Harvey, Walt Celebrating Walt Harvey: Veteran, Teacher, and Family Man Extraordinaire SAN DIEGO -- Walt Harvey passed away on February 7, 2014, at the age of 95. Also known as "Coach," Walt was born in San Diego on September 2, 1918, and was raised in the Normal Heights area. He attended Hoover High School and played on the football and track teams. One summer he even played on the same American Legion baseball team as the famous Ted Williams! It was at Hoover High that Walt met Cora-Meome, his future wife. When he graduated from Hoover High School in 1936, he went on to earn his teaching degree from San Diego State College (now SDSU). Graduating from San Diego State College in 1941, Walt continued on to Santa Barbara State College for postgraduate work until World War II broke out. Then he joined the United States Navy as a Chief Specialist where he trained naval recruits at San Diego Naval Station until he was transferred to the Pacific. Next, Walt continued on to Officer Candidate School where he earned his commission as a U.S. Navy officer. He was returned to the Pacific, serving aboard the USS Fallon APA 81 as a Gunnery Officer until the end of the war. After the war concluded, Walt continued with the U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring after 20 years of service as a Commander. During that time Walt went into teaching and coaching, starting in 1946 with Holtville High School in the Imperial Valley. He moved to La Jolla High School in 1948, then on to Lincoln High School in 1953, moved to Crawford High School in 1957, and finished his career at San Diego City College as a student counselor, retiring in 1978. Walt was one of the original inductees into the San Diego Hall of Champions Coaching Legends. Walt and Cora were married in 1942 and were together for 69 years until Cora passed away in 2011. They traveled often and stayed in places all around the world: some of his happiest memories were when they vacationed in Maui. Walt leaves behind his son, Samuel Harvey II, grandson Samuel Harvey III, granddaughter Kym Harvey-Imig, and his great-grandchildren, Aubrianna, Kayleen, Brithany, Clayton, and Sofia. Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at La Vida Real, 11588 Via Rancho San Diego in El Cajon, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the San Miguel Fire Department Station 22 at 11501 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Walt Harvey

23 Entries

Buster McGee Class of 1953, LJHS

February 10, 2022

During the 1952 football season I was having some trouble with my game. One day our paths crossed on campus and Coach Harvey said, "Buster you are off you game, are you having girl problems?" My first thought was, "How the heck does he know?" Coach had great insight and sensitivity sprinkled with humor. Sixty years later I've come to know that was an age-old rhetorical question.

Plaque Honoring Coach Harvey~La Jolla High~2014

Stan Wyatt

November 4, 2015

November 2, 2015, "Coach Harvey" would be celebrating his 97th Birthday, so his admiring La Jolla High football players and others whom he taught, celebrate his 97th in his memory.
"Gone, but not forgotten". His bronze plaque still waiting for a special place of honor when the construction and remodeling is completed later this Spring 2016.

Doug Helzer

August 23, 2014

During the last 50 years I have said to many that Coach Harvey was one of the kindest and genuine people I have ever known. I agree with Jim Dubbs, remembering his special and unique sense of humor. For me, he embodied the best of fatherly attributes. He was tough and compassionate. He led us to a CIF Championship when most in San Diego in 1962, never imagined Crawford High School would be the one. Of course we had much talent on that team; we were fortunate to have Walt Harvey to inspire us and lead us with his full commitment and love. Yes, love. Love was not a word used so frequently in those days regarding Coaches and student-athletes, but that was precisely what was happening with Mr. Harvey. I, like Jim Dubbs, did not see Coach Harvey much after graduating, but he remains to me a very special being.

1958 Crawford Colts

Jim Dubbs

March 5, 2014

Condolences to the Harvey family; may you find some comfort in knowing that in this time of sorrow, you are in the thoughts of all of us for whom Coach Harvey remains a most respected and beloved figure. My brother ('61, '62) and I ('57, '58)played football for him and loved his commitment, his leadership and very effective use of his wonderful sense of humor, which tinged with a good dose of (maybe biting, but never mean) sarcasm always got his point across. He was the kind of man that all of us who were privileged to be coached and taught by him looked up to and aspired to become. And I write this after not having any direct contact with him since, I guess, my graduation in 1959. May he rest in peace.

stan eller

February 27, 2014

Simply said Walt Harvey was the finest athletic coach that I ever participated for. Yet he was a far better person than a coach. His family should be extremely proud.

John Gewalt, '52

February 24, 2014

Coach Harvey had the ability to inspire by example, teach by affirmation and commend with a smile. One of the few men I have known who did these things with perfect timing and sensed when most needed.

Princeton University Chapel

John Gewalt

February 24, 2014

Service of Remembrance, 2/22/14, 3 PM EST

John Gewalt

February 24, 2014

February 23, 2014

Thanks Coach for all you did for the students at Crawford, a job well done. Mike Alexander '63

February 23, 2014

I will always remember Coach Harvey as a dedicated coach and teacher at Crawford . Thank Coach for all you did. Mike Alexander '63

February 23, 2014

Coach Harvey, taught me drivers training. My father said he was a very brave man. I really enjoyed knowing Coach. Whenever our paths crossed he was so happy to see me and to my amazement always knew my name. He was a kind, caring man that always made you feel better about yourself.

Kathy O'Connor
Crawford Class of '63

Patricia Kelley-Harding

February 22, 2014

I remember Walt Harvey when I was growing up on Cherokee Stret right next door to his mother and father. I always remember how attentive he and his wife were to his parents. Nice family. I played with Freda and Elana and my sister hung out with Jocele. God bless his soul.

Gilbert Carrillo

February 22, 2014

Hello Sam and Kym, sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. He loved both of you very much and will always be alive in your hearts. I send my condolences to you and all the families and friends who knew him, thanks.

Terry Walker

February 22, 2014

Coach was my counselor and over the years several of my classmates from '62 have stayed in touch and enjoyed lunching with him. We marveled at his ability to remember names and scores from games played 50 to 60 years ago. We enjoyed his company, and it was clear he enjoyed ours. He will leave a lasting impression on all of us.

Coach Harvey w/former football player from La Jolla High '51 reviewing old photos~2013

February 21, 2014

Coach 'Walt' Harvey was La Jolla High School's head football coach in 1950 -53 He coached our 1951 team to a Co-Championship to be shared with the perennial powerhouse, San Diego High. Several from our Championship team have maintained a strong, close relationship, as recent as lunch just three weeks ago. We respected, admired and loved him: certainly one of "The Greatest Generation". We'll miss him, greatly.

Rob Wilcox

February 21, 2014

I had Coach Harvey for driver education. Must have been around 1966 at Crawford. He seemed like a very nice guy. Rob Wilcox

Lynn Routt Swanson

February 21, 2014

Among his many achievements, Walt Harvey coached the Crawford High '62 CIF Football Champions. He was SO adored that many of those players have maintained a friendship with him for all these years. We girls,really liked him too because he treated all students with kindness and respect. Rest in Peace "COACH"; you have earned it!

John Hermes, Craword High '70

February 21, 2014

My band had the pleasure of playing at the Crawford 1962 reunion, Coach Harvey was there with members of his team from that year. You could easily see the love for the man from everyone.

February 21, 2014

I remember coach Harvey well, May he rest in peace.
Bill Elias, Crawford Class of 1961

Joe Hasenauer, Crawford High 1963

February 21, 2014

I was at Crawford during coach Harvey's tenure. Everyone who knew coach respected him. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. His players loved him. We need more role models like coach Harvey. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Chuck Hegenbart

February 21, 2014

The end of an era. Mr Harvey was a neighbor and his children were my childhood friends.
RIP

Patrick Barringer

February 18, 2014

Walt Harvey was my cross country and track and field coach at Crawford High School. He was patient and fatherly. He had a profound influence on my life during those three memorable years and he helped shape the man I became.

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