September 2014
Harvey D. Lawrence, F7444, once a prolific technical writer for Family Motor Coaching magazine, passed away on May 9, 2014, at his home in Princeton, Kentucky. He was 82. Longtime readers may recall his byline on numerous columns and articles throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
Harvey joined FMCA in 1972 after purchasing a Superior 2000 motorhome, nicknamed “Southern Comfort.” He immersed himself in its systems and maintenance as he embraced motorhome travel.
In just a couple of years, Harvey began to share his technical expertise with Family Motor Coaching readers. His inaugural column, titled “Do-It-Yourself,” appeared in the October 1975 issue. An editor’s note in the new column explained that Harvey planned to discuss how motorhomers could handle problems themselves — “something Lawrence learned after moving to Louisville, Kentucky, and not knowing a reputable repairman for his Superior.” In the January 1978 issue, the column became “Coach Tech Talk.”
Harvey served the magazine as technical editor and chief technical writer in the October 1977 through July 1986 issues.
Throughout the 1980s, Harvey authored approximately 80 full-length technical articles for FMC, along with two in 2001; they bore such titles as “Give A Toot For Air Horns,” “Leave Waterskiing To Boaters” (tips to prevent hydroplaning), and “Knock, Knock, Where’s Ethyl?” He also covered generators, inverters, alternators, refrigerators, engine bearings, air brakes, TV antennas, tires, and towing, among many other topics. Harvey’s casual, folksy style softened complex subjects while still imparting much-needed information to FMC’s readers.
Harvey was born on January 2, 1932, in Syracuse, New York. He was a retired Navy veteran and a team manager for the Veterans Administration Office of Construction. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Princeton.
Harvey is survived by his wife, Kathryn; two sons; a stepdaughter; a stepson; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and a sister.