Harvey L. Rice

Harvey L. Rice was born to his parents Dessie Fowler and Oliver Rice on January 25, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri. He and his brother Grady moved to Portland Oregon. Harvey attended Benson Poly Technical High School where he excelled in track and football. Harvey went on to attend Portland State University to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration and general social science. Harvey used his education and experience to excel in his real estate firm KJK Properties PC and volunteering in the community.

For more than 40 years, Mr. Harvey has dedicated his time, energy and knowledge to advocating for healthy people and communities across Oregon. He has been an active leader of local, county, state and national boards and committees including: AARP Oregon, Oregon state University Extension Services, Oregon Health Sciences University Dementia and Aging Study, Oregon Health Sciences University ORCA Technology Program, African American Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Trail Chapter of American Red Cross, Metropolitan Family Services, Urban League of Portland, Tri-Met’s Ride Connections, Multnomah County Library Cyber Seniors, Vernon Neighborhood Association, Portland Community College Community History and Skill Centers, and the Portland State University’s Men’s Health Project.” (Sabin CDC Website) This is just a short list of his advocacy work. At Sharon he has held many volunteer positions, some of them include being an Elder, Senior Ministries leader, Personal Ministries leader, Transportation Leader, and Health Committee.

Harvey was so loved that Sabin CDC along with community partners constructed and dedicated “The Harvey Rice Heritage Affordable Housing Building.” located on 14th Ave. Plaza.

It would seem to only be fitting that he shared\ a life with a partner who believed in the same commitment to community. Therefore, in 1996 he married Gertrude “Trudy” Woods. They were married for twenty-two years until her death in 2018.

Harvey was a father to a son Sean Rice of Portland, Oregon and a grandfather to Sean Rice Jr. If you knew Harvey, you knew he had words of wisdom for many of Portland’s sons and daughters. One of his son’s favorite memories was when his father would cook Turkey wings and gravy.

Harvey’s parents, Dessie Fowler (mom) Oliver Rice (dad), Brother Grady Rice, wife Gertrude Rice, all preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Sean Rice of Portland, Oregon. Grandson Sean Rice Jr, (Rhode Island), stepchildren.

Services will be Friday August 29th @ 11:00a.m. at Sharon Seventh-Day Adventist Church 5209 NE 22nd Ave. Portland, Oregon 97211. His public viewing will be at Terry Family Funeral Home located at 2337 N. Williams Ave. Portland, Oregon 97227 on Thursday August 28 from 4:00-6:00p.m.