SHARED MEMORIES

That's how he taught, small moments became lessons that stuck with you long after the class was over. He wove stories from his own life and hard-won lessons into everything he taught, so learning from him always felt easy, engaging, and fun. I took every class of his I could. He was our field hockey team's liaison, and he walked me out on my senior day with my family. He showed up for his students in every way, and I'll carry his lessons with me for the rest of my life.

-Heather Casey

The original Mudsharks.

Spring 1976.

Founded by Harvey.

-Tom Broadhurst

One of my favorite memories of Professor Edwards is from my very first class of his. He called me up to the board and told me to draw a line as high as I could reach, no other instructions. I drew it, and he said, "now do it again, higher." I could. The lesson was simple:I hadn't given it everything the first time, even though I was capable of more. 

Harvey and I co-taught the Invitational Summer Institute for years at Penn State Harrisburg. He fundamentally impacted my teaching for the better. I will miss his laugh, his flair, his brilliance, and his friendship. His memory will remain close to our hearts and minds.

-Shanetia Clark

I was so sad to hear of Harvey’s death . A kind and caring man. Every memory I have of being in his company is of a soul filled with the best intentions, civility and an abundance empathy. - Joel Gori

I was devastated to hear of the passing of Mr. Edwards, a beloved teacher during his time at Selinsgrove Highschool. Although I was never his student, he always looked out for me during all four years. He is sorely missed, and will be remembered forever. Rest in sweet peace and glory.

- Ruth Mengsteab

Mr Edwards was the teacher whose classroom you always wanted to be in. Not only did he teach you curriculum, he always taught you life lessons, responsibility, and always provided a round of laughs. It was an honor to have you as a neighbor, teacher, and even AYSO soccer coach!

Our Selinsgrove Class Trip Abroad in 2014 is one I’ll never forget. From the pre-trip “learn to pack a carry on for a week” to touring through Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and the little towns in between. Meadowview Estastes forever!

- Kyle Davies

Harvey at my son Ted's Bucknell Graduation. He always was a sharp dressed man. He changed my life as he did for so many others.

- Tom Broadhurst

Harvey always had a smile, always glad to see you and where ever we went, Karl Cook and I, traveling are frisbee travels we run into Harv. Karl and Harv had a special bond. I debated for the last week if I could make the trip but recovery is just not up to the trip. I take solace in know he and Karl are playing together again. My wallpaper on my computer is an early Hall of Famers with Harv right in the middle with a circus shirt and lei. I'm looking for the file will post later. Happy trails Harv.

- Eric First Fool Knudsen

Some of my favorite memories growing up are the ones where I got to watch my dad becomechild-like again. The best of those came everyfall, when Harvey, Bob, and other members of the gang gathered at our house in Cleveland for Cleveland Public Radio’s Pandemonium.

Those weekends were full of laughter, stories, and frisbee—not tossed across the yard, because that would have been far too ordinary, but launched across multiple neighborhood streets. Looking back, I realize those weekends weren't just traditions; they were windows into lifelong friendship. I got to see my dad and his best friends delight in one another's company with the kind of joy that only decades of shared history can create.

For as long as I can remember, Harvey calledme his "Tiny Dancer." As a little girl, I loved it simply because it was my nickname from Harvey. Years later, when I realized it came from the Elton John song, I started listening to Elton—and he quickly became my favorite artist. I credit Harvey entirely for that. Which, when you think about it, makes perfect sense given their shared appreciation for fabulous fashion.

One fall during a Pandemonium weekend, I told Harvey I was about to begin AP English Literature. Naturally, he asked to see my reading list. He scanned it and singled out one book, warning me that it would be extremely difficult but absolutely worth the effort: Beloved by Toni Morrison. He was right. It became my favorite book from that class and remains my favorite book to this day. I don't necessarily credit Harvey for my love of Beloved—but I do smile knowing that, somehow, he knew.

There have only been two people in my life whom I've wished I could put into a copy machine and hit the green button over and over again. Harvey was one of them. The world simply needs more people like him. In Harvey's case, "more colorful" carried a double meaning—his unmistakable wardrobe was only matched by the color he brought into other people's lives. We lost both of those extraordinary people far too soon, but I feel incredibly fortunate tohave known them at all. They showed me the kind of person I hope to be and the kind of impact I hope to leave on those around me.

I love you, Harvey, and I will miss you deeply. Thank you for the music, the books, the laughter, and the example. I'll do my best to make you proud and to carry a little bit of your Midas touch with me wherever I go.

- Amy Sinnenberg

Harvey saw the beauty in everything, challenged you to be the best version of yourself, and taught you to find joy in life’s simplest moments. Harvey made the world a better place, one student at a time.

- Allyson Heard

Meeting Harvey was a blessing in one’s life - he was wise, insightful, funny, kind and loyal.
I can never thank Harvey (and Patty) for all they did for my sister Betsey and her family.
Harvey you will be missed dearly, but you have carved out a special place in my heart forever.

- Dukie Baxter

Harvey and I went to Jr High School together. In fact, he was in my wedding party. Very intelligent man who danced to his own beat. Shocked and saddened to hear that he’s no longer with us. My condolences to his family.

-Emile Dyson

My Uncle Harvey will always be my most iconic family member. He will be the award winning educator who inspired my teaching career. The man who married me to the love of my life. A legend who modeled authenticity, passion, satisfying wanderlust, and defying stereotypes. I’m so lucky he was part of my life and present for many joyful moments.

-Lilly Gibbons Rivas

Harvey was my long time mentor and friend!! He was loved by so many and I count myself so very blessed to have known him!!

-Jennifer Chandler

As an education major at Bucknell, my fondest memory of Harvey is spending our Jan Plan on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta AZ. The kids LOVED playing frisbee in the snow with Harvey! My sincere condolences. - Kathy Schwartz

Reminiscing about Lillys wedding and Harvey’s special role in creating a wonderful ceremony.

- Rosanna Gibbons

Last gathering of Chris Gibbons and Harvey and sad passing of Thomas Gibbons.

- David Gibbons

Harvey, knew you since your college days, then you became my kids favorite teacher. You're one of my favorite people, ever.

- Kate Andracchio

We will all miss the way Harvey lit up a room with his presence. He was someone i looked up to my entire life and whom now leaves a gap on our hearts. His love for his family, his passion for his work, and the dedication he has to enriching the lives of those around him are something that we should all aim to live up to. I will miss you forever uncle Harv.

- Sean Gibbons

I met Harvey and the Tolerance Troupe when I volunteered to collect data for a professor at Penn State around 2006. Their performance was a surprise to me that afternoon, and from then on, Harvey's deep work of intention, thought, and compassion changed my notions of art, theatre, community, and service. I got to know Harvey and his students, studied them and their experiences, and showed me how Harvey's trust in awakening the hearts and minds opened and helped young people express their understanding of human complexity and care for themselves, and for others. Harvey changed their life trajectory. A large number of his Troupe students found their own way into the field of education. He opened minds and hearts to the love of life he lived. Peace, my brother from another mother.

- Sharlene Gilman

What a hell of a legacy you are leaving behind and it’s being left behind far too soon.

Harvey, thank you for being an inspiration to teenagers who didn’t know what direction their lives were going in. Thank you for being an advocate for those who needed it. Thank you for dedicating your time to give students experiences they otherwise never would have had without you. Thank you for always being real, raw, and genuine with every interaction. Thank you for never giving up on anyone. Thank you for the lasting impact you’ve made on not just my life, but the lives of so many. How lucky I was to call you my teacher, my mentor, and my friend.

You started as my homeroom teacher, but became so much more. From being my Humanities teacher to traveling abroad on the class trip in Spain and France, from letting me hang out in your office at Susquehanna (after you “retired”) with your dog in-between classes, and of course, beating me every week in trivia at Bot’s, you have made such a difference in my life. I am a better person for having known you.

I’ve seen quite a few people say it, but I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without having first been your student. You are the inspiration behind so many of us choosing to go into education, hoping to touch just a fraction of the lives that you have and make just the smallest difference compared to you. If I’m able to be half of the educator that you were, I will have had an enormously successful career. Thank you for everything, Mr. Edwards.

- Jenna Clark