Harvey Bland

Harvey R. Bland was born March 23, 1946, in Custer, S.D., the second of 10 children. His large family instilled a strong work ethic in him and a desire to be of service to others.  
Harvey’s faith was very important to him, having received all his sacraments at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, including marriage to Frances Bond July 2, 1966.  Together, they raised four children and built a life filled with adventure, laughter and love.
After attending school in Custer, Harvey served in the military for 10 years and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He performed duties as an Ammunition Storage Specialist and Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the Army National Guard of South Dakota. He was a true patriot and had a deep love for his country.
Harvey had a long and varied career, but his true passion was mining. He started mining as a child with his father and carried this passion with him throughout his life. He enjoyed going to rock shows and spread his love of rose quartz by generously gifting it to many. He was a hard-working entrepreneur and had mining and logging businesses. When not blowing up rocks, he loved driving trucks and hauling stuff. His winning personality made selling cars a breeze. He ended his career retiring from Barrick Goldstrike Inc.
One of Harvey’s favorite pastimes was traveling.  He never met a stranger and was always eager to strike up a conversation, even with a mannequin to embarrass his children. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and playing cribbage. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandkids.
His ingenuity made him a “Jack of All Trades.” He had a knack for fixing things and working on cars but made sure people knew he was not a carpenter.   
Harvey’s sense of humor was infectious and entertained family and friends with his Woody Woodpecker impressions. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Harvey will always be remembered for his many works of mercy.  
Harvey was a devoted husband and father, proud of his family and created memories they will cherish forever.  His legacy of kindness, humor and love for life will carry on in the hearts of those he touched throughout his life.  
Harvey was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and always encouraged others on their faith walk, especially his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Elko, Nev. A memorial service will be held in Elko at a later date.
Harvey, of Spring Creek, Nev., passed away surrounded by his family on the Vigil of Divine Mercy, April 15, 2023, at the age of 77 after a long battle with lymphoma.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, George and Joyce Bland; and his nephews, Jamie Bland and Dusty Goodro.
Blessed to share in his life are his wife Frances (Bond) of almost 57 years; his children, Harvey Bland, Jr. “Bouncer,” Kellie Bland, Jennifer (John) Holden, and Angela (Jack) DeLong; grandchildren, Maegan (Michael) McPherson, Brady and Kairstyn Holden, and Audriauna, Therese, Thea, Simeon and Kentenich DeLong; step-grandchildren Aaron (Sarah) and Justin Holden; eight great-grandchildren; nine siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.     
Visitation will be held and Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., Friday, April 28 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, S.D.
Christian Funeral Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Christian Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with committal services following at Pringle (S.D.) Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to organizations close to Harvey’s heart:
The National Shrine of Divine Mercy,  P.O. Box 716, Stockbridge, MA 01262
Please include in the memo line or enclosed note “in memory of Harvey Bland”
or  
The University of Nebraska Foundation , P.O. Box 82555 , Lincoln, NE 68501-2555.
Please include in the memo line or enclosed note the gift is in memory of Harvey Bland and supporting the Hematological Malignancies Fund, #01083990.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

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