Harvey Brower

August 18, 1925 - February 3, 2018

Harvey Brower, age 92, passed away on February 3, 2018 in Apple Valley, CA.

Harvey was born on August 18, 1925 to Harm and Tena Brower, in Oakland, Michigan. In the Fall of 1943 he entered into the Army at the age of 18. In June of 1944 he was part of the great Normandy Invasion. He survived the landing but had burns on his body. He was returned to England for treatment. After recovering he once again returned to the front and was wounded by a German bomb. Harvey returned to the states in the summer of 1945 to recover while in a hospital in Clinton, Iowa.

In 1948 Harvey and two of his buddies traveled to Vallejo, California to visit some friends. He met a flight nurse, Ruth Pregger, and they were eventually married on March 9, 1952. They lived and worked in Napa for 18 years. Harvey ran a business fixing and selling used TV’s and radios. They moved to Lee Vining in the early 70’s and purchased the Gateway Motel and ran that until 1980. They retired in Reno and eventually moved to Victorville in 2003. Harvey had a real sense of adventure as they would take their motorhome and travel to just about everyplace--including several trips to Alaska and many across country.

Harvey was a strong character not to be broken by the experiences of war. He always had a sense of humor and always looked for ways to help others. A great sense of compassion shaped his desire in looking for ways to help those in need. While his wife Ruth would join others in riding horses for a three day trip around Mono lake, Harvey would be the cook for the group. He had time for everybody and always had a story to tell.

Harvey is survived by his granddaughter, Brittany Brower and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, daughter Joyce Brower, and son Harvey J Brower.

A Military funeral service will be held on February 27 at Riverside National Cemetery