Harvey Grant Henry, Sr.

Harvey Henry, Sr. went home to his Lord and Savior on April 24, 2025, at his home in Bellingham, Washington, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93. Harvey was born at home on March 7, 1932, in LaConner, Washington, to Daniel Henry and Olive (Saunders) Henry, the fourth of seven children. Harvey lived his early childhood years in Skagit County, Washington, until the age of nine. In 1941, his family moved to Whatcom County where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Whatcom Middle School, and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1950. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and served his country until 1956. After returning home from the Air Force, he married Joyce (Stotz) Henry in 1956. In 1958, Harvey and Joyce bought their family home in Whatcom County. A devoted community member, Harvey helped build the original neighborhood Yew Street Fire Department building near his home and served as a volunteer fireman for many years.

Harvey enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. His love of being on the water led him to own many boats over his lifetime. He also loved music and dancing. Harvey was years ahead of the DIY shows—remodeling his home, building cupboards and bookshelves, and taking on countless DIY projects, including constructing many sheds and even a cabin. He also built a backyard playhouse for his children and a go-cart that brought years of enjoyment to his own children and neighborhood kids. For many years, Harvey was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. He enjoyed many rides with family and friends. Harvey was a Seattle Seahawks fan from their very beginning. He faithfully attended those Seahawk games from the comfort of his lazy-boy recliner.

Harvey was an avid gardener, and especially loved growing raspberries, strawberries, and snap peas. He enjoyed landscaping and any excuse to be on his Kubota Tractor. He was still actively using his tractor at the age of 93. Many years ago, he had included a pond in his landscape. He spent many hours watching ducks swim in his pond. Wild ducks would nest near the pond, and every spring new wild ducklings started their first swim in his pond. He loved wildlife. The deer seemed to know they had reached a safe haven in his yard and would often come nap beneath his apple trees. He had an amazing work ethic and was a great role model for his family. Harvey deeply loved his family and was protective of his loved ones. He often showed his love by paying attention to safety concerns— like a missing lug nut on a wheel, or a taillight that was out. Another of his greatest joys was spending time with his little dogs.

Harvey was a mechanic by trade. He took auto shop throughout high school, and prior to graduating, he started working for Arden Auto Shop, in Bellingham in 1947. After serving in the Air Force, he returned home to work for Wholesale Auto Wrecking in Bellingham. He worked as a Port Engineer in both Larsen Bay, Alaska, and in South Naknek, Alaska. He retired from Brooks Lumber Mill in 1990, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Joyce Henry; his son, Harvey Henry, Jr. (Janet); his daughter, Cindy Rawls (Ron); his five grandchildren, Ryan Rawls (Leah), Robyn Hensel (Chris), Sara Thom (Andy), Ann Simon (Matt), and Jacob Rawls (Katie); his seven great-grandchildren, Mia Hensel, Wilder Rawls, Aria Simon, Westley Rawls, Isaac Simon, Harlan Thom, and Eloise Rawls; his brother, Gary Henry (Tina); numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Harvey was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Henry; his mother, Olive Henry; his sisters, Evelyn, Viola, Beatrice, and Earldene; and his brother, Daniel.

A funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA. A graveside service will follow at Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA, with a fellowship gathering afterward at Bellewood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA.