to the many who contributed their time and donations to this fundraiser.
Recently, I took great honor in sketching various pictures for family and friends … well, really anybody, sometimes leaving a little piece of art on my napkins at restaurants. If you were lucky, I might have even included a good joke.
My journey here on earth ended peacefully on May 20. I am going home to be in God’s loving arms, with my parents, Ralph and Olympia Harvey; my mother and father in-law, Isabel and Deloris Ramón; as well as my grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and our family dog, Chico.
With love, I leave behind my wife, Peggy of 43 years; my children, Lisa (Jerimy) Silcox, Stephanie (Wesley) Mills and Casey (Janalee) Harvey; my grandchildren, Cutter, Kodi and Kaitlynn Silcox, Jeffrey and Jacob Mills, and Caleb, Carter and Cayllen Harvey. I also leave my sister Linda (Randy) Ottley, her daughter Darby (Mike) Bailey and their son Aydyn; Shawn (Roni) Ottley and Jamie (Bret) Cook; my brothers-in-law Ed Ramón and Steven (Jo) Ramón, as well as my Uncle Vic and Aunt Isabel of Las Vegas, Aunt Mary of Bridger Valley, Ron Harvey (my other-brother) and numerous cousins and dear friends. Last but not least, I cannot forget my devoted pup, Juno.
To my family, church family, car club friends, Masons, Shriners, fishing buddies and numerous pals collected over the years, thank you for everything. I am forever grateful for the things you have done, visits you have made, food you have brought and love you have shared. I also want to give a special thanks to Compassionate Journey Home Health and Sara and Sam at Best Home Health and Hospice.
My journey has ended, but yours has not. Cherish and enjoy our memories together, and know that my spirit is with you as you continue to love and serve others.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
There will be a graveside service at the Evanston City Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30. A Celebration of Life with light refreshments will directly follow at the Evanston City Roundhouse at 1500 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Shriners Hospital or the Union Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be given at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
