Walter "Harvey" Capstick (known as "Harvey" by family and friends), age 92, died suddenly on 28th March 2020, in Laguna Hills, CA
Born in Lancaster UK to Fredrick (a banker) and Emily (a homemaker) on 16 May 1927, he was the second child of three brothers (with Alan and Gordon).
Harvey was raised and grew up in Lancaster, UK.After completing his lower studies, he enlisted with the Royal Navy (WWII Veteran) and served one tour on the cruiser HMS Cleopatra.After serving his country he went onto college and graduated from University of London King's College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While working on his degree, he played on the college Rugby team and belonged to the college Rifle Club.In 1951 he was awarded "Highest Possible Score Certificate" for a perfect score of 100 at 25 yards, firing ten shots deliberate at NSRA Match Card.
After graduating from college, in 1954 Harvey married the love of his life, Elizabeth.With £28 in his pocket (equivalent in 1954 to $76 CA), they relocated (by ship) to Canada, where Harvey pursued his career as a young engineer specializing in "power distribution" with Bechtel Corporation, working on the "Trans Mountain Pipeline" project.During their short time in Canada, they started their family with a son, Antony.Soon after, in 1957 Bechtel relocated the young family to Southern California.The "Capstick family" then expanded once again with a daughter, Wendy.
While providing for his family, Harvey continued his career as an engineer with Bechtel and then CF Braun in Alhambra, CA, and acquired his Professional Engineer (PE) License.While with CF Braun, Harvey was part of a carpool crew with fellow engineers, including a few from the UK, and they always allowed Harvey to pilot the car because he was a pro at darting in and out of traffic. After 35 years being a Professional Engineer, he retired in 1989 from Dennis Don & Associates.He always maintained close contact with fellow engineering friends long after his retirement.
Through the course of his life, Harvey always kept a full schedule.While providing for his family and maintaining his profession as an engineer, he enjoyed supporting his wife who owned a successful Needlework and clothier boutique(s), and he managed the construction of three custom-built homes which he designed for his family in both the Los Angeles and Orange County area – concluding with Elizabeth's dream home in Nellie Gail Ranch located in South Orange County.During their leisure time, Harvey also enjoyed doing needlepoint with Elizabeth.
After 35 years of a loving marriage, in 1990 Harvey's wife, Elizabeth, succumbed to lung cancer.Several years after Elizabeth's death, Harvey met Sylvia (UK born and San Diego resident) on a return flight from visiting family in the UK.They quickly became life partners, and Harvey referred to her as "my angel."Harvey and Sylvia circled the globe on many, many adventures on cruise ships within the US and international waters.Between cruises and visiting family in the UK, they split their time between San Diego (Sylvia's residence) and Laguna Woods (Harvey's home), all the while acquiring longtime friendships along the way.
In addition to traveling, Harvey also enjoyed a good game of golf and played by his own rules. He always found time to watch his television favorites, like Bonanza, Riflemen, Gunsmoke and various game shows.Throughout his later decades, Harvey enjoyed visits with his adult children, and reminiscing about engineering projects, the people he worked with, and the houses he built.

Harvey shared many fond memories, with the most important being how proud he was of his children, both of whom had become accomplished professionals: Wendy as a veterinarian (Harvey always let his doctor(s) know "My Wendy is my doctor") and Antony as a project engineer who is now working at Walt Disney (Imagineering).As a WWII Veteran, he always took the time with anyone that stopped and thanked him for his service.He was always very appreciative and listened to the stories they wanted to share.
He was very fond of the cars he owned, especially the Rolls-Royce.During the search for a used Rolls-Royce, he stumbled upon one being sold by Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine.Along with Elizabeth (his first wife) and daughter, Harvey sat in Michael's house and discussed the vehicle's history.But Harvey didn't like the color, so he passed.His daughter shares her fond memory of her mother asking Michael if he sang in the group.
Harvey's love for sharpshooting never went away.In 1966 he qualified, with the NRA, as a "Sharpshooter" with a pistol from 50 yards.He continued going to the shooting range to maintain his marksmanship up until he was no longer able to hold a gun steady in hand.
Harvey had grown up in an era when men were raised as gentlemen, sole providers, and protectors.He respected professionalism from any person who was good at their craft.He lived by the code that a man's word was his bond.Those who came to know him will always remember Harvey's sense of humor, his laughter and smiles, his intelligence, his conviction in his opinions, his self-confidence, and how capable he was at fixing anything.

Harvey is survived by his children, Antony and Wendy; and his life partner, Sylvia, and her son Ian.Harvey is also survived by extended family in the UK:niece, Jayne Capstick (of the Late Gordon Capstick, 1923-2015); another four nieces, Fiona Capstick, Christina Curtin, Alison Capstick, and Sarah Capstick (of the late Alan Capstick, 1930-2006); two great-nieces, Rachael Curtin (Christina's daughter) and Felicity Hannaford (Fiona's daughter); and one great-nephew, Alastair Hannaford (Fiona's son).In addition to family, Harvey also leaves behind many close and dear friends.

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, the burial service was closed to public access.Harvey was laid to rest on Thursday, April 9th, 2020, at 10:30 am, at Ascension Cemetery (Sec-A Tier-26 Gr-317 U) in Lake Forest, CA.


Memorial Service:In the best interest of public safety, the family has chosen to ask for a "moment of silence" for reflection and expression of respect for their beloved father and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Harvey's longtime supporters: in honor to his late wife Elizabeth (StJude.org), church (st-nicholaschurch.org) or Armed Forces (uso.org).