Harvey Lloyd Grabstad passed away peacefully at Dryden District General Hospital on 17 August, 2023
with family and friends by his side at the age of 77 years. Born in Dryden on 21 October 1945, he is predeceased by his wife Roberta (nee Roach). Harvey is lovingly remembered by his sons David (Colleen) of Ottawa and Donald of Dryden.
Harvey grew up in Eagle River with siblings Paul, Mary Anne, Patrick and Linda, before joining the family of Oscar and Martha Anderson and their children Roy and Karen in Minnitaki when he was eight years old. After high school, he worked briefly at the mill, but then trained as a mechanic and worked for a long time in various service centers in and around Dryden. Many will remember Harvey as the owner and operator of Thunderbird Esso on Highway 17 in the early 1970s. Later in life he worked for the local school board as a custodian until his retirement.
In his leisure time, he liked to fish, was an avid snowmobiler and thoroughly enjoyed taking ATV excursions with friends and family in backwoods areas of the region. Nothing brought him more joy, however, than long drives with his wife Roberta along many of the back roads of the area. He was enthralled with local history and maintained a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of family histories from the local townships, which he freely shared with anyone in earshot. For several years, he and Roberta were active members of the Free Methodist church in Dryden, and in his later years he regularly observed virtual services at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. His Christian faith was very important to him, and throughout his adult life he maintained an unshakeable belief in the grace of God. He was well known, and loved, for his dry wit and humor.
The family would very much like to thank long-time friends Judy Emisch and Wayne Mantey who provided so much support to Harvey in his last days, as well as the staff at the Dryden Hospital who were so caring, professional and supportive.
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Kim says
August 22, 2023 at 9:49 pmDeepest Sympathies to David and Donnie on the loss of your Dad. He was a great guy! Love, Glen, Kim, Sam and Sarah Fraser
Judi Benham says
August 23, 2023 at 5:25 amDavid and Don – you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Have wonderful memories of our family get togethers. Wish I could attend on Monday. Will be thinking of you.
Karol Kanceruk says
August 23, 2023 at 10:48 pmSorry to heard about your dad My thoughts are with you, I remember our snowmachine rides Thinking of you all
Beth Michalska says
August 24, 2023 at 4:56 pmHarvey was a gentle, kind & compassionate guy who helped make some of our family events with Roberta’s uncle Bill and we, kids, more special. Sending love and sympathy from the ‘eastern cousins’ ~ my older brother, Graham, my daughter, Meara, and I..
With love,
cousin Beth
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Salvation Army, 34A Whyte Avenue Dryden, ON P8N 1Z3 or St. Lukes Anglican Church, 50 Van Horne Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 1C7