Harvey Raymond Wolcott

We grieve over his physical departure, while lifted in pride over his accomplished and extraordinary life. It is with incredible sorrow that we provide notice of the passing of our father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor, patriarch, and husband.

Harvey Raymond Wolcott was born to a simple yet challenged life on the plains of western North Dakota, one of seven sons that would quickly learn the value of perseverance. With the early loss of his father and, later, two younger brothers, his boyhood antics as an ice delivery boy would take a sobering turn.

Enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II, "Harv" would not only become a man but uncover a fascination with airplanes. He would return from Italy to marry his sweetheart, Maxine Riley and together, they would move to Salt Lake City and take employment from his brother Vern in a humble, new optical manufacturing and retail company. Wolcott Optical Service, along with a love of airplanes, automobiles, and a blossoming family, would become his passions.

His incredible work ethic was centered around family first and it provided much success. It led to him purchasing Wolcott Optical and would afford a wonderful home for his family, the realized dream of his own airplane, and a fascination with stocks and bonds.

After forty some years, and now with three grown children to maintain the family business, Harvey laid out his plan to retire, cloaked in an air of surprise. You see, we all thought him to be consumed, reluctant to ever take a break. He was the consummate provider. Though we enjoyed countless weekend adventures and even plane trips that Harv would pilot, retirement seemed void in his vocabulary. He proved us wrong.

But he retired only from the day to day, dawn till dusk, nurturing of the company he had grown. His true dream in business was to create a legacy. One to pass to his children and possibly beyond. A living, viable family heirloom.

Harvey and Maxine would travel across the country in their motor coach, expanding not only their horizons but life experiences as well. They were now enjoying yardwork, appreciating hard earned comfort, welcoming grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, all bathed in the glow of blooming memories.

At the age of 97, Harvey was the very definition of patriarch. His strength and his character became our pillar. Along with his daughter, Janet, he became a selfless caregiver to Maxine before losing her to heaven. And even after this heartbreak, he rallied... relishing time with family. It was only with the arrival of a late, cold winter that his mortality would be revealed.

On Saturday, the 19th of December, having been admitted to the hospital less than a week prior and having given his best, Harvey succumbed. He had told his doctor the evening prior that he was done. Typical Harv... he wasn't kidding!

"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be", George A. Sheehan wrote.

To that end, our patriarch will forever be an inspiration and never absent from our thoughts.

Preceded in death by: father Guy Wolcott, mother Elsie Brothers, wife Maxine, eldest son James and brothers Vern, Glen and Harold Wolcott and Wesley, Bobby and Willis Stelter.

Survived by: second son Ron (Chris Collier), daughter Janet (Jim Jensen), eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private graveside service was held, Saturday, December 26th at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.wasatchlawn.com. A celebration of Harv’s life will be held at a future date when restrictions have been lifted.

In closing we would ask that you please wear a protective mask during these challenging times. No one will live forever but no one should lose their life due to someone else's cavalier selfishness.