Claude R. (Claudio Reimundo) Harvey was born on March 26, 1943, in Las Cruces, N.M. He passed away on Nov. 21, 2010, at the family home in Coupeville surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was raised alongside his cousin, Carmelina, by his mother, Carmen Baca Gaydos, his beloved grandmother, Amanda Baca and many aunts and uncles.
When he was unable to afford a French horn for the school band, Claude turned out for the football team. With his size and determination he excelled at his chosen sport.
In 1963 he attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, N.M. While there, he played football and graduated with a B.S. in history.
Upon graduating, Claude obtained his first teaching and coaching position at Rock Springs Junior High in Rock Springs, Wyo. There he met Judy Sempsis and they married on April 12, 1969.
They moved to Klamath Falls, Ore., where Claude was head football coach at Henley High School for 11 years. While living in Klamath Falls, their two children, Kara and Josh, were born. Claude now found something he liked more than coaching football: Being a dad! During the summers he completed his master’s in Educational Administration.
In the early 1980s the family moved to Oak Harbor and later Coupeville. Claude was an assistant principal at North Whidbey Junior High School and a defensive coordinator for Oak Harbor football team under head coach Duck Daugherty. We aren’t sure which he liked more, working with Duck or the coaching! In 1987 he moved over to Oak Harbor High School as an assistant principal. Claude loved the students he worked with and had a special affinity for those who struggled or needed encouragement.
In 2004 Claude was offered a principal position in Pilot Station on the Yukon River, Alaska. His school was K-12, comprised of all Native children. He found his students a source of joy and the environment a learning experience.
Most recently Claude was the top curriculum sales representative for Sopris West. He thrived on the competitive nature of the job and his strong belief in the educational integrity of the programs.
He will be remembered as a good natured and down to earth man. He was a great game player and excelled at Mexican Train and Spoons. He spent many hours sitting on his property edge and watching his beloved dogs romp in the adjacent farm field. Claude had a passion for watching professional boxing and always had the kitchen open and the television set on for all the good matches. He was a true friend – our compañero. Everyone liked Claude and wanted to be near him. He was always up for an adventure. He had a great smile and laugh. He was a lover of life and lived every moment of every day. He was the guy who always made you feel welcomed and loved. He was a great chef and known for his paella.
Claude’s greatest joys were his grandchildren, Cooper and Layne. They called him “Papa.” Claude is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Kara Ford (Tony); son, Josh Frank; grandchildren Layne and Cooper Ford, and Daisy, Charlie and Lucy (woof woof); his sister, Anna Maria (Patrick) Canney; his aunt, Abigail Fernandez; and many cousins around the country.
He is loved.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to KUOW radio station, (www.kuow.org) or Island County Home Health Care and Hospice, 101 N Main, Coupeville, WA 98239.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, Dec. 5, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Crockett Barn, South Crockett Farm Road, off Fort Casey Road, Coupeville. Family committal services will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation.
