Harvey Olander

Harvey Olander, 85, of 1345 Annapolis, Corpus Christi, Texas, died on November 28th, 2006 at his home. Harvey was a native of Hutto , TX and resided in Corpus Christi with his family since 1946. He was happily married to his wife, Joyce, for 59 years. He was a retired mechanical engineer and business owner.

Harvey thrived at life being a husband, father and engineer. He was a quiet, thoughtful man who enjoyed family and practical jokes. He conserved his spoken words and did his best communication through selfless action and positive results. He was an exceptional father in his devotion to three children and extended family. He and Joyce were supportive mentors to their children and grandchildren and helped them grow up to become the individuals they were supposed to be. His children learned from his example that logic, understanding, planning and above all honesty were qualities that others respected in him.

He worked for 37 years at Gustafson Manufacturing Company as chief engineer and in later years co-owner. Gustafson Mfg. Company built agricultural equipment and sports equipment such as golf ball retrievers for driving ranges and machines to lay the stripes on football fields. He was an amazing engineer and was best at problem-solving, designing, and building machines. Harvey knew how to talk to machines.

His avocation was recording the oral history of the Swedish immigrants in the Hutto farming community. He taped and recorded his parents and extended family’s stories before they were lost. He also compiled genealogy books of four families: his parents’, his wife’s, and his son-in-law‘s.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Olander; two of his children, Janet Barnard, of Waldwick NJ; and Keith Olander of Johns Creek, GA.; 7 grandchildren, Tim Barnard of Houston, TX, Brian Barnard of Denville, NJ, Beth Barnard of Harrisburg, NC, Jeff and Austin Olander, of Raleigh, NC, and Colin and Lily Olander of Johns Creek, GA; 3 great-grandchildren, Sydney Barnard of Houston, TX, and Reed and Christian Barnard of Denville, NJ. He was predeceased by his son Ralph.

to see wonderful articles he has written over the years click here.