Harvey Croix Sweitzer

Harvey Croix Sweitzer, a man of grace, generosity, and good humor, passed away of natural causes on July 17, 2025. At age 94, Harvey had lived a full, accomplished life in service to his country, family, and friends.

He was born the first of four children to Jesse Ronald Sweitzer and Audrey Josephine Harvey, his namesake. Harvey was a dedicated big brother to his younger siblings Donna, Ronalie, and David.

Harvey's work life started at the ripe old age of 12, working Saturdays helping to deliver milk in the morning and serving as a janitorial assistant in the afternoon. From ages 14 to about 22, Harvey worked at service stations after school, weekends, and summers, including a station owned by his dad.

Before his 17th birthday, Harvey enrolled at the University of Utah and joined the National Guard. In his 4th year of college, he was both completing his undergraduate degree and attending law school. By age 21, he had left the National Guard and enlisted in the Army. He enjoyed playing clarinet in military marching and concert bands.

After earning a law degree from the University of Utah at age 22, Harvey dedicated himself to a career of Federal public service spanning 69 years. He served his country in the Army for four years and the Army Reserve for 16 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was also a Hearing Examiner in the Social Security Administration for two years. For 63 years, he excelled in several key legal positions for the Department of the Interior, making him the longest serving Departmental employee on record. While an Administrative Law Judge for 48 of those years, he was routinely selected by the Secretary of the Interior to handle the most difficult and high-profile cases. During his 27 years as a Supervisory Judge, he inspired employee dedication and long tenures by fostering a familial culture. Indeed, Departmental leadership commented that they had never seen a more close-knit unit thanks to Harvey's excellent leadership.

Harvey married Freida Stuart on September 17, 1986. Harvey was happiest spending time with family: Freida and her children, his sister Ronalie and her offspring, and Harvey's keeshond "kids." He also valued keeping in touch with life-long friends. Many relatives and friends were recipients of his generosity of time and means.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife Freida, his parents Jesse and Audrey, and his sister Donna. He is survived by his siblings Ronalie and David; his nieces Kelly, Erin (husband Rick Hilgert), and Wendi; nephew Christopher; stepchildren Jesse, Toby, and Gregory; and grandnieces and grandnephew Audrey, Piper, Quinn, and Logan, who all called him grandpa.

Services will be held at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 1740 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah on Aug 17, 2025 at 2 pm.

Donations dedicated to Harvey may be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, at https://bestfriends.org/donate.