Kenneth A. "Ken" Harvey

Hyde Park: Kenneth "Ken" A. Harvey, 74, of Hyde Park, passed away on February 26, 2026, at UVMMC in Burlington, VT, following a period of declining health, with Debbie and her sister Lisa by his side.

He was born April 1, 1951 in Morrisville; the son of the late Ross and Doris (Olney) Harvey.

Ken grew up in Hyde Park, attended Lamoille Central Academy and graduated from Lamoille Union High School with the class of 1969. He Graduated with a business degree from Champlain College in 1971 which launched his successful career.

At the age of twenty, he established Ken's Mobil in Morrisville then subsequently, Harvey 's Citgo (Johnson) and Harvey's Mobil (Montpelier).  Ken continued to embark on a successful entrepreneurial career which included K.A Harvey's MFG Housing Inc., County Oil, County Plumbing and Heating, Sterling View Mobile Home Park, Johnson Mobile Home Park, and Highland Heights residential developments. In addition, he also owned Maplewoods Campground, Eden Gravel Pit, and Harvey's Storage Units.

Despite his many professional commitments, Ken decided to devote his time and energy to serving the citizens of Hyde Park and Lamoille County as a public servant. His municipal public service began in 1981, when he was elected to a seat on the Hyde Park selectboard, and in 1985 he expanded his commitment to the town when he accepted the road commissioner's position. The voters of the Lamoille-1 House legislative district were impressed immediately with his job performance as a select board member.  In 1983 they elected him to serve as their representative to the General Assembly for the first of five consecution terms. Ken won the trust and respect of his legislative colleagues, regardless of their partisan affiliation, and he was appointed to chair the House Committee on Transportation where he presided in an honest and fair manner. He voluntarily relinquished his legislative seat, but he continued to serve as the chair of the Hyde Park selectboard, and as the Hyde Park road commissioner.

Ken was a founding member of the Hyde Park Recreational Field Committee, and he was instrumental in the development of the town's new athletic facility. He served on Lamoille County Sheriff's advisory board, the board of Vermont Colleges and belonged to Bliss Lodge #44, Hyde Park and Mt. Vernon Mason Lodge #8 and the Morrisville Rotary Club.

Ken embraced life with a positive and optimistic attitude, always taking life's challenges with resiliency and grace. He was a passionate family man who supported those he loved with encouragement and unwavering generosity.  Although he was dedicated to his work, he enjoyed attending pony pulls, exploring the back roads of Lamoille County, and winning at the casino.  He took pleasure in cooking for family gatherings, maple sugaring with "the guys," and gardening.

Survivors include the love of his life Debbie Slayton, of Hyde Park; two brothers David Harvey of Hyde Park and Marvin Harvey of St. Albans; nieces and nephews: Kimberly Harvey (Mike Westcom) and their son Tanner, Billy (Ashley) Harvey and their children Arison and Leana, Todd Harvey and children Brooke and Cooper, Scott (Robin) Harvey, Karen Nowowieski (Bryan Spann) and son Damian Nowowieski. Also, long time business partner Martha Harvey and his Aunt Cecile Olney (Everett Carbee). He will be greatly missed by his dedicated employees, Debbie's siblings and her numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his close friends Gary Nolan, Jim Mahoney, Ted Lambert, Roger Marcoux and Bill Tuthill.

In addition to his parents, Ken was pre-deceased by a brother and sister-in-law Melvin and Susan Harvey, in addition several aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, located at the VFW Post #7779 in Hyde Park with Pastor Al Lamos officiating. A luncheon and visitation will immediately follow from 11 am until 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morristown, Vt. 05661.

Arrangements are in the care of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com