Harvey Haynes

Harvey Haynes, 78, passed away Oct. 4, 2013, from complications from spinal cancer surgery. He died at home, where he wanted to be. Though the last month was rough, he felt comfort being surrounded by those he loved.

Celebration of life is at 2 p.m., Oct. 11 at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., Wasilla.

Harvey arrived in Alaska in the late 1960s, his last stop for his 20-year career in the military. He instantly fell in love with the wilderness, hunting, fishing and trapping. He knew he would never leave again.

After retiring from both the military and then the federal government, Harvey became a private businessman. In 1982, he bought a 10-acre patch of land overlooking the mouth of Deep Creek in Ninilchik. By 1985, he was a licensed fishing charter operator and campground owner.

Harv’s Charter and Campground was now on the map. The special treatment he gave and his unique humor was legendary, and kept people coming back year after year.

In 1995, Harvey retired once again and sold his business to care for his ailing Betty. Family was very important to him. Beneath the rough exterior and some hillbilly ways there was nothing he would not do for his family. His daughter, Janice, in so many ways was like him, but most importantly was his pride and joy. He was devoted to her as she was to him. Alan Roy, Harvey’s son-in-law, shared a bond with him and at times was stretched, but there was always a mutual respect. He was also blessed with two grandsons, Devin Day and Brandon Roy. No man ever talked, loved and praised about these boys more than Harvey. After years of helping care for his deceased wife and himself, Harvey decided with the blessing of his family to marry his companion Mary Drew.

Preceding him in death as his wife, Betty Rosina Haynes; and his parents, Jack and Flossie Haynes.

Surviving are his daughter, Janice Haynes-Roy; son in-law, Alan Roy; grandson, Devin Michael Day; grandson, Brandon Alan Roy; and second wife, Mary Jane Drew.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.