Harvey Allan Town, 87

Harvey Allan Town, beloved retired minister and Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) district superintendent, pastor to pastors, stepped into the presence of our Lord and Saviour on Dec. 8, 2020.

He was born Oct. 23, 1933 in Portal, N.D. to Stanley and Beulah Town. Harvey was the youngest of four children. Harvey graduated from Polson High School in 1951. He graduated from Canadian Bible College (CBC, 1951-55) with a bachelor of theology and international ministry and attended Japanese language school in Kobe, Japan (1958-60). He was ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance at age 21. Harvey pastored in Alberta at Barrhead Alliance and Beulah Alliance in Edmonton, Alberta, and at First Alliance in Great Falls. He was the C&MA superintendent for the Western Canadian District from 1981-1990. Then he became the C&MA superintendent of the U.S. Rocky Mountain District from 1990-1999. He enjoyed 43 years of ministry from 1956 to 1999.

He retired and returned “home” to the Mission Valley on Dec. 31, 1999. He was a published author of “Jesus, Talk of the Town”. He served on college & seminary boards for 20 years. He was a CBC alumnus of the year in 1987.

Harvey loved hunting and fishing and recreational activities of every kind. His outings with his three sons and many grandsons were the highlight of his life.

Harvey and Joyce met in the Ronan C&MA church as teenagers in 1951. They were soon close friends. Both graduated from CBC, and they were married in June of 1955. Their combined enthusiasm and accomplishments made a significant impact wherever they served.

Harvey’s deep love, faith and integrity has been an encouragement to his church friends, district pastors and wive,s and to his family. Harvey is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joyce Lee Lewis Town. Also his children: Steve (Edie) in Tokyo, Terry (Nancy) in Tennessee, Michele in Alberta, Mike in Missouri, Francy in Great Falls, Rhonda (Mike) in Germany, Sandra (Wade) in Alberta; 26 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and his brother Joe Town in Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rae Bell Hughey, his brother Bill Town and 5-year-old granddaughter Mary Town.

A memorial service to celebrate Harvey’s life will be held Dec. 19, 2020 at Terrace Lake Community Church (C&MA) in Ronan. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the C&M Great Commission Fund, care of the Terrace Lake Community Church, in Harvey’s honor. Memories may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.