Eldon Derby Harvey

In Loving Memory of Eldon Derby Harvey

November 4, 1926 – April 27, 2021

Eldon Derby Harvey was born to Roy and Stella Harvey in 1926 in the small town of Smiths Falls, Ontario, where he grew up surrounded by the bustling industry of the Canadian Pacific Railway. At 15, Eldon quit high school to work for the railroad. His work ethic quickly caught the eye of his superiors, but when his age barred him from more senior positions in CPR, Eldon transitioned jobs and began a lifelong career in the logging/pulp & paper industry.

Eldon’s work led him across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes and even carried him for long stints into the bush of northern Ontario. Eventually, he settled into management positions in Blind River, Montreal and finally in Huntsville, Ontario at Domtar’s Fiberboard Plant.  By nature, Eldon was a hard worker who devoted himself to his employment and the employees he managed.  He enjoyed his work. In 1990, he retired after 45 years in the industry.

Eldon was dedicated to his work, but even more so, he was a family man. In 1954, Eldon married Arlene, his beloved wife of 63 years. They went on to have four children: Karen, Laurene, Roy, and Karla, all of whom remember “Pops” dearly for his wisdom, dry humour, and his unshakeable love for each of them. Eldon’s children and family were near and dear to his heart.

Throughout his life, Eldon was also a man of faith. An avid reader (always non-fiction) with an insatiable appetite for studying scripture, he strove to put his faith into action through humble, consistent, and principled day-to-day living: first as a husband and father, then as an employee, a volunteer (teacher, deacon, elder and mentor) at his local church, a neighbour, and a friend.  He bloomed where he was planted.  Friends and family alike knew they could always count on Eldon for his level headedness, integrity and wisdom. He will forever be remembered as an example of an ideal father: as a reflection of his Heavenly Father.

Eldon is survived by his children: Laurene Armstrong, Roy Harvey, Karla Beckett (Tim); by his eight grandchildren: Chris Dean (Aleida), William Hicks (Rachel), Amanda Smith (Scott), Michael Harvey (Janelle), Joy Reynolds (Eric), Paul Harvey (Kara), Liam Beckett, Pyper Beckett; and by his twelve great grandchildren: Kostas, Maddox, Frank, Zoe, Willow, Sequoia, Adalee, Belle, Kaleb, Kairo, Wells, and Noah.

Eldon is predeceased by Arlene, his wife; his sister: Audrey Koch; his daughter: Karen Almas; his son-in-law: Jon Armstrong; his daughter-in-law; Barb Harvey; his granddaughter: Laura Dean; his great grandson: Wonder Reynolds.

On Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 1 PM EDT (Huntsville time), a video tribute, at the link below, will be available to remember and celebrate who Eldon was and the influence he had in our lives.

http://www.faithmuskoka.ca/eldonharvey