Gordon Leroy Harvey

Gordon Leroy Harvey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a brief illness. He was 100 years old.

Gordon was born in Denver, Colorado on October 18, 1922, to parents Walter John Harvey and Elizabeth Dorlee Cisler and grew up during the Great Depression with his 2 sisters, Marie and Marjorie and brother, Jack. Working constantly at odd jobs, he attended Manual Training High School and Denver University where he graduated in the accelerated program with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1943. Following his graduation, he was recruited to work on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he was part of the K-25 gaseous diffusion engineering group. He was likely the last surviving member of that group.

In 1949, Gordon moved to Albuquerque with his beloved wife, Lois (Fassler), and small daughter, Susan. There, he began working for Sandia Laboratories, where he was employed for 35 years. He was a dedicated and skilled engineer who made numerous contributions to the field.

In addition to his work as an engineer, Gordon had a passion for the arts. He was an accomplished woodcarver and a charter member of the Rio Grande Woodcarvers Club creating hundreds of caricatures and small sculptures to give as gifts to friends and family. He was also skilled in painting, drawing, sculpting, jewelry making, and calligraphy. The furniture he crafted was truly exceptional. He assisted Lois with her many arts and craft projects for her volunteer activities from posters to elaborate table decorations. He and Lois loved to cook and entertained their many friends with their delicious gourmet meals.

Gordon was also deeply committed to volunteering and giving back to his community. He and Lois volunteered at the Sunport at the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau booth for over 30 years, cooked for Meals on Wheels and Project Share, and volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital (now Lovelace) 60 Plus Services. In recognition of their outstanding volunteer work, Gordon and Lois were honored with the Senior Community Award by the St. Joseph Hospital 60 Plus Services program in 1997.

Gordon and his wife were long-time members of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and usher and assisted with many projects. Gordon was involved with his son’s Boy Scout troop as an advisor, driving the boys to campouts all over the state. He also enjoyed taking his family on camping trips and field trips with the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club in his International Harvester Travel All.

Gordon and Lois loved to square dance, and were active members of the Desert Swingers Square Dance Club, where they served as officers. They also shared a love of travel, and took trips throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the Silver Streak Trailer Club, as well as many trips abroad.

Gordon will be deeply missed by his children; Susan Reznik and husband, Jack, and Philip Harvey and wife, Christine; his 8 grandchildren; his 18 great-grandchildren; his great, great grandson and his many friends and colleagues. His life was characterized by a deep commitment to his family, his community, and his passions, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched. Many thanks to the trauma team at UNMH and and medical team of Roadrunner Hospice. A memorial service in celebration of Gordon's life will held by his family at a later date.