Donald James Harvey Jr. “Bud” 88, a longtime and well-respected resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away at Benewah Community Hospital on April 26, 2026.

Bud was born on March 15, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Olive and Donald Harvey Sr.  He spent his early years in the Portland area before moving at the age of 12 with his family to Peanutville near Santa, Idaho.  There, his family established Tyson Creek Lumber, and Bud attended school in Santa before continuing on to St. Maries High School.

With a strong work ethic that would define his life, Bud left school during his junior year to begin working at the lumber mill.  It was also during these early years that he began a lifelong love story with Sonja Johnson, a childhood friend he had known since the age of three.  Their bond would grow into a deep and enduring partnership.

Bud eventually traveled to California for work, and Sonja soon followed.  The two returned to North Idaho and were married on March 2, 1958, at his parents’ family home in Santa.  They began their life together in St. Maries, renting a small cottage from the Hedlund family and supporting themselves by salvaging cedar—humble beginnings that would lead to a lifetime of hard work and success. 

Their parents established J&H Cedar Company (Johnson and Harvey Cedar Co.) in a building near the railroad, on what is now Buell’s property.  Bud later found his calling in roofing, and in the mid 1960s he founded Harvey Roofing, a business built on integrity, skill, and reputation.  Sonja remained at home raising their children, creating a strong and loving foundation for their family.

In 1968, Bud and Sonja expanded their entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing the Riverside Resort, which they operated for over 12 years.  During that time, they fully immersed themselves in the business, even making their home by combining two of the motel rooms.  Eventually, they built their home further down highway 3, where they raised their children. 

Bud continued to run Harvey Roofing until 2003, when he proudly passed the business on to his son, Jason.  At one time or another, all of his children worked alongside him, learning not only the trade, but the value of hard work, dedication, and pride in a job well done.

Bud had a deep love for the outdoors and embraced everything North Idaho had to offer.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, boating, and spending winters snow birding in Yuma, Arizona.  He was instrumental in the St. Joe Boat Club and played a key role in the development of Cherry Bend Boat Park.  He also was a member of the Jay Cees Social Club which had a large impact on the City Park and the events held there, such as the purchase and installment of the original playground equipment, revamping the city pool, and bringing back what is now known as Paul Bunyan Days. leaving a lasting mark on the area he loved so much.

Above all, Bud cherished his family.  Whether gathering at their home along the St. Joe River or at their place in Avery, Idaho, he found his greatest joy surrounded by those he loved.  His grandchildren and his great-grandchildren brought him endless pride and happiness, and they, in turn, adored him deeply.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Sonja, at their home in St. Maries; his children, Shelley (Mitch) Santos, Melissa Harvey, and Jason (Becky) Harvey, all of St. Maries; his beloved nephew, Kevin (Nancy) Boling of Coeur d’Alene; his sister, Wendy (Glenn) Maxted of College Place, Washington; his grandchildren, Erika Schwartz, Mallory Boller, Zach Lehman, Cameron Harvey, Lillian Moushey, Aubrey Harvey, and Peyton Harvey.  He also leaves behind great grandchildren Deklan, Dillon, Presley, Henry, Jovi, Breyer, and one more on the way, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, James “Scott” Harvey and Cindy Harvey; and his siblings, George Harvey and Judy Marks.

A gathering to celebrate Bud’s life will held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 - 2:00 PM, at Cherry Bend Boat Park.  A committal graveside service will follow on Monday, May 4, 2026 - 11:00 AM, at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Bud will be remembered as a hardworking man, a respected business owner, and a steady presence in the community-but most of all, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose legacy will live on in the lives he touched.  Known by many as “Uncle Bud.”  “His legacy is not only in the roofs he built or the businesses he created, but in the family, he loved, the community he helped shape, and the quiet strength he leaves behind.”