We got a call today from Cliff Ruff one of Harvey's friends in California from the L.A. Police Department and fellow chip collector. Harvey had been living with his niece and nephew Woody and Loretta Wilson, the only known relatives (Woody was Eleanor's nephew). Harvey had passed away on December 27th.
Harvey was 85 years old.
For those of you who knew Harvey you knew how he was on details. He kept a daily journal since he was in the war in 1941. If you wanted to know the price of gas or a pack of cigarettes, the machine number of his wife's, Eleanor's favorite keno machine, how many trips he took to Las Vegas and how long each trip took, etc. at any given time since then - you could read his journal and it was noted. His close friend Doug Saito has a lot of this information. It is overwhelming!
I have many letters from Harvey that were sent to me while I was overseas. He always wrote the dates on the letters (or notes on keno tickets) and if we traded chips he would give me the most details available about the chip and the casino it was from. He told me to really enjoy my collection always know the history of a chip.
I will never forget what a gracious and giving man Harvey was. The father of my chip collection. I am happy that he was able to come to Las Vegas this year for the Chip Convention as I know it made him very happy. I will truly miss this man with all my heart.
I do not have any more DETAILS at this time (forgive me for that Harvey).
Helen-Sue
If you would like to send a card it would be to Woody and Loretta Wilson
1964 Mokelumne Dr.
Antioch, CA 94531-9139