10 Jul 1934 – 26 Jul 2024
It is with profound sadness that the family of Harvey Hagedorn shares the news of Harvey’s passing during the early morning hours of Friday, July 26, 2024. Harvey was just 16 days into his 90th year of a sometimes challenging, yet extraordinary life. Harvey found meaning and satisfaction in living in line with his true self, contributing positively to the lives of those around him. He was dedicated to his family and friends, and believed that instilling the values of hard work and integrity was the foundation to a good life. When someone called Harvey a cowboy, you can bet your last dollar that he was the “real deal!” something that was a true inspiration to the next generation. Harvey was always available to offer life advice to “youngsters”, and modeled this advice by “walking the walk.”
Harvey was born to Herman and Effie (McSwain) Hagedorn on July 10, 1934 in Yreka. He started life on the family ranch in the very rural Montague/Shasta Valley community. Harvey often shared stories around the dinner table of his childhood camping and hunting with his brothers and grandpa at Trout Creek, among other fun times they had. Working and chores started at a very young age. Even while attending Willow Creek Elementary School, Harvey worked before and after school milking cows for Lela Meek. As an adult he helped and cared for Lela for many years, until she passed away. For several years he worked for the Fosters on the Bogus Creek Ranch, becoming not just friends, but a part of their wonderful family. Harvey attended Yreka High School, playing on the YHS Miner football squad, and graduated in 1952. After graduation he attended Cal Poly for a couple of years, and then enlisted, along with his life-long friend Harold Foster, in the U.S. Navy. After an honorable discharge, Harvey remained in San Diego for a few years with his young family, delivering bottled Water for Sparkletts before the Shasta Valley called him home!
