Godfrey Harvey

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 538, 12 July 1994, Page 6

Godfrey Harvey

The Waimarino recently farewelled a gentleman, with the death of Notary Public Godfrey Harvey. He was 71. Born Godfrey William Harvey in 1923, the third of nine children to Rose and Stanley, he began his schooling at Papatawa School then went on to Dannevirke High School. As a teenager he played in his school' s 1st XV rugby team, and was an avid cricket player. His love of cricket lasted right throughout his life. At the age of 18 he joined the New Zealand Medical Corp, but, finding it lacking in adventure, joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The ensuing years were spent training at Wigram, Ashburton, Ardmore, and flight training in Canada. Godfrey became a flight lieutenant in the RNZAF and fought in World War Two. It was during his time posted in Doncaster, England, that he met his future wife, Ellen. As had his father before him, he wooed and wed his English rose, then returned to New Zealand with his new bride and infant daughter, Rosalind. Sadly the child died during the voyage. His second child, Duncan, was born in New Zealand. After being demobbed, Godfrey todk a position as a teacher while in England. On his return he worked as a law clerk during the day while studying law at night at Victoria University. He emerged with a Bachelor of Law in 1953. The Harveys moved to Raetihi in 1954 where he became a principal in the law firm Harris, Tansey and Harvey. As well as being a Notary Public he served on the NZ Law Disciplinary Practitioners Tribunal, and was vice president of the NZ Law Society. He was also the president and later a life member of the Wanganui District Law Society.

In the local community Mr Harvey was the W aimarinoelect member of the Wanganui Hospital Board, a position he held for a number of years. He was a charter member of the Raetihi-Ohakune Rotary Club, president of the local RSA, and an active member of the local branch of the National Party. He also held the position of Waimarino coroner and was solicitor for the Raetihi Borough Council. In his spare time Mr Harvey was an avid member of the Waimarino Helicopter Rescue Trust. He also indulged his passion for golf, being president, captain and a life member of the Waimarino Golf Club. Such was his love of the sport that he was elected to the prestigious Eagles Golfing Society. Another passion was that of flying. While long since retired from the Air Force he still enjoyed the thrill of piloting fixed wing aircraft in the skies above the Waimarino. Mr Harvey formally retired from Harris, Tansey and Harvey, in 1 992, although remained as a consultant for the firm. The Godfreys moved to Palmerston North to be nearer to son Duncan, daughter-in-law Lynne and grandchildren, Demelza and Aaron. Mr Harvey' s olde world mannerisms, coupled with an impeccable dress sense, made him a recognised and wellliked personality during his 38 years in Raetihi. The Reverend Bob Peck, a long-time friend and associate, likened Godrey's death to the felling of a great totara. He described Mr Harvey as "a big man with a big heart ... a well-rounded member of the community ... a gentleman through and through." The Harveys wish to advise Waimarino residents who may desire, to make donations to the Arohanui Hospice, PO Box 5349, Palmerston North.