ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: HARVILL, JOHN W. Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La. Died: Wednesday, March, 16, 2016 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= HARVILL, JOHN W. June 28, 1949 - March 16, 2016 ========== A photo is available for this file. Please go to http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2016/st1603.htm and click to view list of photos. ========== John W. Harvill, born June 28, 1949 in Bakersfield, CA, passed away at home in Folsom, LA on March, 16, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Grace Harvill, and his brother, Michael Harvill. John is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Jean Reese Harvill, mother- in-law Lorelle L. Reese, sisters-in-law Colleen Harvill and Christine Crist (Bob), Bob’s sons BJ Crist (Katie) and Brett Crist (Sophie Warden), brothers- in-law Bill Reese and David Reese, five cherished nephews: Lee Proctor (Allison), Jacob Reese, Reese Proctor (Sara Zegelbone), Billy Reese (Lauren), and Zachary Reese, numerous other relatives, and by his beloved basset hound companions Cooper, Bennett, and Gracie. John was a blue-eyed California boy who graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, he began his career in the Middle East before returning to the United States and going to work for Atlantic Richfield in Lafayette, LA. He later moved to New Orleans where he began work with Eagle Consulting as a drilling engineer consultant. He officially retired from the oil field on January 31, 2015. John was a true Renaissance man who traveled the world. In addition to being a mentor to many in the oil field, he was a talented artist with passions including glassblowing, woodworking, and drawing. He loved the outdoors, gardening, enjoyed sailing, and was always searching for the next perfect beach. He drank Starbucks coffee with friends each morning, was an avid wine connoisseur, and enjoyed the produce from his organic garden and orchard. He was very compassionate to animals and never hesitated to provide financial support for animals in need. He especially loved basset hounds and was a major fundraiser and financial backer of Looziana Basset Rescue, Inc. Special thanks go to the extraordinary caregivers who were there with John in the final weeks of his life: Tiffany Bullard, Richard Gaumer, Hailey Gill, Louise Harrison, Anne Jenkins, and Simarone Magee. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433. Visiting hours are 9:00-11:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: 1) Looziana Basset Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 642, Folsom, LA 70437 or via www.loozianabassetrescue.org or 2) Glioblastoma Brain Tumor Research Fund, in memory of John Harvill, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. ===================