Harvey Robertson Grasty

Harvey Robertson Grasty, a longtime resident of Albuquerque passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the University of New Mexico Hospital after an injury sustained by a slip and fall incident in a parking lot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Harvey was born in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, December 1, 1936, to William F. Grasty and Mary R. Grasty.

His father served in the Army during WWI and had a long career with the Hershey's corporation.

Harvey attended the University of Houston, was President of Kappa Alpha fraternity, and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor's degree. Harvey met Lynda (wife of 50+) on a blind date, and they married on Saturday, July 1, 1961.

About 1965, Harvey took a position with for Georgia-Pacific, in Houston. He received the Vice President's Round table award in 1968 and 1971. In 1974, Harvey transferred to Albuquerque as Regional Manager for Georgia-Pacific, and received the President Club award in 1977 in recognition of his outstanding performance, while Lynda raised their two children, Heather, and Christopher.

Since having been born in the Great Depression and growing up in WWII, this had a significant impact on his life view. He practiced a life of service, volunteering for several causes and spending much of his life as a volunteer. He was an avid reader of history, always reading a new book of some aspect of WWII and traveling throughout Europe.

He was a veteran of the Armed Services (Air Force) who received an Honorable Discharge in 1965. Harvey and Lynda were Lifetime Members of Houston Alumni Association; he was a freemason, and for many years was a Shriner's Clown donating his time and resources entertaining children at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair (NMACF) and New Mexico State Fair (NMSF). Harvey volunteered his time for many years and in many roles on the Board of Directors for the NMACF. He volunteered on the Sandia Peak Ski Patrol, and he became a volunteer EMT to volunteer at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, NMACF, and NMSF. Harvey was on the Albuquerque Museum Foundation Board of Directors from 1989 to 1995 and served as Board of Directors President in 1994. He received the Foundation's Distinguished Service Award in 1998 for his tireless and exemplary dedication in support of the Albuquerque Museum and Foundation in 1998. He returned to the Board from 2005 to 2011. Harvey served on the History Acquisition Committee at the Albuquerque Museum from 2009-2019. Harvey also volunteered at Sandia Presbyterian Church where he was a charter member and an usher for decades.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife of 50+ years, Lynda D. Grasty; his parents William F. Grasty, and Mary R, Grasty; and his brother William (Bill) Grasty.

Harvey is survived by two children, Christopher Grasty (wife Charlene Grasty) and Heather Stoffer (late husband Timothy) of Albuquerque; five grandchildren, Erik, Harley, Tim Jr., Etienne, and Paris; two great-grandchildren, Aiko, and Kai; his four nephews Tom Evans, Eric Evans, Chase Grasty, and Jeff Grasty. Additionally, Pat West, long-time family friend; and Marilla (Ann) Sawey, his friend/companion for the last ten years. His active approach to life provided him with many friends who will miss him greatly.

Services will start with a viewing at 10:00 A.M. following with the service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte NE Albuquerque, NM 87122. Arrangements are being handled by FRENCH-Wyoming. The Burial will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to: Albuquerque Museum Foundation (https://albuquerquemuseumfoundation.org/product/donate/) or you may call the Foundation at (505) 677-8500. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Harvey Grasty.