Harvey Pittelko
Born to parents Walter and Agnes Pittelko on September 18, 1932 in Chicago Illinois, Harvey Harv Paul Pittelko left this world for a far better one on the night of November 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, June; his three children, David Pittelko of Seattle; Sharon Pittelko Lambuth John of Des Moines, Wash., and Douglas Özlem Pittelko of Kamas, Utah; his two grandchildren, Melina and Jeremy Lambuth; sister and brother-in-law Lynette and Jim Slavicek of Spokane, and nephew Jim, in addition to numerous other friends and family. Harv spent his last days in hospice care in the living room of his long-time home, looking out onto Puget Sound with the mountains he had so often hiked visible in the distance. An avid outdoorsman, Harv spent as much time hunting and hiking as his schedule and body would allow. His passion for these activities lives on through his two sons, Doug and David, as well as his grandson Jeremy.
Harv was a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, receiving full scholarships throughout his college years at Columbia University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois where he finished his masters’ degree in civil engineering. He and June were college sweethearts and were married on February 11, 1956 in Westchester, Illinois. They were stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Harv had planned on opening his own consulting business and at the suggestion of a fellow Marine Corps buddy, a native of the San Juan Islands, he and June made the move to the Seattle area in 1958. While working for an engineering firm in Seattle, Harv met Al Kelly and together they founded Kelly and Pittelko, a consulting engineering firm molded after Harv’s high technical standards, people skills and business philosophy. The firm prospered, finally becoming KPFF, with 1, 000 employees and multiple offices across the U.S. and overseas. His early work included tasks such as rebar detailing for the foundation of the Space Needle and many reconstruction projects in Alaska after the 1964 Anchorage earthquake and later included many of the major buildings in Seattle, including the Washington Mutual Tower, a beautiful landmark of our city. Harv worked to develop the firm’s high standards in regards to dealing with the client base, as described on the KPFF website. In addition to his firm, Harv was involved with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Full Gospel Business Mens’ Fellowship. In 1988 he retired from KPFF to pursue other commercial interests, travel with June, and spend time with his grandchildren. He dedicated time to his church, working with June early on as youth counselor and evangelism outreach, as well as later helping to lead Bible study and prayer time.
Harv Pittelko leaves behind a legacy of a faith never wavering, never questioning. His was a steadfast belief that stayed with him to the very end. We should all be so blessed to lead a life like this, with no regrets and no doubts. A life walked hand-in-hand with our Lord Jesus Christ. Now God has called Harv back to himself. He was well loved, is well missed and well anticipated to see again.
A celebration of his life will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 134 South 206th Street in Des Moines on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 3:00 pm with reception following. Remembrances may be sent to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission at P.O. Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111-0202.
I am terribly sad to hear about Harvey’s passing for the entire Pittelko family as well as for all those people that he touched. I will never forget what a wonderful man he was to me and how very fortunate I was to have been able to hike with him up Mammoth Mountain. He had the heart of God and it showed in the Pittelko family. He was truly a blessing to all of us.
I am sad to hear of Harveys passing. Mr. Pittelko and his family had a positive influence on me growing up. Harvey and his son Doug, took me on many hiking and hunting trips. I enjoyed those adventures and have many fond memories. Of the people that I have known, there was no individual outside of my family that had such an impact on my life and that I repected more as Harvey. He was a person of strong personal charactor, wisdom and faith. He was someone who had a positive impact on many people in his community. I would like to express my deepest simpathy towards his wife June, and his family Doug, Dave, and Sharon.
To our cousin who was an example to us as leader and Christian man who loved Jesus.
We younger cousins knew of his great love for June.
I am so sorry to hear Harvey has gone home. He will be missed by many fine people! I suffered a slight stroke in Romania and am home now and scheduled for surgery Thursday but could not make it to his service. Please accept my condolences and apology. He was/is a great man of God!
I always treasured time spent with Harvey. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face and positive and encouraging thoughts to share about whatever topic we were discussing. No wonder he has so many friends who will see him again…there.
Harvey touched my life in a special way. He made it a special day when he visted our dental office. He shared stories, investment tips and at times, old indian remedies. One for instance was the tale of fermented juniper berries made into a paste. He said the indians would do this and place the paste on sore muscles and joints. I chuckled and stated I thought it would work better if they squeezed the juniper and drank it as gin. He commented, “No, that is what a nice scotch is for”. He reinforced this concept by stating he had years of experience with the later and it did work. Harvey always brought humor, in his dry way and a good story. I spoke to Harvey by phone a few weeks prior to his passing, he was kind, upbeat and reflective. He ended the conversation by telling me he would see me later. I stated – see you there. Thanks Harvey. Myself with my entire staff will miss Harvey. Sincerely Paul Chilton DDS and Staff
I met Harv at a Full Gospel Businessman’s lunch in 1978. At the time I was fresh out of college and seeking a path. Harv stepped right in and became a Father to me for 30 years…. a Father I didn’t have since losing my Dad in 1974. His loving wisdom had such a big impact in my life. I will always love him and cherish our relationship.
Harv was a wonderful evangelist and “encourager.” While I was working as a social worker in a nursing home, Harv would come in to visit his mother and also his father-in-law, who were residents there. He would always stop in to my office to encourage me and to give my faith a boost. My husband Bob and I will miss him, but we look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Sorry for the loss of your Dad Doug. Harv was a good man, even when he gave me that ‘look’ for addressing him as Harvey at your wedding in Park City. I know he was a good Pop from all the adventure stories you have shared. My Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family
Harvey was a special person for many reasons and will be missed by all who knew him.
Harvey helped many people during his lifetime, but he helped both of us in a unique way at KPFF. He unhesitatingly gave James his first job in this country, and when Harvey hired Julie to work in the office, he set in motion James’ and Julie’s courtship and marriage. That is only one long lasting legacy of Harvey’s among many.
What a great neighbor.. We shared some interests in that Harv liked to garden too. His civil engineering skills were put to use when he built a retaining wall for his terraced garden. We will always remember him caring for his tomatoes etc. wearing his orange jacket and cutoffs. We had some good talks as we stood in our driveways. it could be about his latest hunting trip with his dog, a football game or his good faith. We will miss you. Ray and Jean
Harvey was a friend and advisor as I started my business career in the 1980’s. I will always remember his many kindnesses and the helpful advice he gave me.
I loved my dad. I have not met many like him. He left a legacy for me to wonder upon and a straight path to walk. We look to the lite and the life everlasting, that we may see him and all our friends again.