Our Egg Farmer, Harvey
The last twelve months have been a doozy. I have been trying to write this post for over a week now and I just keep avoiding it. To write this is to acknowledge it’s truth.
On February 4th, a little after midnight, my friend Harvey passed on to the big farm in the sky.
He was one of a kind. As bristly as he was loving. I sure miss our morning cups of coffee together. Just one of the many things Covid took away well before he passed. And of course, he had already been awake for hours by the time he was having my first cup with me. It was a treat if I got to work early enough to catch him. I would ask him to sit for a minute and he would tell me it would have to be quick, he had “lots to get to”. Then we’d both waste at least half an hour talking about not much and everything at the same time. I used to pick at him because I knew what subjects would get him going. It was fun to listen to him when he got on a roll. I wish I could watch his head kick back and that smile break through his annoyed look just once more. Just one more cup of coffee.
I met Harvey about 13 years ago. He had arguably mellowed out a bit by the time I came along but I knew him as a passionate person. He was passionate about the local farming community, Texas Aggie Women’s Basketball, his chickens, his family (especially his grandkids), all things Polish (especially Polka dancing with his Helen) and fairness. He didn’t make a big deal out of all the things he did to make things fair for others, but I saw it. He was a man who truly believed in the quality of a person no matter their differences. If you knew Paco, you knew he celebrated good people from all walks of life.
He was like a bonus Uncle to me. Whenever I needed anything, I knew I could call him and he would be there in minutes. Harvey was from that generation of country people that you couldn’t casually mention some work you needed done unless you were ready to do it right then. He would show up with Helen in tow, and they would be working circles around me. Hauling something, building something, or welding something for me & The Village. The cafe would not be what it is today without The Wise Family Farm. Breakfast has been our bread and butter since that day we opened in November of 2008, and Harvey was there to make sure that we not only had eggs, but that our eggs were just like him, the best.
Harvey, Helen and their eggs are literally the heart of the Village flavor and quality.
His heart just couldn’t keep up & I am glad he isn’t tired anymore. And I know he is watching us and preparing a big Polka celebration for each of us as we join him. I just also know our community has another hole in it this year, as does my heart. I love you Paco.
We would like to ensure that his family doesn’t have to bear the burden of his passing alone. If you would like to help us help the Wise family with funeral costs, please consider donating below.
Harvey, we’ll miss you every day. Thank you for making us who we are. Rest In Peace, sir