Harvey LeRoy Bragg

Harvey LeRoy Bragg (age 87 years), born September 12, 1932 at Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho, USA, peacefully passed away February 18, 2020 at his home in West Valley City, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA. He is survived by his wife Claudia Ruth Florence, sons Harvey Dean (Kay), Thomas Scott (Jill), daughters Carolyn Ruth, Karen Diane Briggs (Doug), Sharon Leann Kearns (Jason), seventeen grandchildren, and a plethora of great-grandchildren.

Harvey, son of Benjamin Calvin Bragg, Sr. and Sarah Mae Blaser, was raised in Pocatello Idaho, by his grandmother, Anna Sommors Blaser. After graduating from high school in Pocatello, he enlisted in the US Army Corps of Engineers. While still in the Army he met his future wife, Claudia, in Fairbanks, Alaska while Claudia was visiting her sister and her sister’s husband who was also stationed in Fairbanks. They knew Harvey from the local LDS serviceman’s branch, where they made the introductions.

Harvey was a life-long, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having served as a missionary in the Swiss Mission after his stint in the Army. He accepted a variety of callings as a church member, and always did his best to faithfully serve in his responsibilities.

Soon after Harvey returned from his mission to Switzerland, he and Claudia were married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple August 22, 1958. He then enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and eventually graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. By then, Harvey and Claudia had welcomed two sons into their family: Harvey Dean and Thomas Scott. Daughter Carolyn Ruth was soon to follow.

Harvey and Claudia purchased a house in Hunter, Utah (now West Valley City), when Harvey began working for Hercules, Inc., designing the guidance system for the Polaris missile. He was soon transferred to Cumberland, Maryland, where the family expected to be staying for many years, however the next year saw them return to Utah, where they purchased the home that is still the family residence. During these years daughters Karen Diane and Sharon Leann were added to the fold.

Harvey was gifted in technical matters and worked in a variety of engineering and computer-related jobs, including developing and installing automated warehousing systems, administering the electric power grid for the western United States, and programming mainframes for First Security Bank in Utah. His work was instrumental in making the first ATM machines for the bank a success.

After retiring from First Security Bank, Harvey began to pursue in earnest his favorite life-long hobby, oil painting. He took lessons and developed his talent, eventually winning many ribbons (including 1st Place) at the Utah State Fair. Family members and friends are the recipients of his beautiful paintings.

Harvey’s most appreciated characteristic, however, was not technical or creative; rather, he devoted nearly all of his time, talents, and energy to serving others, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. After he retired, he also began volunteering to tutor economically disadvantaged students at the local junior high school, where he touched many lives for good in the years he taught there. He was always willing to share what he had with those in need. He told wonderful stories from his childhood and books he had read (and his imagination); he was highly effective at calming worried, homesick, and crying children; his love for his family, friends, and community members knew no bounds, and he was ever sensitive to the needs and comfort of those around him. All who knew him also knew they could count on him whenever difficulties arose. He left a legacy of service, hard work, and compassion.

His presence is still felt, and his legacy and posterity live on.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 29th, at 1pm at the LDS Stake House, 3737 South 5600 West, West Valley City. Viewing to be held February 28th, from 6-8pm and prior to the services 12-12:45pm at the same location.

Special “Thanks” to: CNS Home Health & Hospice, Valley View Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Bishop Coles, Hunter 3rd Ward RS, Scott & Delores Baker, Cindy Hedenstrom and other family & friends.