Robert Harvey

Aug 4, 1938 -

Oct 8, 2023

Bob Harvey, age 85, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Oct. 8, 2023. Born in Memphis, he grew up in Covington, Tenn., the son of Arthur and Margaret "Meme" Harvey. Bob graduated from Dartmouth College before serving in the Army at Fort Sill, Okla. He then moved to Detroit, Ill., where he met and married his wife, Nancy, in 1964.

Bob's first trip to Alaska was in March 1952 when he, sister Emily, and their father drove the Alcan Highway from Tennessee to Fairbanks in a 1950 Ford. They stayed for four months before driving back to Tennessee. Bob had been bitten by the Alaska bug! He would return for several summers after that until college, working at Goldstream Dredge No. 8, Usibelli Coal Mine, and with family friend Mr. Warner, who was a carpenter in Fairbanks. In June 1971, Bob drove the Alcan Highway again, this time for good, bringing Nancy and their children with him.

Bob worked as the associate administrator at Providence Hospital until 1986, when he started his own business as property manager of the new Providence Alaska Medical office building, while spending summers commercial fishing for salmon in Cook Inlet and Bristol Bay.

He was an avid boater and long-term member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Whittier Flotilla, aiding with safety patrols, teaching classes and conducting vessel examinations. He and Nancy enjoyed exploring Prince William Sound aboard their Nordic Tug and shrimping as much as possible. A talented woodworker, he spent winters creating a variety of beautiful pieces that are treasured by friends and family.

In his later years, Bob moved to Chester Park Co-op, where he developed many friendships and was a well-liked and respected member of the community. His favorite place to be, and where you were sure to find him, was the woodshop where he worked on his own projects as well as helping others with theirs.

Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and good friend. He was fiercely independent with a keen sense of adventure, and his level-headed, easy-going nature and sense of humor will be missed by many.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Jeanne; sons, John and Andy; grandchildren, Rochelle, Hailey, Shay and Svea; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Mya and Jameson; great-great-granddaughter, Genevieve; brother, Jack Harvey of Michigan; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Virginia Colenback and Emily Collins; and brother, Mosby Harvey.

To honor Bob's wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. We invite you to please privately celebrate his memory in your own ways, knowing he will be with you in spirit.

If friends feel moved to do so, it was Bob's wish that memorial contributions be made to his favorite charity, the Salvation Army.