Harvey Underwood Obituary

Harvey George Underwood was born on October 27, 1936, in New Deal, MT, to Richard Jorge Underwood and Rose (Raab) Underwood. At the time, his father was working on the Fort Peck Dam. When Harvey was just a year old, the family moved to Sunnyside, WA, settling in the Yakima Valley. As the eldest of twelve children, Harvey often joked that he was his mother's favorite. She called him "Governor."

From a young age, Harvey worked alongside his father, starting as soon as he was big enough to stand on the seat of a pickup truck. He learned to drive early and, while working on a construction project in Montana, drove a gravel truck for the state at just twelve years old. He talked a lot about those days - starting young, learning his work ethic early, and having a dad who believed there wasn't anything he couldn't handle. Harvey spent his life proving him right.

Harvey attended school in Sunnyside and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1955. That same year, on September 2, he married his first love, Carol Jean Bagley. Together, they had four children: Sharalyn, Steven, Richard, and Mark. As his family grew, Harvey transitioned from construction to a position with Western Farmers, a move he enjoyed and which led the family to Mount Vernon, WA, in 1964. Two years later, they relocated to Lynden, WA, and finally, in 1968, they settled in the Tri-Cities, WA, after purchasing a home in Pasco. After Western Farmers was sold to Cenex, the culture shifted, and it didn't feel like home to Harvey anymore. So he and his son, Richard, took a leap and started H&R AG in 1987. It was a big step, but his customers followed him without hesitation because his handshake carried weight; his word meant something.

Active in his community, Harvey was a member of the Kennewick Kiwanis, a 4-H leader, a volunteer with the Tri-City Horse Racing Association, and a dedicated member of the Benton-Franklin Fair Board for thirty years, serving as President three times. During his time on the fair board, he met his second love, Kathy Cargill, and they married on November 27, 1995. They shared thirty wonderful years together.

Harvey had a passion for packing into the mountains and especially loved his mules. He enjoyed many adventures with his dear friends, Glen Coppersmith and Bill Beck, and became known as a "Dutch Oven Master Chef." His love of camping led him to form the Desert Drifters RV Club, through which he and Kathy made friends across the state. He treasured time with close friends and never missed a Friday night gathering with "The Six Pack."

In 2012, Harvey began volunteering at Lincoln Elementary, quickly becoming "Grandpa Harvey." Over the years, he was known as Grandpa Harvey to 1,000s of students. Helping with reading, numbers, coats, and daily needs brought him real joy. He showed up every morning, woven into the heartbeat of the school. When COVID brought his time there to a stop, it truly broke his heart. He missed those kids and teachers every day. To his last days he remained close to teachers he volunteered with.

Harvey is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Sharalyn (Rex) Perkes, Steven (Sally) Underwood, Richard (Leslie) Underwood, and Mark (Vicky) Underwood; his stepchildren, Cheryl Porter and April (Mike) Connors; thirty grandchildren; forty-four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Underwood, Glen Underwood, Bob Underwood, Dennis Underwood, and Donald Underwood; and sisters, Wanda Brownlee and Linda Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rose Underwood; his brothers, Jack Underwood, Larry Underwood, and Marvin Underwood; his sister, Leona Graham; and his stepdaughter, Dawn Kessler.

Harvey lived a life of integrity, hard work, loyalty, quiet strength, and a deep love for family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of gentle wisdom, and a life spent lifting others up.

A celebration of Harvey's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 20th, at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers, Grandpa Harvey would smile knowing his legacy continues through young mings. We ask that you bring new books for kids from kindergarten through second grade. Harvey believed a good start, a strong work ethic, and a chance to learn could change the course of a life. Lets help him keep helping the kids he served.