Harvey SULLIVAN

SULLIVAN, Harvey Adair
September 29, 1926 - May 11, 2012
Our patriarch, our mentor, our rock, our beloved husband and father has left us.
Harvey passed on peacefully in the early morning hours of May 11, 2012 surrounded by his loving wife and family. Predeceased by his parents, brother and two sisters, Harvey is survived by his wife Betty, their children Shauna (Ron), Randy (Micheline), Kerri (Al), Mark (Bev), and Margaret (Keith), grandchildren Alissa (Jason) , Ryan, Elizabeth, Jamie (Karen), Cayley (Frank), Catherine, Anne Marie, Alexa, Amy and Scott, and great grandchildren Hope, Grayson, Lachlan, Hudson and Xavier. He is also survived by his sister Alannah ( Bob) and many nieces and nephews.
Harvey was born in Edmonton and lived most of his life there until relocating to Richmond, B.C. in 1977. After having proudly served his country during World War II, he began his career at Bennett and Emmott in 1949. A self made man, he worked his way up in the organization and at the time of his retirement in 1986 had achieved the position of CEO. Some of his proudest moments with Bennett and Emmott were the opening of the Richmond office, and securing the contract for building the motors for what is now known as Skytrain. Harvey valued the friendships he made while at Bennett and Emmott and continued them into his retirement.
Harvey's dedication to his work was exceeded only by his love of family. He was never happier than when his family gathered together. Nothing gave him a greater sense of pride than celebrating over 60 years of marriage to his loving and devoted wife Betty, watching his children achieve success in their lives, and being part of the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Despite some ongoing health issues, Harvey had an active retirement. Whether he was chairing the strata council at Mariners Village, doing his daily three miles with the mall- walking club at Lansdowne Center, acting as mentor to his grandchildren, polishing his beloved Jaguar , or endlessly pursuing the perfect lawn, he only knew how to do things one way. Fortunately, his way and the right way were one and the same.
Harvey was extremely well read and he enjoyed many spirited discussions about politics and current events. A handyman and problem solver extraordinaire, he had a razor sharp wit and sense of humor right up until his final days. A very happy moment for him was seeing the Vancouver Olympics come to fruition.
Harvey handled his ongoing health issues with quiet dignity and no complaints. He was extremely grateful for the excellent medical care he received over the years. Many thanks to the health professionals who provided care to him, especially Drs. Sigismund, Dirnfeld and Chang. Special thanks also to Dr. Lobb and the palliative care staff at Richmond General Hospital.
A celebration of Harvey's life will be held at a later date. Details regarding the service will be made available at www.richmond-funeral.ca in the near future. Online condolences may also be offered at this site. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC at www.heartandstroke.bc.ca
Here's to you Harvey! We all raise a glass of red wine to you, "for medicinal purposes only". We are thankful for our time with you and know that we are better people for having had you in our lives.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.