Harvey Von Hefley

Harvey Von Hefley passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2026, surrounded by family, at the age of 91.

He was born September 25, 1934, during the depression, in La Junta, Colorado to Lewis And Dorothy “Plum” Hefley and an older brother, LeeMoyne. They later moved to Santa Bernardino, California.

Dad came from that special, “greatest generation” of men whom seemed to be instilled with the best of all attributes from birth- responsibility, grit, work ethic, loyalty, faith in God, honesty and quiet humility.

He took care of everyone in his life with kindness and patience, without a complaint. He supported and took care of his widowed mother, at the tender young age of 17.

He was editor of his high school paper, captain of the tennis team and developed a love for cars.

He was an artist like his older brother and could draw or sculpt anything.

Dad won the nationwide, very prestigious “Cyrus K Holliday Scholarship” offered by the Sante Fe Railroad that produced a 4-year, full ride to Allegheny College.

He joined the Navy after college in 1956- a full Lieutenant. Dad loved his years serving in the Navy on the USS Conquest.

He worked in the human resource department throughout most of his career: Hughes, Sony, North American, Smith Tool and Toshiba, to name a few. He was well known for his high level of integrity. 

He was also one of just twelve recruiters nationwide sent out to recruit scientists to work on the Apollo Space Program. 

He married our mother Sheila Ann Clifton in 1962 and they had three children- Karen, Ryan and Kate and they loved their little family. We had fantastic parents. He was such a fun dad -you could find him building structures in the backyard for us to play on and taking us on a lot of fun camping trips and roadtrips.

Harvey and Sheila divorced in 1983 and he married Claudia Dippold in 1985, whom he loved deeply. He gained two stepdaughters, Nicol and Aralynn, and cared deeply for them and their children. Dad and Claudia were happily married for 28 years until her death. He was Claudia’s full caretaker during her struggle with MS. We are sure that they are having a great reunion.

He loved guns, camping, Calico, building just about anything, playing Santa for over 35 years, building huge playhouses for his kids and grandkids, remodeling the houses he lived in, Super Cooper the dog, oil painting, train rides, crafting pearl necklaces for all the girls, tennis ( he was also the captain of his college team), collies, westerns, visits from family, fishing, Kate’s meatloaf, Karen’s chicken chalupas and going to Bishops Diner with Ryan.

He also loved every one of his grandkids and great grandkids, his friends Bob and Bryan, fixing things, and supporting all the events that we all took part in- he was so proud of his family and always showed up to cheer us on.

He was adored by everyone who knew him or hired him to play Santa. He would make special visits as Santa to disabled kids, hospitalized children and church events at no charge. He delighted in putting a smile on people’s faces.

Dad left us with the most important lessons by example: duty, love, sacrifice, honor, doing the right thing and doing it all with humility. This kind, sweet man would be the one quietly folding chairs after an event or driving someone to the doctor or visiting widows and delivering birthday cards to them.

He was a class act.

Dad was a faithful member The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings throughout the decades.

He is survived by his children and stepchildren, Karen, Ryan, Kate, Nicol and Aralynn, their spouses and many grandkids and great grandkids who adored dad, Tami, Larry and Colleen Hefley, and many wonderful friends and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his wife Claudia, his brother LeeMoyne, his parents and many wonderful friends and relatives.

We would like to thank Peter and the Advanced Hospice Team for their wonderful care and assistance.

Till we meet again, dad.

We love you.