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Harvey Drew Bettesworth

Posted

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” And dance he did!

Harvey, loving husband of Sally Jo Bettesworth, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at his home in Sun City West, AZ with his wife by his side. Harvey was born June 19, 1934 in Brantford, Ontario to William and Gladys Bettesworth.

He attended elementary and high schools in Brantford. After receiving his degree from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 1959, Harvey opened his own successful practice in Brantford until his retirement in 1998.

Harvey was an avid old car lover. He was a member of the Piston Pusher’s Car Club in Brantford. A highlight of his life was being a team member driving an old Ford from Ontario to California in the Great American Race of 1989.

He loved the cottage he along with other family members built on Lake Roseau in Muskoka, Canada providing him many of years of enjoyment.

After retirement Harvey enjoyed being a snow-bird to Arizona where he met his wife Sally. Harvey always lived a good “Christian life”. But it wasn’t until he met Sally that he realized there was a step he had not taken. Harvey invited Jesus Christ into his life, claiming him as his personal Savior & was baptized at Palm West Community Church in Sun City West. Harvey was a choir member and served on the finance committee for several years. He was an Advisory Board Member of the Salvation Army Citadel Corps in Brantford, Ontario for 27 years.

Harvey leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Sally, his sister Kathryn Beatrice Bettesworth of London, Ontario, a nephew Paul Young of Brantford, Ontario, five step-children, twelve grandchildren & nine great-grandchildren who thought the world of him. And Geraldene Massey of Surprise, AZ. She was a ray of sunshine that lit up his face when she came to be with him.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife Carole Diane Young and his parents William & Gladys Bettesworth.

Harvey’s smile and laughing eyes were infectious. He will be remembered as an unassuming man of integrity. He exemplified honesty, trustworthiness, gentleness, kindness, patience, unselfishness, generosity, faithfulness, love and a great sense of humor.

Harvey’s faith carried him through many health challenges. He clung to the Bible verses in II Cor. 5:1-10. ...absent from the body...present with the Lord.

Harvey donated his body to Science Care. His cremains will be interred with his sister in Brantford, Ontario at a later date. Due to Covid-19 and so many of his friends and family being in Canada and on the east coast there will not be a memorial service in AZ. A plaque will be entered on the Columbarium Wall at Palm West Community Church.