Harvey Vernon “Sully” Sullivan, Jr., 83
1933 – 2017
Hometown hero and lifelong resident of the San Luis Valley, Harvey Vernon Sullivan, Jr, 83, of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends at the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte.
On July 9, 1933, Harvey was the first born child to Harvey Sullivan, Sr. and Mary Jane Ashbrook. He was raised by his Uncle Pete and Aunt Georgia David outside of Center, Colorado. Harvey graduated from Center High School in 1951 where he met the love of his life Janice Edwards. It was Harvey’s ambition to enlist into the Air Force. Harvey served his country during the Korean Conflict. Harvey worked as a flight engineer earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. On August 4, 1955, while home on leave, he married his soul mate of 60 years, Janice Edwards.
After serving his country, Harvey and Jan moved to the Valley where he worked for the Center Soil Conservation District. The couple later moved to Greeley, Colorado, so Harvey could pursue his education. Shortly, thereafter, the Sullivans returned home to the Valley, where Harvey began working at the Fassett Department Store and farming. Eventually, he decided to finish his education at Adams State. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in History, Philosophy, Psychology, and Secondary School Administration.
During these transitions, the Sullivans had their first two children, Toni Gayle and Terri Rae. The Sullivans soon moved to Glenwood Springs where their son, Patrick Glen was born. Harvey taught Health and P.E. and started the Wrestling and Baseball programs. One day he was called out of class for a phone call. That call was his future calling….it was from Monte Vista High School. He was offered a job teaching Social Studies and being Head Basketball coach.
Harvey and Jan decided to return to the Valley and take the new position. He soon started coaching Football, Basketball, and Track. He formed the “Posse Club” for students who were not in sports. Harvey continued to coach various sports in Monte Vista until 1966. He taught at the school until 1970. He then became the High School Principal. In 1976, he became Monte Vista Secondary School Principal serving both the High School and Junior High. Harvey served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989. He later served on the Monte Vista School Board. The impact he made on the District and study body was evident as the football field was eventually named after him.
Harvey and Jan started raising Angus cattle on their ranch, Sullivan Shamrock S Ranch, just north of Monte Vista in 1980. This had been a dream of theirs for years and together they made a successful cattle operation. They worked as a team until Jan’s passing.
Throughout the years, Harvey and Jan helped many struggling students and gave them a place to call home. Many stories and memories could be shared about the love and support given to these young people by the Sullivans. They touched infinite lives in a variety of ways. Harvey had an innate way for helping kids realize their true potential and would not accept failure as an option. He exemplified integrity and tenacity. Harvey was a leader, mentor, friend, and loving soul. He took great pride in his Irish heritage.
One of Harvey’s greatest joys came through helping to raise his grandchildren. He instilled in each a sense of honor, pride, and strong work ethic.
Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, wife Janice, grandson Jason, and sisters Maureen, Colleen and Karen.
Survivors include his children: Toni (Manuel) Romero, Terri (Rock) Paulson, Patrick (Cathy) Sullivan and Richard Sutherland; grandchildren: Justin (Corin) Romero, Ryan (Joyce) Paulson, Rafe (Annie) Paulson, Cody (Candace) Sullivan, and Brittany Sullivan; great-grandchildren: Stetson, Easton, Landon, Anfernee, Antoine, Aeneas, Adelin and Shania; siblings: Kay Dixon, Kathy David, Kirk David and Glen Edwards along with a plethora of treasured friends and former students he valued so much.
Harvey gave much to this community and through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the legacy will continue.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tiffany Ward and the Rio Grande County Hospital for all of their compassion, dedication and professionalism.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Monte Vista High School Gymnasium followed by internment at the Monte Vista Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rio Grande Hospital or Monte Vista Educational Foundation.
Obituary courtesy of the Valley Courier.