June 22, 1933 - December 22, 2021
In loving memory ~
It is with sad hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Harvey Raymond Linnell at his home on December 22, 2021. He was 88 years old.
Harvey was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan on June 22, 1933 to Olga and Lyman Linnell. He was the youngest of 10 children. Harvey lived on the family farm until the early 1950's. He then moved to British Columbia where he apprenticed as an electrician. In 1960 he moved to Red Deer, Alberta where he worked driving a gravel truck for R.F. Curr and Sons. This is where he met the love of his life and soul mate Mary. Not long after, the couple moved to Edmonton and were married in 1963. After the birth of their first son, Darwin, Harvey moved his family to Calgary where his sons Greg and Derek were born. After their family was complete, they decided to move back to Red Deer, eventually bought an acreage, and made it their lifelong home.
Harvey always had a passion for hockey. He was fortunate to play for various teams such as the Lacombe Rockets, Ponoka Stampeders, Red Deer Rustlers, Red Deer Oldtimers and the Powell River Kings. Hockey allowed Harvey to travel to Europe in 1964, and to various places in the USA. His most notable hockey accomplishment was being part of the Drumheller Miners Senior Men's hockey team which won the Allen Cup in 1966. This team was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in April of 2008. Harvey was fortunate enough to play the sport he loved up until the age of 84, using the same pair of CCM Tacks hockey skates.
Harvey had various occupations over the years and eventually retired from the Red Deer UFA in 1994. After retirement he enjoyed camping, playing hockey, playing golf, and watching his grandchildren play hockey and curling. His acreage kept him active right up until his passing.
Harvey is predeceased by his parents Olga and Lyman, and 8 of his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Linnell, his 3 sons Darwin (Shelley) of Blackfalds, Greg (Dena) of Red Deer, and Derek (Patty) of North Pole, Alaska, his five grandchildren Jared and Carson (North Pole) and Josie, Logan and Kaitlan (Red Deer), and his sister Clara Donnelly of Edmonton.
Harvey will be sadly missed but remembered by all who knew him as a kind and caring husband, dad, grandfather, and friend.
A church service will be held in remembrance of Harvey at the Sunnybrook United Church on 12/29/21. Due to COVID protocols there will be limited seating and those attending will be by invite only.
If desired, memorial donations in Harvey's honor can be sent to the Red Deer Minor Hockey Association under Harvey's name to help give young hockey players a chance to enjoy the sport that Harvey loved. Condolences can be sent directly to the Eventide Funeral Home. eventidefuneralchapels.com
Youth Assistance
Funding c/o Harvey Linnell Red Deer Minor Hockey Association 4725-43 St.
Red Deer, Alberta, T4N-6Z6
Eventide Funeral Home