Harvey Myrton Ness

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, Harvey Myrton Ness “The Big Guy” passed away peacefully with his beloved wife of 49 years by his side at the age of 73. He was born July 18, 1942 in Watertown, South Dakota, to Maxine and Harvey Gabert. After graduating from high school, Harvey eagerly enlisted in the Air Force to “see the world” he only dreamed about. He saw plate flat land, mounds of white snow, and mosquitoes at the Grand Forks Air Force base. On the bright side, this is where he met his future wife, Linda Engen. Harvey was an ambulance driver and attended the University of North Dakota where he graduated with two masters degrees in Chemistry and Civil Engineering. Linda instantly fell head over heals with Harvey’s good looks, intelligence, and calm demeanor. To hook Harvey, Linda used her mother’s cooking skills. Harvey didn’t stand a chance against Hazel’s famous meatloaf and baked beans. Harvey was in love. They married on September 3, 1966. Three years later their first daughter was born, Faythe Kathryn. He referred to her as “My #1 daughter” and “Toots the Boots”. Two years later, they were blessed with another daughter, Amy Joy. Harvey was a devoted family man. Harvey’s career spanned 30 years with the Department of Energy developing methods to burn coal cleanly thus reducing environmental impact of power plant emissions. His love of work prompted him to leave retirement and move to Bismarck, North Dakota, to be the liaison between the Lignite Energy Council and state government. He has spent his last six years in St. George, Utah, where he has been near his two precious daughters, grandchildren Jack and Sam, and family. Harvey is survived by his wife, Linda Ness; daughters Faythe Ness and Amy Bennett; son-in-law Ben Bennett; grandchildren Jack and Sam Bennett; sisters and their spouse Hope & Dick Manley and Faythe & Kevin Adams, brothers and spouses Robin & Irelean Lentz and Mike & Midge Martenson, mother-in-law Hazel Engen (104), in-laws Denny & Rosie Engen, Darwin & Helen Engen, Larry & Judeen Engen, Irvin & Eva Engen and Rick Engen, as well as many nieces and nephews. Harvey’s girls are going to miss this marvelous man, but all three of us have become strong and independent because he has been the gentle, loving, captain of our ship. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Dementia Society of St. George, Utah.

Harvey Myrton Ness

July 18, 1942 - August 19, 2015