Obituary
Harvey (“Harv”) Alan Trimble, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 15, 2022. His wife Elaine, daughter Leslie Ann and son Rodger were with him during his last hours to make sure that he was comfortable and knew how very much he was loved. He was an indomitable force of nature for most of his 85 years, but after a brave battle against cancer over the last eight months, his spirit, mind, and body decided to turn the page to the next chapter.
The best way to describe Harvey is the name he chose for his cattle ranch, “Valiant”, as he personified courage and determination in equal measure. Through his sheer force of will, he achieved the “Triple Crown” of Alberta entrepreneurship, first becoming an accomplished oilman, then a renowned cattle rancher, and finally a successful real estate developer. He achieved all these things while being a great father, loving husband, and outstanding provider.
Born in Drumheller as a fourth generation Albertan, he grew up with his beloved brothers Grant and Bob, under the watchful and caring eyes of his wonderful parents, Claudia, and Roy. In 1955, he ventured off to the University of Oklahoma to earn his geological engineering degree, with distinction, while making several lifelong friendships with fellow Canadians at O.U. During his senior year, he met his first wife Jackie, a fellow student from Oklahoma. They got married that year and then moved back to Calgary. Jackie and Harvey made a great team as the best parents two kids could ever hope for.
In the 1960s, he became an accomplished oilman, drilling wells all over Alberta. He cut a dashingly handsome figure, whether in a hardhat near Innisfail or stepping off a plane in a black “Mad Men” suit headed to a meeting in New York.
But, in his heart of hearts, he was always a country boy. In 1972, he and Jackie established “Valiant Ranches” in the Sheep River Valley near Okotoks. There, he became a renowned purebred cattle rancher and worldwide ambassador for Charolais and Simmental cattle. One of his favorite endeavors was to travel to France to pick out new breeding stock to import back to Canada. Sometimes, he would even let his kids tag along. Dad, “we’ll always have Paris”.
After selling his cattle herds, he looked at his windswept cattle pastures, and had a vision of beautiful country acreages with dozens of homes, which he successfully developed in the 2000s. During this era, Harvey found love a second time with Elaine, his devoted wife for the last 23 years of his life. Elaine was with him every step of the way as they brought his vision of the “Ravencrest” country residential development to life.
His visions extended to his hobbies. Where most would see old wooden telephone poles, he saw spectacular totem poles, which he carved as he channeled his love of Pacific Northwest indigenous culture.
As accomplished as Harvey was, he always celebrated the endeavors of his wife Elaine and his children. Nothing made him prouder than Elaine’s many artistic achievements in multiple mediums and his children’s academic and career successes. And while he never truly “retired”, he loved his worldwide travels with Elaine, whether they were relaxing in Palm Springs, admiring the Great Wall of China, enjoying a West End show in London, or paddling the whitewater rapids of the Grand Canyon. Harvey’s middle initial of A could have easily stood for Adventure.
We are sure your mom Claudia will welcome you to your next chapter with a slice of her signature apple pie, while your dad Roy and brother Bob are ready to share many stories of life very well-lived. One of your favorite sayings, that you applied to both investing and life, was “life is never so bad that it won’t get good again”. Dad, Harvey, we know life will get good again, but it will never, ever be the same without your twinkling blues eyes, beaming smile and hearty laugh that filled every room and warmed every soul.
A celebration of Harvey’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Harvey’s honour.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes, Okotoks 403-938-3111. To email condolences, please visit www.snograssfuneralhomes.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harvey Harv Alan Trimble October 16 1936
July 15 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Okotoks, Province: Alberta
death notice Harvey Harv Alan Trimble October 16 1936
July 15 2022
mortuary notice Harvey Harv Alan Trimble October 16 1936
July 15 2022
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Harvey gifted me with the love of rural life, and most particularly with the love of horses that has uplifted me through my own life challenges. His integrity served as an example to me, and I often ask myself, “What would Harvey do?” His influence will be with me forever, and I am a better person for having known him. My heart goes out to Rodger and Leslie Ann in this time of compounded loss.