Harvey Jay Link

July 28, 1920 – December 9, 2010

Respected minister, teacher and social worker. Harvey passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2010, in Santa Barbara, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 28, 1920 in Lock Haven, PA. He received his B.A. from Duke University and went on to graduate school at Union Theological Seminary (Columbia University), working with gangs in “Hell’s Kitchen” and becoming an ordained minister.

He joined the Merchant Marines during WW II and worked with the United Nations, responsible for transporting the first relief livestock and supplies into war torn Europe. In Krakow, he worked closely with the future Pope John Paul II, distributing aid right from the docks.

Following his overseas service, he came to Southern California and met Jeanne Peterson, his wife of 63 years. Together they built and managed two Boy’s Clubs in Southern California, and one on the Monterey Peninsula. Harvey then went into teaching, beginning with literacy courses to inmates at Soledad Prison. Over the next twenty years he became a middle, high school and junior college teacher, focusing on Social Studies and Journalism, teaching both in Monterey and Sonora. Harvey also worked for the Monterey and Tuolumne County Child Protective Services Offices, aiding children and families in distress. Upon retirement, he worked with Jeanne in Columbia and later San Juan Bautista historical parks, framing her art and making period wooden toys and models.

Earlier this year they both moved to Santa Barbara to be near family. Harvey is survived by his wife Jeanne, his four children, Chris (Wendy), Peter (Cathy), Mark (Jill) and Meredith (Bob Leavitt), eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and an extended family of many who adored this kind, loving and learned man.

A memorial service will be at Skofield Park, Dec. 23rd at 1:00. Donations to the Boys and Girls’ Club would be greatly appreciated. Condolences and info: omnilink_2000@yahoo.com