George Harvey

     Dr. George Erwood Harvey, a longtime resident of La Mirada and a devoted 40-year member of Whittier Area Community Church, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, with his beloved wife of 58 years, Cynthia Joyce Mickelson Harvey, by his side.

     George just celebrated his 82nd birthday on December 19 and enjoyed several days filled with family gatherings and Christmas celebrations, surrounded by those he dearly loved. He lived with a remarkable zest for life and a deep determination to live it fully and intentionally. After suffering three heart attacks in his sixties and being diagnosed with what doctors described as a “fast-moving” prostate cancer, he was not expected to live long. Instead, George was blessed with 23 additional years—years that proved to be a gift to everyone who knew him.

     He was a devoted father to Cabot Harvey (Gretchen), Piper Harvey Wise, and Robin Harvey Nabhan (Erik); a proud grandfather to Max Wise, Elizabeth Nabhan, and Abigail Nabhan; and a cherished step–great-grandfather to six. He was also a loving uncle to ten nieces and nephews and a great-uncle to fifteen more.

     George was born in 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, to Lorne N. Harvey (February 21, 1908 - September 16, 1961) and Ruth M. Kasdorf Harvey (January 15, 1908 – September 28, 1987). He and his older brother, James L. Harvey (September 9, 1935 – May 18, 1996), grew up in Waukegan, Illinois. George attended Warren Township High School, where he was a member of the basketball, baseball, and cross-country teams, and he played trumpet in the band. He played a trumpet duet at his graduation in 1962. During his junior year, he experienced the profound loss of his father.

     He went on to attend Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he played on the baseball team. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1966. It was there that he met and fell in love with Cynthia Mickelson, Bethel class of 1967. George later attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he earned his first master's degree in psychology. George and Cindy were married in 1967 in Muscatine, Iowa, where the Vischer family was currently living. Cindy lived with the Vischers’ since the age of eight while her parents served in the mission field.

     The newlyweds honeymooned in the Bahamas before driving to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where George accepted a teaching position at Western Wyoming Community College and Cindy began her career in children's social services. As an Associate Professor of Psychology and Counselor, George co-authored a pilot study on the Disadvantaged Dropout Student, which led to the establishment of a learning laboratory for students at the college. He was also instrumental in founding the Sweetwater County Intervention Center, where he trained volunteers in crisis and suicide intervention. In 1972 he was recognized in Outstanding Young Men of America.

     While living in Wyoming, George and Cindy were very active in their Baptist church but discovered that they, along with other young couples, were considered too liberal after hosting a fashion show luncheon and presenting a Billy Graham film. When the church expressed their disapproval, George and Cindy joined up with four other young couples to form an Evangelical Free Church. Beginning humbly in a hotel basement, the congregation eventually pooled resources to purchase a small church building and, over the next 12 years, it grew to nearly 300 members.

     With two children by then, George and Cindy moved to California so George could attend Biola University's Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology. There, he earned his second master's degree and his doctorate. They purchased a home in La Mirada, welcomed their third child, raised their family, and eventually retired there. George worked in private practice as a Doctor of Psychology, while Cindy continued her career as a social worker and later a supervisor with Los Angeles County. George also became an adjunct professor of psychology at Azusa Pacific University, teaching five classes a year in abnormal psychology and counseling, and later retired after 17 years of service.

     One of the great joys of George's life was teaching the Couples of Promise young married group at Whittier Area Community Church, where he and Cindy formed lifelong friendships. They were deeply involved in all aspects of their children's lives and later remained just as engaged with their grand-children and extended family. Known affectionately throughout the family as “The Game Master,” George loved organizing games at every family gathering—events eagerly anticipated for the laughter and joy they always brought.

     In addition to his love of classical music and being a die-hard Cubs and Blackhawks fan, he had a great love of travel, especially cruises. He organized multiple family cruises under the name The World Voyagers, designing a logo himself and proudly outfitting the group with shirts, jackets—particularly for the Alaska cruises—and travel keepsakes that remain treasured today.

     A deeply creative man, George embraced early computer technology and graphic design, creating cards, calendars, signs, and other meaningful items—often with thoughtful messages tailored to their recipients. For this work, he designed his personal logo, Proud Lion Productions. Family members especially cherished receiving anything adorned with his beloved and comical lion.

     George touched countless lives—as a psychologist, professor, father not only to his own children but to many of their friends, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, church leader, teacher, and friend. He was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. People sought his counsel, valued his wisdom, and were drawn to his gentle humor, soft-spoken manner, and kind heart.

     A man of deep faith, George lived in a way that quietly reflected his love for Christ through kindness, humility, and service to others. His faith was steady and sincere, shaping not only what he believed but how he lived and how he cared for those around him. While our hearts grieve his passing, we find comfort in knowing that George is now at peace, resting in the presence of the Lord he faithfully loved and served.

     The world has truly lost a wonderful man, and he will be missed more than words can express.

A celebration of Life will be held at Whittier Area Community Church on February 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM followed by a light lunch and fellowship. Graveside arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Glendale, CA.