William John Harvey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of William “Bill” Harvey on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

Bill was born on November 4, 1936, in Olds, Alberta to James and Susan Harvey. He lived on the family farm until he was in grade 9 and then went to Red Deer for high school. After high school, he was off to Calgary to attend SAIT for Aeronautical Engineering. Once his schooling was complete, Bill moved to Toronto to begin his career. His claim to fame was working on the Avro-Arrow until 1959. He continued working in Montreal, returning to Olds to retire around 1999. Bill loved his work and continued even past his retirement by volunteering at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, Alberta, working on the Avro-Anson.

Bill loved to travel and enjoyed many countries across Europe and into the United States as well. He was an avid reader and collector of many things. He made friends far and wide, travelled for surprise visits to Drayton Valley to his family, and loved to be on his farm most of all. His easy silence and his quick humor will be missed greatly by those close to him.

Bill is survived by his brother James “Jim” Harvey (Sandra) of Drayton Valley, his nephew and nieces, Tom Harvey (Chona) of Calgary, Erin Josephson (Jason) of Drayton Valley, Nikki Desjarlais (Tyler) of Edmonton, Megan Harvey (Geoff) of Calgary, great nieces and nephews; Morgan, Craig, Gwen, Brenna, Freya, Jonah and Yana, who all loved him very much. Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Susan Harvey.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 5038 49 Street, Olds, Alberta, on Friday, July 4, 2025 at 11:00 am. A private family graveside will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Bomber Command Museum of Canada or the Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee.