Harvey Gilbert Harper

October 4th, 1918 - November 2nd, 2010

Harvey G. Harper was born at his parents' home in Eureka, California on October 4th, 1918 to pioneer automobile dealer Harvey M. Harper and his wife, Maisie Lucretia (Morgan). He was educated in local schools including Washington Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Eureka High School, and Humboldt State University. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Stanford University in 1941. During World War II, he served in the Navy. The family business, Harper Motors, was established in 1912 by Harvey M. Harper, Harvey G.'s father. Harvey M. originally came to Eureka in 1904 and made his living selling jellies door-to-door. In 1912, his father made the now-famous trip from Phoenix Arizona to Eureka in a Ford Model T to begin the successful legacy in the automobile business. In 1943, Harvey G. began suggesting to his father, his ability to manage the family business. One day, his father went home and it wasn't until some days later that Harvey drove to his father's home to find him plowing his field. When asked by the younger Harper for some advice in running the dealership, Harvey M. reminded his son that he told him that he was ready to run the business, and resumed plowing the field. At that point, Harvey realized he was in charge of the family business; he was 25 years of age. Harvey grew the family business far beyond what he assumed from his father. Together with Iver Isackson, he opened the Ford dealership in Arcata, CA. With his nephew Larry Torgersen, he opened the Ford dealership in Crescent City, CA. He and his son Dan opened Mid-City Motor World, now Eureka's Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Scion dealership. He opened Sole Savers Auto Sales in Eureka, CA and Medford, OR. He founded an automobile finance company, Northwest Acceptance Corporation. Harper Motors, now under the management of Harvey's grandson Trevor, is approaching its 100th anniversary, which will occur in February 2012. Harper Motors is one of the oldest automobile dealerships in the country. Harvey always made it a point that his businesses' success was due to his employees' skill, dedication, and loyalty. Harvey Harper actively engaged in serving Humboldt County's community for many years. His service included membership on the Eureka City Planning Commission, member of the Humboldt County Fair Board, past president of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the St. Joseph Hospital Advisory Board, and past president of the Ingomar Club, past president of the Humboldt County Motor Car Dealers Association. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Eureka beginning in 1942, serving as its president during the 1950-51 year. He was a generous donor to countless worthwhile organizations throughout his long life. Accolades Mr. Harper collected include: Time-Life Automobile Dealer of the Year, Humboldt County Republican of the Year, Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Rotary Club Honored Member, Ingomar Club Honored Member, Humboldt State University Man of the Year. Harvey Harper maintained a collection of antique and classic automobiles. A lifelong passion, he amassed a world-class assortment of fine automobiles. Always with a generous heart, he made his collection available to the public for fund-raising events, parades, and weddings. Often, one would see him driving his "old cars" around the county with his family and friends on outings and picnics. In 2006, by invitation, he entered his 1927 LaSalle in the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance at Monterey, California. His collection was restored and maintained by his mechanics and good friends Jimmy Dunlop and Sheldon Hopkins, and most recently by his museum curator of 33 years, Floyd Myers. Harvey greatly enjoyed traveling the world. His travels included: China, India, New Zealand, Albania, Croatia, the Amazon River in South America, Sicily, Germany, France, Italy and Europe in general. On numerous occasions, he journeyed to Ireland, England, Mexico, and Canada. In fact, he was recently planning a trip with his wife, Dr. Joan Davies to Morocco and Spain, followed by a trip to the Dominican Republic for Christmas this year. Harvey enjoyed duck hunting. In fact, he and his friends, Frank Ray, Frank Turner, and Adrian Robinson bought property on Woodley Island, barged a bulldozer across the channel, and dug out their own duck hunting pond. Later, when the City of Eureka passed an ordinance making it illegal to hunt within the city limits, Harvey went to City Hall to amend the law's text, adding "except on Woodley Island". He enjoyed continuing the farming operations at Anne Wilson's (mother-in-law) farm in Freshwater. Among his fondly remembered work was cattle raising, fence repair, land stewardship. His brothers and sisters were Ru-Flo Harper-Lee(d) and husband Frank(d) and their children Tim Lee (Lynne), Terry Head (Loran), and Tammy Aronson (Rich); Arvilla Swanlund(d) and husband Oscar(d) and their children Sam(d) (Wanda), David(d) (Joyce) and Loring(d) (Jackie); Laura Lea Torgersen(d) and husband Carl(d) and their children Carl (Dolores), Mitch (Helen), Larry (Audrey(d)), and Carla; Marjorie Jenson(d) and husband Bernhart(d); Harmony Moreland(d) and her husband John(d) and their children Chris (Nora) and Debbie Stephens (Dale); and Geddes Harper(d). By his first marriage, to Mildred Johnson(d) he became a loving father to three boys: Geddes E. Harper(d); Michael G. Harper(d) (Donna) and their child Eric (Maiko) and their children Sophie Hana and Lauren; Harvey Danney Harper (Beverly) and their children Courtney, Elizabeth Hall (Mark) and Harvey Trevor Harper (Wendy) and their children Harvey Morgan, Marshall Wesley and Rose Marie. By his second marriage, to A. Elizabeth Wilson(d), he gained a step-son, C. H. "Butch" Parton Jr. and together with Elizabeth, became the loving father of Elizabeth Anne Harper-Lawson (Stewart (d)) and their child Elizabeth Starbright By his third marriage, to Joan F. C. Davies, M.D., he became the loving step-father to three children and their families: Kim Davies and her daughter Erin Roth; Lynne Davies (Laurent Mar‚chal) and their daughters Christine and Jacquie Mar‚chal; Dale Davies, M.D. (Mary) and their sons Arthur and Kevin Davies. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He passed away at his home in Eureka on November 2nd, 2010 with his wife Joan Davies, M.D. by his side. Private family services are being held. Honorary pall-bearers will be Connie Griffin, Floyd Myers, Carl Schneider, Bill Lambo, Bill Davis, Rick Hrdina, Evo Fanucchi, Micky Wahlund(d), Doug Powell(d), Tony Ghera(d). In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to any of the following organizations: Boy Scouts of America Redwood Empire Council, Humboldt County Historical Society, Eureka Heritage Society, Sequoia Park and Zoo Foundation, Humboldt Arts Council. In case you do send flowers, please avoid lilies (he's allergic to them). A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be on Saturday, November 13th at 1:00 pm. Please contact Pierce Mortuary Chapels at (707) 442-3751 for details. Please sign the guest book at www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from November 5 to November 13, 2010