Harvey Omer Thibeault

September 11, 1927 - May 8, 2019
Harvey, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home after a short illness, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Siri of over 69 years. His 5 children: Janette (Jim), Jim (Diane), Jerry (Theresa), Julie (Harlan), Jordy (Leanne), his 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Harvey was born in Pontiex, Saskatchewan, the 2nd of Emile and Rose Thibault's 11 children.
He grew up on the family farm. At the young age of 14 Harvey went logging with his father to help provide for his siblings. Harvey was working for the mines in Coleman, Alberta where he met Siri Naslund. They married in 1949 in Coleman where Janette was born. They moved to Perry Creek, BC and lived there while they built a home in Cranbrook. Jim, Jerry and Julie were born, while they lived in the Cranbrook home. In 1961 they sold the house and purchased 320 acres of raw land at the base of Baker Mountain. Their youngest child, Jordy was born shortly afterwards.
Over the next 58 years the family worked together to clear the land and create a beautiful, working ranch.
They also provided a home for many foster children during these years.
Living on a ranch with not a lot of money for new equipment, Harvey became an engineer without a degree. He designed and built numerous machines and gadgets out of metal. Notably are the outdoor wood heaters and wood splitters, farm hand loaders, bail unrollers and calf sleds. He was always redesigning and improving his creations. He passed this love of creating and building onto his sons.
When Harvey wasn't managing cattle, birthing calves, and tending to crops you would find him welding and creating, or cutting fire wood. He was not an idle man. He loved his new side by side and would spend hours driving in the bush and around the ranch and insisting everyone should take it out for a spin to see how great it was.
He loved family gatherings and he and Siri opened their doors to neighbours and friends. He loved to hear from and visit his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and hear all that was happening in their lives. He will be sorely miss by family and friends.
The family would like to whole heartedly thank the Doctors and Nurses in ICU for the compassion and dedication that Harvey received while in their care. They would also like to thank Dr. Kenneth Brown for providing many years of thoughtful medical care. Thank you also to the Hospice nurses who helped us care for Harvey his last 5 days at home.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Eagles Hall in Cranbrook, BC on Saturday, May 18th at 1 pm. A luncheon will be provided.
Donations may be sent to Hospice in Harveys name if you choose. Cranbrook. Kimberley Hospice Society Suite 230 20- 23rd Ave. S V1C5V1