Harvey McCallister

Harvey Leray McCallister on April 29, 2014, Harvey went to be with Jesus after a long battle with many health issues. At the time of his passing, Harvey was surrounded and comforted by family members in his home at Brookdale Place Valencia in Albuquerque, NM. Harvey was 79 years old. Harvey is survived by the love of his life, Virginia, his wife of 55 years; their three sons, Gene, Roy, & Daryl along with their families and many others in his extended family. Harvey was preceded in death by his brother Joe and his nephew Johnny. Harvey was born in Pasadena, California on January 17, 1935. He grew up in the North Hollywood area of California. After graduating from Verdugo Hills High School, he enlisted and served in the United States Coast Guard from 1951 through 1959. He moved to Albuquerque in 1958 where he met and married Virginia (nee Gaugler). He worked as a commercial printer until 1972 and then started McCallister's Piano Service, working as a piano technician and tuner for over 30 years. Harvey loved to be outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. He enjoyed crafting things and made beautiful useful items out of wood. He was an accomplished musician who loved to play the organ, piano and accordion. He played for worship services at Valley Christian Reformed Church in Albuquerque that later was renamed Fellowship Christian Reformed Church of which he was a member. He loved interacting with people, having fun with them and sharing a good cup of coffee. While many people touched Harvey's life, his family would like to thank Carolyn, Tasha, Terri and Edith "Dee Dee" from Hospice of New Mexico for the care they provided Harvey. A special thank you to Dr. Francesco Standoli for his constant care and comforting voice of reason and to Kristi Bemis for helping us navigate through appointments and paperwork. And thank you will never be enough to the entire staff of Brookdale Place at Valencia for the love and care they gave Harvey for the past four years - we will be forever grateful for everything all of you did for Harvey. In keeping with Harvey's memory, a very informal memorial service (jeans, boots, casual wear) will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 4800 Indian School Rd, NE, Albuquerque, NM with lots of coffee and goodies to follow. A memorial service will also be held at Brookdale Place Valencia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to your favorite charity in Harvey's memory.