Daily Sitka Sentinel

Harvey Newport Dies at 73; Lived in Sitka for 32 Years

Harvey Ervin Newport

Harvey Ervin Newport, of Juneau, a Sitka resident for 32 years, passed away Sept. 29, 2021, at the age of 73.

He was born in Vancouver, Washington, to Velva and Howard Newport on July 28, 1948, the first of seven siblings: Wanda Johnson, Jerry Newport, Sherry Parker, Dennis Newport, Dale Lang and Bruce Jensen.

He spent his childhood in Oregon. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, and after he left for boot camp at Fort Rucker he met the love of his life, Dora Cordaway, in a strawberry patch.

Harvey was sent to Vietnam and Germany. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation, Army Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign medals. 

After his military service ended, Harvey married Dora Cordaway on August 28, 1970. They raised three children in Oregon and Alaska. In Oregon they lived in Portland, Newberg, Oregon City and Beavercreek, and in Alaska they lived in Sitka and recently in Juneau.

Harvey is survived by Dora Newport, his children Phaydra Brown (husband Darryl), Myria Shakespeare (husband Jeremy), and Karsun Newport (wife Joelle); and by his nine grandchildren, Kanissa Brown, Kassiadora Brown, Kiyah Brown, and Keyara Brown, Stevie Walker, Haeden Newport, Kayleigh Newport, Shaelyn Newport, and Brady Newport.

Harvey also is survived by his siblings Wanda Johnson, Jerry Newport, Sherry Parker, Dale Lang, and Dennis Newport.

Harvey was preceded in death by both his parents Howard and Velva; his brother Bruce Jensen; sister-in-law Rose Moore; and in-laws August and Rose Adela Cordaway. 

Harvey came to Sitka in 1984, and worked for Sitka Community Hospital until he retired. He made many lifelong friends from the hospital and from Sitka.

After retiring he was able to focus on his woodworking art, making bowls, pitchers, cookie jars, etc.; and helping his family with many building and remodeling projects.

Harvey also joined forces with his good friend William Kanosh to make cedar hats. Harvey was adopted into the Kogwanton Eagle clan by his clan brother William, the house master of Eagle Nest. Harvey’s clan-given name was Shaayax Nook.

The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 4625 Glacier Highway, Juneau, at 10 a.m. Friday, October 15, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

He will be laid to rest at the Alaskan Memorial Park. Because of the heightened COVID-19 alert level in Juneau, the family respectfully asks that all attendees wear masks. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be live streamed via Zoom. Please contact the church or family for the link.