Harvey Frederick Padden

It is with reverence and fondness that we remember Harvey Padden, born on April 15, 1943, and who passed away on March 10, 2024. Harvey had multifaceted interests, robust passions, and unwavering ethics. With a personality best described as intense, irreverent, and principled, Harvey's life was defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, unique experiences, and true commitment to his beliefs. A worldly man, Harvey took joy in exploring the diverse regions of Europe and Asia, as well as relaxing scuba diving in all parts of the globe, especially in the tropical paradise of Grand Cayman. This love of travel influenced his wide-ranging palate, with Japanese, French, and Chinese cuisines among his favorites. A connoisseur of beverages, Harvey savored the rich notes of fine wine, good coffee, or a creamy chocolate malted. His love for the arts and his individualism were evident in his preferences for literature, music, television, and film. Whether it was the words of Donne, Shakespeare, or of Sci-Fi writer Fritz Lieber, or the sounds of Mendelson, The Carmina Burana, Beethoven, and the Modern Jazz Quartet, Harvey's tastes were eclectic and pronounced. He cherished the satirical humor of South Park and held a soft spot for comedic classics like The Jerk, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Blues Brothers. A fondness for Dali, Surrealism, M.C. Escher, and Hieronymus Bosch showed his appreciation for art. Often, Harvey would lose himself in performances of the Symphony or Opera. A man of intellectual curiosity, Harvey enjoyed thinking, inventing, and computer troubleshooting. In his downtime, he relished the companionship of his beloved dog, Duke, and his family. He found excitement and wonder in scuba diving, an activity that allowed him to explore the surreal depths of the ocean. Harvey was a man of immense accomplishments. His talents in design were recognized, including when the United Nations contracted equipment from him and he was included on a peacekeeping mission to deploy his machines in the field. His skills also served a crucial role in both the lunar landing module and in breaking the realm of what was thought possible while working on jet design in his younger years through his work with Northrop Grumman, though he was more proud of an invention for Singer that would allow complicated knitting production in third world countries. Harvey's intellectual prowess and ingenuity also shone in his creation of the world's most accurate low-flow gas measurement device. However, Harvey's greatest legacy isn't merely tied to his many accomplishments, but to his strong sense of integrity and intellectual curiosity. He firmly believed in reasoning one's own ethics and staying true to oneself. Harvey's legacy will forever inspire us to think for ourselves and to live according to our own reasoned ideals. We honor this remarkable man and celebrate the unforgettable life he led. A memorial website has been created to honor Harvey's memory. Please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/harvey-padden/obituary/ to share memories and to offer condolences.

Harvey Frederick Padden

April 15, 1943 - March 10, 2024