Harvey Williams was a one-of-a-kind gem who made a big difference to Newmarket, specifically Summerhill and the Clearmeadow Public School Community where he worked as a crossing guard for 19 years.
Harvey had been the crossing guard for the Clearmeadow School community since it opened in 2000 and was at his post every day at the corner of Clearmeadow Boulevard and Rushbrook Drive. He recently passed away April 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
He had taken responsibility for the safety of Clearmeadow Public School’s students as his first priority. Back in 2004, Harvey worked closely with Newmarket officials to ensure that his corner had a Safety-Stop-Sign” on the crosswalk to secure safety for the children in his community. He also was instrumental in ensuring the safety walk and intersection stayed where it was against some of the odds of the neighbourhood. A survey of the area from Cole’s Engineering agreed that Harvey’s preferred placement was the best location.
Harvey organized a Safety campaign with the York Regional Police. It was called Operation ABC and took place on September 4th, 2014. The focus of the campaign was to ensure drivers respect crossing guards. Crossing guards help children cross the road safely by controlling traffic around schools.
“We are here today, thanks to Harvey”, York Regional Police Sgt Jason Mcilveen said.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Broome
Kelly Broome talks about Harvey fondly as we all do who knew him. Kelly is a mother of Clearmeadow students, volunteer and the Ward 6 Councillor:
“Harvey was an incredible force and advocate for safety for our kids. Harvey crossed at the intersection of Clearmeadow Blvd. and Rushbrook Drive since Clearmeadow Public School opened in 2000 and he will be missed by all. This photo was taken at the start of the school year on September 4th, 2014 when Harvey organized an Operation ABC with York Regional Police, one of many safety-driven efforts Harvey organized for the safety of our kids and our community.”
Harvey was not only a crossing guard to many students over the years, he was also an avid volunteer in the Newmarket Community.
Harvey was a loyal and dedicated volunteer in Newmarket for many years. He was a member of the North Lion’s Club for over 10 years. He entertained children over and over as “Harv-O the Clown”, as he is known by his admiring fans.
Harvey was a Shriner’s clown. He had been a part of the Shriners Club for over 25 years. The money William’s earns through his performances went to the International Shrine Clown Association’s Sneaker Fund, which supports the Shriners Hospital and related Shriners Burn Institutes. Williams was presented a plaque of appreciation by the Downtown Newmarket Business Community Association in 1998 in recognition of the group’s support of Harv-O’s fundraising efforts for these Shriner organizations.
Darlene Morrison, Clearmeadow Parent: Harvey once told me “My favourite audience is children. They talk to me and communicate well”.
For over 14 years, Harvey had also volunteered with M&M’s Crone’s and Colitis Foundation Bar-B-Q. This organization continues to raise a considerable amount of money every year in support of this worthy cause.
William’s received a Volunteer Citizen Award in 2013 with the town of Newmarket for over 10 years of dedicated service. I was given the privilege of being his guest and took pictures for him of him and his family at the award ceremony. He was a class act.
Sharen Pismarov, Resident, Clearmeadow parent, and school volunteer: “Harvey was so much more than a crossing guard to the Clearmeadow community. He cared deeply and took the time to get to know people. He noticed when people were away, he recognized when kids needed someone to listen, he helped some kids get jobs, he respected them which helped build their confidence and self-esteem. He was well respected, as he should have been, he earned it.”
He was a man of many hats. He worked tirelessly in our community and Newmarket as a whole. He was involved with the Shriners, helping various hospitals for children. Harvey had a big heart and loved to share his energy and passion for community. He led by example and taught good values and lessons to all of us who were fortunate to know him. He will be missed but his memory will be with us forever.”
Harvey Williams made a huge impact to the children and adults alike.
Many children grew up with Harvey their entire school life at Clearmeadow and he is fondly remembered by students, parents and staff at the school.
Linda O’Doherty, parent of Clearmeadow students; “My girls go to Clearmeadow (one now in high school) and my other in grade 6. I would go for runs daily and Harvey would always tell me to be careful. I would stop and chat and he told me many times how his daughter would run. On really cold days, I would bring him a coffee. My girls and I have been thinking about him the past while, as we were delighted to see him at the recent Christmas concert at the school. He is irreplaceable and we are sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He’s been a part of our lives the last 10 years and will be in our hearts forever.”
Sarah Horner, Clearmeadow P.S. Teacher, recalls Harvey as being passionate about the students. “He made a point of attending every end of year assembly and loved speaking to the kids. He was part of the Clearmeadow Family.”
Lynda Hill, former Clearmeadow Principal, also speaks highly of Williams, “He was a kind and caring citizen and such a special part of the Clearmeadow family. He made the bike safety program a cool feature unique to the school. He will be missed!”
Harvey Williams was friend to many in the community. John Dowson, a neighbour and friend, describes Harvey as selfless.
“One year at Christmas, Harvey bought some gifts for some of the young children on our street. He had a Santa Claus suit and he asked me to dress up as Santa Claus. Harvey would come along as the Elf going door to door to give out the gifts Harvey had bought for the children. Harvey had scouted the area and knew where the young children lived.
On another occasion, Harvey saw that one of the children on his street didn’t have a bicycle. Harvey called me over and said that I’d like to get him one. I picked up the bike from Harvey’s contact at Canadian Tire and delivered it to Harvey who walked over to the house and gave the child a brand-new bike. He did the same thing for another child whose parents didn’t have the money to buy their child hockey equipment to join a midget hockey team. He just bought the equipment and went to the house and gave it to his parents.
He said he grew up in Toronto and his folks didn’t have the funds to buy him skates, he was always doing things like that unannounced and many times anonymously. He’ll be missed by all those who knew him. He liked single malt whiskey and he would call to me and say “come on over for a snort”. I’d go over and together, we solved the problems of the world. I’ll miss seeing him every morning when he went to the crossing guard job and I was on my morning walk.”
Darlene Morrison, Clearmeadow Parent: “Harvey and I would talk often. He would tell me he may retire that one year and then when the time came, he would never retire and come back again the next year. Harvey never left his post and always lived his life with purpose. We are all so thankful for the person that he was and the impact he has made on all of the community. Harvey will be so missed and was a hero to Newmarket and anyone he met.”
Harvey will live on in the hearts of all of the students, parents, teachers, Newmarket residents and all who had the honour of knowing him. RIP Harvey, you have left shoes that no one can ever fill and will remain in our hearts and a continued legacy to all of us.
For Funeral services and to read the obituary for Harvey Williams, please visit https://memorials.roadhouseandrose.com/harvey-williams/3823146/index.php
