Harvey Keith Park

October  20th, 1974 August  3rd, 2024
Portadown
Harvey Keith Park

In life he lived for those he loved and those he loved remember.

‘‘Nec Aspera Terrent.’’

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Harvey Keith Park
August 3rd, 2024 – Passed away suddenly at his home in Portadown.

With heavy hearts and fond smiles, we remember Harvey, a dearly loved husband to Janice, beloved father of Ellie-Jayne, and much-loved stepfather of Louise and Victoria. He was a proud papa to Maisie, Freddie, Jamie, Olivia, Jack, Joel, Brooklyn, and Poppy. Cherished son of Keith and Jackie and the dearest brother of Stuart, Harvey was truly a family man with a heart of gold.

Harvey had a rare ability to make anyone laugh, lifting spirits wherever he went, often with a cheeky grin and a joke or two up his sleeve. His sense of humor was matched only by his kindness and generosity, making him unforgettable to all who knew him. Known for his Del Boy charm, he could find the humor in any situation, bringing warmth and light to our lives.

He took great pride in his service to the country, having served with honour in the King’s Regiment (Kingo), living by the motto “Nec Aspera Terrent” – “Difficulties Be Damned.” He was deeply proud of his time in the army, which shaped his resilience, loyalty, and character.

Whether on the football pitch, around a pool table, or surrounded by family, Harvey brought joy, laughter, and love. We will forever cherish the memories, and we couldn’t be prouder of all he achieved.

Harvey, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten. We know you’re up there cracking jokes, keeping an eye on us all, and still bringing joy to those around you.

Eulogy

Harvey truly excelled in sport, showing remarkable skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. His passion and hard work were evident in every sport he participated in, making his mum and me incredibly proud of his achievements.

An example of his determination was when he represented his school in the Wigan Schools’ 400 metres. Harvey was sitting with us in the stands when he realized his race was starting; he ran down, reported to the starter, and set off about 50 yards behind everyone. He still came in second, just behind the winner.

He played rugby league to a good standard, and his close friend from those days is Paul Rowley, the manager of Salford Rugby League Club.

He played football from an early age, and at around 8 years old, Harvey won a free holiday at Butlins. If my memory serves me right, it was in a national Daily Mail skills competition.

When he was 10, on holiday in Corfu, the national Greek soccer team saw him with a ball and invited him to join in for a kickabout.

At 12, Harvey won “Player of the Tournament” abroad in a large multinational European football competition.

At 15, his team won the Lancashire Under-16s Cup. The prize for winning was a game at United’s training ground against the Class of ’92.

We constantly had clubs asking for his signature. He signed for Wigan Athletic and was doing well, but, typically, Harvey left because he didn’t like the manager.

A team from Uruguay wanted to sign him. He refused offers from Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City, as he was a Manchester United supporter.

Eventually, he signed for Blackburn Rovers and was doing well, but true to form, Harvey set his sights on joining the army, where he represented his regiment.

He was also a very good golfer and an exceptionally skilled pool and snooker player.

Harvey had it all. We are deeply proud of our son and all he has achieved in life..

Timeline

1974
October 20th
Birth
Birth of Harvey
Billinge Hospital
1979
St John’s Infant School
Attended St John’s Infant School
Leigh
1982
Leigh CE Primary School
Attended Leigh CE Primary School
Leigh
1986
Bedford High School
Attended Bedford High School
Leigh
1991
Wigan and Leigh College
Studied Sports Science at Wigan and Leigh College until 1993
Leigh
1994
March 7th
Joined the Kings Regiment
Officially enlisted in the King’s Regiment
2008
January 18th
A Life Together
United in marriage with Janice on 18th January 2008, beginning a lifelong journey together.
Tullyllagan Country House Hotel, Cookstown

Gallery


Videos

Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


December 2, 2024
The time we had, Dad,
Wasn't nearly enough
To pack in an entire
Lifetime of love.

There are so many questions
That I need answers to,
But now that you're gone
There's no way to ask you.

But there are still photos
To remember you by,
Each time I look at them,
I still want to cry.

They say grief is easier
to bear as time goes by,
But the doesn't stop me
from wondering why?

Why my dear, sweet dad
Was taken so soon,
When he was my guiding star,
My sun and my moon.

There are no answers
To a question like this,
So I'll cherish your memory,
And mourn the years we'll miss.


Dad, words can’t describe how much I miss you, as time goes on, the pain doesn’t go away. I love you to the moon and back, save me a seat up there right next to you, see you soon🩵
Ellie-Jayne Park
November 8, 2024
Harvey my much loved nephew I am in disbelief and totally heartbroken.
I have such lovely memories of you growing up as a child, ones that I will cherish and never ever forget them.
I'm soso proud of everything you have done and acheived in your life. You turned into a loving and supportive young man, a beautiful soul...it breaks my heart but know you are safe with your hero Grandad, my 2 heroes. Love you both
Auntie Sue
Susan Park
November 6, 2024
Dear Harvey, it is so hard to believe that we are writing condolences to you and your family.
The first time that I ever saw you was when you were a little 4 year old boy stood on your daddy's doorstep waving to me. Those big brown eyes and that cheeky smile melted my heart. Such a cute little boy who grew up to be a great family man. A tower of strength for your brother Stuart, wonderful son to Keith and Jac and a great husband, dad and grandad to your lovely family in Ireland.
We will all miss you so much Harvey. Hope you have met up with all the family up there.
Night night and god bless for now 🥰
Love from Auntie Helen, Uncle Tony, Catherine, Laura and Carter xx
Helen Dickinson
November 5, 2024
Margaret remembers you as a beautiful toddler, Barbara(McCabe) said look Harvey there is a nerr nerr coming and you said Daddy that's a Fire Engine.Barbara has never lived it down.
I remember you from meeting you at your Dads and Mums house near the Foundry and then going round Bedford having a few pints when you was older.
Rest in peace my friend XXX
David Southern
November 5, 2024
Harvey I didn’t know you for very long but in the time that I knew you I thought you were a lovely kind man. I look back now and am blessed the day your little girl came into our lives. She has become part of my wee family and we will look after her. The grandchildren we share will always know about you. I will remind them.
I do remember on one occassion you came to our house. I thought this is great we’re meeting Ellie’s dad. Only to find out that you were all there to watch a Manchester United match. I just thought “oh no not another one”. Anyway Harvey be assured your precious gems are safe with me.
Tracey Palmer
November 5, 2024
When his heart stopped, mine broke in two,
A shattering loss, sharp and true.
The world stood still, a heavy hush, As sorrow painted all in a hush.
The beat that once held me near, Fell silent, leaving echoes here.
In that instant, my heart grew cold, A fragile piece of love untold.
Forever broken, yet I carry on,
Holding his memory as days stretch long.
For when his heart stopped, mine was torn,
A wound that aches, forever worn.

Miss you for ever j xx
Janice
November 4, 2024
My Darling Harvey
I miss you so much my life has totally changed without you I am lost you were my rock my soul mate my life I love you so much J xx
Janice
November 4, 2024
Harvey, 49 wonderful years spent growing up with you. Through juniors and high school. We both know you are more like a brother and sister. I will never forget how you use to pull fire extinguisher off the walls. In the junior school. And continue to get me into trouble with Mr fawcett the head of year. And doing rugby tackles and tripping me up in the school playground.. and never picking me in group sports you would leave me until last. If I hadn't been chosen. By the time we got to high school it got worse before better.. and Grandma and Grandad used to believe all you said.. although we grew to have a very close bond. Throughput the years wouldn't have a bad word said about eachother. Harvey i miss your sense of humour. Your down right cheeky personality. You are so kind thoughtful and very loving ways. What I would give to see your beautiful smile. You will never know how much I love and miss you Harvey..
God bless until we meet again. 💔💔
michelle critchley
November 3, 2024
My daddy, you were and always will be my hero and inspiration. When I was growing up, you were the first one who I could convince to play all of my games with me, I even managed to convince you to build a globe of the world out of tiny jigsaw puzzles (which took days🫣) I miss you more than words can say. I feel lost and so alone without you here with me. I’m so proud of everything that you achieved and I will make sure Freddie and Maisie grow up knowing just how strong their papa was. You were truly a ray of sunshine in all of our lives and a huge loss to us all. I love you daddy, I’ll see you soon xx
Ellie-Jayne Park
November 3, 2024
To my big bro, my hero. You were the one I looked up to and idolised, and I miss you more than words can say. We never once fell out in 38 years, and I’m so grateful for every memory. You may have gotten away with plenty growing up, though—thanks to you, Mum and Dad had all the rules ready and waiting by the time I came along! Rest easy, and know you’ll always be in my heart. Till we meet again Big Bro xx
Stuart Park (Bro)

Family tree

Other family members
Clare Park
Sister in Law
Michelle Park
Auntie
Susan Park
Auntie
Joshua Park
Nephew
Brian Park
Edna Park
Keith Park
Janice Park
Stuart Park
Ellie Jayne Park
Maisie
Freddie
Stuart Park
Janice Park
Ellie Jayne Park
Maisie
Freddie
Harvey Park

Service


Harvey’s funeral was held on August 8th in a very loving and respectful service, with his family, friends, and fellow Kingos in attendance. Due to the sudden nature of his passing, some friends unfortunately could not attend. Please see Harvey’s funeral link below.
Location
Lurgan Elim Church
Date/time
08th August 2024/1PM
Link
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