Harvey Vieth Obituary

Vieth
Harvey Robert
Vieth
November 11, 1934
March 20, 2023

Dr. Harvey Robert Vieth
Dr. Harvey Robert Vieth, DDS, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 20th, 2023, in San Diego, CA. This affable man was an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and colleague.
Harvey was truly a bright light in the world that will continue to shine forever. A man of great faith and compassion, he loved making a difference, helping the less fortunate and serving his country. He approached life with warmth, humility, humor, strength, and humanity.
He loved the arts, philosophy, politics, friends, and family. Lighthearted and playful, he was known for his quick wit and charm. He was a painter, song writer, avid reader and master conversationalist who talked to everyone. He loved the ocean, mountains, music, dancing, theater, golf, tennis, skiing, and horseback riding. He especially loved riding with the Colorado Springs Range Riders and telling stories about their adventures. He loved making others laugh, storytelling, puns, and practical jokes. He never missed an opportunity to make someone smile.
Harvey was born in Berlin, WI on Veterans Day, November 11, 1934. Perhaps he was destined to be a patriot who would proudly serve his country. Harvey grew up in the small town of Ripon, WI where he, his brother Marty, and sister Nancy were raised by their loving and fiercely independent mother Jessie. When he graduated from high school, he left Ripon for the big city and went to Loyola University in Chicago, IL. On June 28,1958, Harvey married a
hometown girl from Ripon, Mary Herlin, currently Mary Ormond of Colorado Springs, and together they raised five children. After Harvey became a dentist, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as Lieutenant at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot based in San Diego, CA.
After his time serving in the U.S. Navy, he moved his family to Colorado Springs, CO where he started his dental practice in 1965. But being a dentist wasn't enough. Out of his commitment to public service, he ran and was elected as the County Commissioner for El Paso County and became Chairman of the El Paso County GOP. He quickly caught the attention of national leaders in the Republican Party and at the age of 47, he was called by President Ronald Reagan to serve the Federal Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., where he served as the National Director in the Office of Community Services and as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on the Homeless. He was later assigned to the Office of Organ Transplantation and served as Acting Director for Family Assistance. One of his key roles during his work in Washington was to act as spokesman for all Federal Health and Human Services agencies before Congress and, because of his contacts with Homeless Veterans, Harvey acted as a liaison with the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. His knowledge of the issues facing the homeless in America led him to Florida to serve as the Executive Director of the Camillus House, serving the homeless in Miami, and of Covenant House, providing services to homeless and runaway youth. At age 88, he was Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
His family was his joy. He will be greatly missed by his children; Laura Beaulieu, Julie Lewis, Pete Vieth; his previously deceased sons, Bob Vieth and Tom Vieth; his stepchildren, Oliver Montello, Olivia Montello; their spouses and partners, Marc Beaulieu, Mark Lewis, Karen Busch, Cynthia Martinez-Vieth, Maureen McHugh, Jessica Montello; his nine grandchildren, Ryan, Cara, Max, Austin, Julia, Carissa, Louis, Jacob and Isabella; his six great grandchildren, Isaiah, Amelia, Louis, Makayla, Mason, and Lilyana. A funeral service and celebration of life will take place in San Diego, CA.
Harvey, today we celebrate you and all you have done for so many. We celebrate the depth of your commitment to make a difference in the lives of others and your contribution to the welfare of all. Your love and your legacy are etched on the hearts of those whose lives you have touched. Our country, our community, our fellow Americans, and your family thanks you for a lifetime of love and service.
Harvey asked us to send a very special and heartfelt thank you to his many friends, colleagues, and dental patients in Colorado Springs. You all have touched his life with joy, love, and laughter. Many of his most treasured memories happened during his time in this beautiful community. He had the time of his life!
And, as your dentist, he wanted to remind you all to keep smiling!