Vernon O’Neil Harvey born September 26, 1938 passed on December 7, 2018 at the age of 80.

Vern was born in Oklahoma and moved to Arcata at a young age. He met his soon-to-be wife, and they were married soon after at age 17 and 15. They were married 61 years and were just in love now as the day they were married.

He had many jobs and hobbies that took him all over the west coast. He joined the National Guard in Eureka, raced motorcycles at Redwood Acres, ran an apple orchard in Washington, worked at Sierra Pacific Industries in Arcata, traveled to rodeos to participate and watch team roping events, managed a cattle ranch in Hydesville, traveled to many high school rodeos with his granddaughter, and became a deacon in his church.

He was always singing and laughing, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to joke and tease (and tickle!). His favorite dad jokes were “Don’t take the shower, leave it there!” and “It’ll feel better when it quits hurting.”

He loved music. He was always whistling, singing or playing his harmonica while his wife and granddaughter danced. Later he would enjoy playing hymns on his guitar at church while his wife played bass.

He is survived by siblings, Maron, Ruth, Jean and Carl; his wife, Andrea; his children, Deborah, Teresa and Rob; grandchildren Tiffany, John, Vanessa, Rob, April, Justin, and Travis; and great-grandchildren Victoria, Taylor, Tyler, Hailee, Blayne, Christian, Aiden, Wyatt, Nevaeh, Coley and Allana.

Services for Vern will be held at the Northfork Pentecostal Church in McKinleyville, Saturday, January 5, at 11 a.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Vern Harvey’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.