Loney, Harvey Ray

With his wife and daughter beside him, Harv slipped away August 27, 2014, one month short of his 75^th birthday.

Harvey was born September 28, 1939 to Eva (Senkbeil) and Lester Loney in the R.M. of Whitehead, Manitoba and lived in Kemnay for several years until his parents built a new home in Brandon.

Even though he had many jobs, Harv’s life was trucking, and he spent many, many years on the road. One of his first jobs was alongside his dad –  gravelling. He owned & operated and worked for several different companies throughout the years. In 2006 after 26 years of trucking in Alberta, we moved back to Hartney, MB where he continued to truck until his health forced him to retire. He always said he never missed the trucking as much as visiting with the clients, especially farmers.

Harv was a risk taker and one was sky diving. He loved it and the freedom he felt. He was probably one of the first skydivers around Hartney and jumped at Hartney Flying Club breakfasts and just for fun. It certainly was an experience for Elmer Hicks to have Harv jump from his little 2-seater plane!

He loved motorcycles and owned a Gold Wing while in Calgary. One of his best trips was with a good friend out to Vancouver, down the west coast to California, across to Vegas and back to Calgary.

Harv owned a 1939 Model A and he babied that car. He always had it ready to take the grandkids or the neighbors grandkids for a ride. He took my dad and Joe Thomas in the Hopper’s Day Parade one year and Joe’s comment was “it’s a good day for a ride in a Model A” . Unfortunately for health reasons Harv had to part with the car and it was a very sad day for him.

Harv loved kids..all kids. He spent 2 years coaching Centennial Little League and one year coaching hockey. The kids loved him and always called him “Coach” wherever they saw him. He loved Hallowe’en and always tried to be home so he could see the little ones come to the door for candy. His own kids always went to Harv for advice and they certainly got it whether they liked it or not!!! He was adamant that the kids and grandkids get an education and be involved with sports, cadets, brownies, dance..whatever it took to keep them “off the streets”. He was so proud of his grandchildren and loved each and every one of them.  Grandpa will be missed.

In 2005 Harv had Triple A surgery. Working and living in Calgary afterwards was just too much so we moved to Hartney. He loved the “small” town atmosphere and made some great friends here. He missed walking to “Dairy Queen” for a sundae but alas truckin’ through Souris he found his favourite Maple Walnut sundae at Par West. Harv’s health declined over the past 8 years and things were never easy for him but throughout it all he never complained and took each new diagnosis with determination and strength.

Harv leaves to mourn his wife, Shirley (Lowe), his daughters Michelle (Jason), Brayden, Jenna and Brooke of Oakburn; Leane, (Cory), Joel and Taylor of Calgary;  Lori, (Graham) Taryn of Calgary; son Derek. He also leaves a sister Audrey (Herb)of Lacombe; brother in law Arnold (Brenda) Matthew, several nephews and nieces and cousins.