Obituary of Harvey Edwin Lear

Lear, Harvey Edwin Peacefully, in the loving arms of his wife Kathryn, Harvey passed away at University Hospital in London, Ontario on March 31, 2020. Harvey was one of 13 children born to Harvey Sr and Hazel Lear of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Beloved Father of Shelley (Roger) Gervais, Michelle (Jamie) Round and Troy Lear all of London, Ontario. Loving grandfather of Jillian (Casey) Sillers, Ryan Gervais, Taryon Gervais, Evan (Cassandra) Gervais, Preston Gervais and Kyle Brown. Harvey leaves behind eight great-grandchildren. Retired President of Tecumseh Products of Canada Limited he is survived by his best friend and loving wife Kathryn Lear (Insell) and her two children Nicole (Craig) Henderson and Derek (Angela) Nobel along with her grandchildren Hayden, Conner, Ciara, Chase and Cienna. Predeceased by partner Diane Kowalchuck (2012). Harvey shared a parenting role in the lives of Diane’s four children and her grandchildren. At 78 years young Harvey had a zest for life, living large and loud with a splash of spontaneity. He never took life for granted and whether it was a sunny Sunday drive on a local gravel road or an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower he took the time to delight in the view, appreciate his surroundings and most of all the moment. Harvey had a big heart, thinking and caring for others before himself. Whether family, friend, neighbor or a stranger he was ready to listen without judgment, offer friendly fatherly guidance or share his time, energy and resources when required. Harvey was most comfortable in the kitchen and found great joy in firing up the BBQ and rattling pots and pans to create a gourmet feast for family and friends. Like an artist mixing colours to please the eye, he had a natural ability to take a pinch of this and a dash of that to create a dish that would please the fussiest of palates. A child at heart, Harvey had a way to briefly bring out an extroverted personality in the most introverted child by splashing in the pool, speaking in a bull frog voice, verbally bringing random fiction characters to life with a made-up story or coming up with a colourful humourous song on the fly. At Harvey’s request there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to live today and your tomorrow by taking chances, being wildly crazy because this is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again.