Harvey was a friend of mine. We went to the same high school. Our fathers worked together on various construction projects. Our mothers were good friends. I was in awe of Harvey's command of the English language and his superb writing skills. This photo of us was taken in the spring of 1962.

There are some things in life that happen and at the time that they happen we don't realize their significance. Harvey and I had one such "happening". We were working on a project in the high school gym after regular school hours. The other students had gone home. The teacher went to the office. Harvey decided to come out to me. It was a discussion that has replayed itself in my mind over and over and over again, countless times. Could I have said anything more to have helped him? I'll never know as a short time later Harvey committed suicide leaving a gap in many peoples' lives, including mine. Harvey was obviously looking for help. He came to me for that help, and I feel that I failed him. I hope that he found the peace in death that he never found in life.

Harvey was a friend of mine. He was more than just a friend - he was a good friend, and good friends are difficult to find. He is sadly missed. How I wish that he were here today to talk, play with the grandkids and go fishing with us...

3-17-15: Today we welcomed into our world our grandson, Harvey Alexander Johnston :-)