QUEENSBURY – Gifford Starr Harvey, 85, of Queensbury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022.
Born October 3, 1936, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Gifford K. Harvey and Elizabeth Burkin Holsaple.
Gif was a very successful independent Professional Engineer and held a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from RPI. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida.
In 1955 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, completed Naval Aviation Training in Pensacola, FL and jet fighter training in Beeville, TX. Gif proudly served as an accomplished active-duty fighter pilot flying jets from land and sea, ultimately earning the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He was part of the Air Wing Squadron VF 102 aboard the USS Forrestal.
Gif enjoyed flying so much, he enlisted as an active-duty Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and then served in the Air Force Reserve including deployment to Korea. He very much enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures as a pilot, particularly those shared with cousin, USN Commander Harold “Brub” Stickney.
An avid golfer, Gif was a member of the Glens Falls Country Club for over 30 years, where he made many close friends and enjoyed their companionship on the course and at “the 19th hole”. An advocate of environmental conservation, Gif also enjoyed the outdoors and relished annual trips to hunting camp and fishing excursions with friends.
Besides his parents, Gifford was predeceased by his brother, James Montgomery (Monty) Harvey.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Sylvia (Sullivan) Harvey; his children, Mark G. Harvey, Laura E. (Harvey) Edgerly, Daniel S. Harvey, Rachel E. Harvey; as well as his four grandchildren and two great grandsons. Gif was very proud of his family and their accomplishments.
Burial will take place Friday, July 29th, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Gif may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
My heartfelt sympathies to Sylvia and family for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort at this sad time. May all your loving memories give you strength and peace.
Dear Sylvia, our deepest sympathy for the loss of Gifford. My Mom remembers Gifford very well when he lived across Elm Street from her and my Dad in Hudson Falls and you lived a few blocks away on Maple St. My Mom remembers Giff cutting through her yard on his way to your house to date you. We remember all the family gatherings at James and Doris’s house on Lake Sunnyside. Giff was a remarkable person (and so are you)! I last spoke to Giff a few years ago when I stopped by to go over our family ancestry. I believe I met Rachel at that time. God bless you and your family. Our prayers and love are with you all.
John and June Harvey
my parents Ray and Frances LaFarr and I lived on lower block of Catherine St. Our back yard joined with Giff and Betty. I remember Betty would call the neighbors to say when her son would be flying over the house. We’d all gather on Elm St. and wave like crazy as the plane dipped its wings! Being a small child I don’t remember if it was Giff or Monty doing the flying. My sympathy to the family. I remember my mom was friends with June Clear Harvey.
My deepest sympathy to Sylvia and all the Harvey Family. Gif will be fondly remembered by all who he came in contact with including the gang at Glens Falls Country Club. Last evening friends gathered at the round table in the Grille room and reminisced of all their experiences and memories of Gif. All raised a glass and acknowledge Gif in memory, may he rest in Peace.
Hello guys,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Gif. The years of Harvey/Stickney/Sullivan adventures and good times came flooding back. Be it sailing or hanging out at Cleverdale, snowmobiling or visits to California & VA Beach all amazing and wonderful times. Always having cold ‘hattans at the ready 😉 Sylvia, Mark, Laura, Rachel and Danny please know we are all thinking about you today (Beth, Mike, Ger and Cath) and would love to give big hugs to everyone. We love you guys.
Will miss Uncle Gif sporting that great smile.
My condolences on the loss of Gif. I worked with Gif for many years and enjoyed our banter….
RIP my friend! Think of you often Sylvia.
My heart goes out to Sylvia at this time of loss, hugs to you during this time, thinking of you today and always , may you find comfort at this time, your friend, Carolin