Dr. Stephen Harvey is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Dr. Loretta Woolum Harvey, sons
Jeremy Wendt, Eric Harvey (Susanna Curry), and Mathew Woolum (Nicki Smith), and grandchildren
Connor Mathew Woolum, Alden Fitz-Roy Harvey, and Rose Clare-Marie Harvey. Doc will be deeply
missed by his dear friends Phil, Jim & Debbie, Vincent & Veronica, Bob & Jan, Barb & Tony, and Scott & Jazzy.
Known to his friends and loved ones as “Doc,” Dr. Harvey found great joy in teaching science. He taught birding, physiology, scientific reasoning, and many other subjects and took great pride in helping people reach a deep understanding of important subjects. He enjoyed birding and marveled at the beauty of the natural world. He loved spending time at Green River Lake and The Grand Teton National Park where he could truly immerse himself in the wonders of nature. The color yellow had a special place in his heart, often symbolizing the warmth and vibrancy he saw in the world around him. His love for all things nature was evident in the causes he cared about, and he was always ready to lend his support to protecting and preserving the environment.
Doc’s love of nature was equaled only by his love for scouting. While he often told fond stories of his younger years camping and scouting at Camp Steiner in the Uinta Mountains, greater yet was his love for Camp Oyo, where he and Loretta were married. He often spoke fondly of Eagle Quest, the program area he developed, where young scouts learned about using wood tools safely, tying knots, starting fires, and using a map and compass. Doc was a long-standing Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow where Arrowmen are known for maintaining camp traditions, exemplifying scout spirit, promoting camping, and providing cheerful service to others. In his tenure as a District Advancement Chair, he approved numerous Eagle Scout projects and participated in Eagle Board of Reviews of countless young men who reached scouting’s highest rank. He participated in many Eagle Scout ceremonies and was often invited to give the Eagle Scout Admonition. Continuing the family legacy, Doc’s always-handy Victorinox pocketknife and original Eagle Scout pin will be awarded to his grandson, Connor, when he achieves his Eagle Scout rank in a few years.
Always one to set the example, Doc believed in leading by action. These values took him into varied and interesting fields, always finding joy in helping others. In his younger years, he served as a ski medic on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains. He served as a hospital corpsman in San Francisco during the Vietnam War. He served as a camp cook in Montana and founded and ran a cooperative outdoor gear shop in Utah.
He earned two master’s degrees, in biology and botany, and a Ph. D. in ecology. As a
researcher, he studied non-chemical means of controlling agricultural pests. In all of his pursuits, those who knew him cherished his passion, steady hand, and love for imparting his knowledge to others. Doc’s knowledge of the outdoors, love for helping and teaching others, scouting skills, and his trusty Coca-Cola (“Coke”) defined his character. Lately, when Doc wasn’t running errands with Phil, he was at “The Shop” with Jim sharing stories and planning their next project.
His legacy will forever be his love for nature and the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. In honor of Dr. Harvey’s life and dedication to the academic pursuit of science and education, a scholarship fund has been established for future medical and science students. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory can donate to a memorial scholarship at Portsmouth West High School, Washington Nile Local School District, West Portsmouth, Ohio.
As we say our final goodbyes to Dr. Stephen “Doc” Harvey, we remember a man who touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him, loving him, and learning from him. Through his teachings and example, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those he inspired, and he will forever be remembered as a devoted family man, a passionate birder, an experienced scouter, and a knowledgeable scientist who inspired many generations. While he dearly loved the house at “The End of the Rainbow,” a Rocky Mountain native son will finally return him. A private memorial service will be held where Golden Eagles soar high in the mountains underneath a massive, weathered Whitebark Pine tree beside Cascade Canyon Creek where the huckleberries grow in the shadow of the Tetons.
