Harvey Charles Beatty

Harvey Charles Beatty, Jr., age 78 of Augusta passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 10, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 22, 1942, the son of Harvey C. and Hilda M. (Sauer) Beatty, Sr.

Harvey graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School in 1960 and Michigan State University in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in Food Science. Following graduation, he started his career with the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek and progressed to Quality Assurance Manager. After Kellogg's, he transitioned to a real estate career as a Realtor and Property Manager in the Augusta area for many years.

Harvey was a lifelong resident of the Village of Augusta and was actively involved in many community organizations serving as a trustee on the Augusta Village Board, treasurer of the Sherman Lake Association, and the Galesburg-Augusta School Board. He also served as treasurer and planner for The Class of 60 and Augusta High School Reunions and was a member of Augusta VFW Dad's Post #215. Many a friend and neighbor in and around the village would recall Harvey as a staple at the Dig-In Café with his retiree Breakfast Club friends.

As a young man, he was active in the Boy Scouts (Troop #42) where he progressed from an energetic Cub Scout to Eagle Scout by age 16. Harvey served as a camp counselor at Camp Ben Johnson (now Sherman Lake YMCA). In high school Harvey competed on the tennis team, and was proud to have served the Galesburg-August football program as student team manager and statistician with legendary coach Bill Maskill at the helm.

One of his longest volunteer commitments was as a member of the National Ski Patrol. He served over 45 years between Bittersweet and Timber Ridge Ski Patrols assisting winter sport enthusiasts, and for another 6 years he served as an Ambassador at Boyne Highlands in Northern Michigan. He took pride in helping teach his children and grandchildren how to ski. He enjoyed many family ski vacations "two planking" on the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed water skiing and relaxing on Sherman Lake.

Harvey was an active motorsports enthusiast enjoying autocross, road and rally competitions with memberships in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the Porsche Club of America (PCA). He enjoyed and encouraged both his sons' aviation pursuits and later trained to earn solo privileges in glider aircraft as a member of the Marshall Soaring Club.

Harvey was devoted to his family as a loving father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed and took pride in watching his grandsons play baseball and football as they progressed from little league, to high school, and on into college. He also loved family road trips to see the Detroit Tigers, backyard bonfires, Domino nights, the Barn Theater, and canoe-camping excursions. Harvey was young at heart and lived his life to the fullest. He was grateful for his family life and his rich life experiences in Augusta.

Harvey is survived by his two sons, Charles (Susanna) Beatty of Arizona and Brett (Donna) Beatty of Augusta; three grandchildren, Alec, Conner and Erik Beatty; two sisters, Beverly Jean McNeal and Lynda (Don) Piotrowicz. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Priscilla, Polly, and Joán.

A memorial service to celebrate Harvey's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 24th at the Augusta VFW. At the family's request, memorial donations may be directed to the Augusta VFW Post #7956 and DADS #215. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel.