Wenschlag, Harvey Louis

In Loving Memory ~

Harvey Louis Wenschlag passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side, on Friday, March 31, 2024 in Nelson, BC. He was 86 years old. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years exemplified his bravery and stoicism. He kept his sense of humor, even when times were at their hardest.

Harvey was born May 29, 1937 in Watson, Saskatchewan to parents, Clarence and Pauline (Latoski) Wenschlag. He worked alongside his brothers, Wallace and Gerald, on the family Dairy Farm. On frigid winter mornings (sometimes -50 Celcious), young Harvey would be up early to start the fire and deliver milk and water in their community before school. This might have been the building blocks for his stoicism and determination throughout his life.

His curiosity and analytical nature led him toward various types of work and educational pursuits. Among them was studying Chemistry at Calgary Tech, which led to a job in quality control with The Calgary Brewery. Soon after, he relocated, temporarily, to Utah and Oregon where he received degrees in Agriculture and Business and worked in the desert classifying plant species for the State. Of the desert stories, he told of settling into his tent for the night to find a rattlesnake in his sleeping bag!

Harvey and his first wife, Wendy (Havens) moved to BC, eventually settling in the Nelson area with their children, Stuart, Jason, and Jodie. Harvey later took on the role of single parent and was a wonderful father. He worked as a Land Surveyor for the Province of B.C. for many years. An opportunity arose for Harvey to work from home, so he bought and operated the local store and post office in South Slocan.

Harvey later returned to the Government sector as a member of the Board of a non-profit organization which would later become Community Futures Central Kootenay. Then, along came Vera (Kalmikoff) with her wry wit and kind soul and a new love was sparked. The couple married in Nelson in 1987. Together, they worked hard to keep up their house on Kootenay Lake. A place where cherished memories were formed with many friends and family. In their golden years, the two loved their adventures going to Palm Springs in winter and enjoying Nelson in summer.

Harvey was warm hearted, generous, fun-spirited, and intelligent. He had a memory like a steel trap with endless stories and always loved sharing them with good friends. Determined until the end, Harvey left this world as he lived his long life, on his own terms. As he would say at the end of a difficult struggle, “the eagle has landed”.

Harvey is predeceased by his wife, Vera (Kalmikoff) of 35 years and brother, Wallace. He is survived by his children, Stuart, Jason, and Jodie, grandchildren Karlie and Jessie, and great grandchildren, Niko and Victor, and brother Gerald.

A memorial will be held at Nelson Cemetery Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00am. All who wish to celebrate Harvey’s life are welcome.