Lamont Curtis Harvey

Over 41 years of life, Lamont had seen and done more than the average person can imagine. He was a complicated, and often misunderstood man- but no matter what, he cared. He was a fighter-he fought for (and sometimes with) the people he loved, even when they couldn't see it. No man is perfect, and Lamont was certainly no exception, but he was great. He was a leader, an innovator, ambitious, and brave.

Everyone who knew Lamont knows that he had a remarkable mind. He was a brilliant writer, a skilled artist, and overwhelmingly smart. He was a deeply caring man, though he rarely let it show. To those he did share with, he would tell stories of his family and friends. He bragged all about his little brother being "the smartest kid in Chicago" and meeting the president. He took any opportunity he found to talk about how incredible his adopted mom, Patrice, was to him. She loved him so deeply, truly, and unconditionally. He adored her, and would even show off photos of her with his sisters, always insisting they were the most beautiful women to live. Lamont talked about Steve, who helped teach him some of the most important lessons he would learn early in life. He told stories of his sisters being left in charge at home and the silly things that siblings do to torment each other. He loved talking about his enormous family-Tasha, who he had endless love and respect for. He told stories of getting into trouble with Jamie and Alice, Lil Otis, Curt, Tank, Tyrone and Marquis, then Grandma Terri and Grandpa Otis getting after them about it. He was so unbelievably happy when he found his no-longer-long-lost sister, Mya. He was over the moon and would have done absolutely anything for her to be a part of the Harvey family. These are just some of the things that he thought of when he talked of his family. Most of all, he always said how much he loved them, and how grateful he was for their love for him.

Through all of the struggles, the fights and the challenges that life gave to Lamont, he always loved his children. He beamed with pride any time he saw photos of them, always telling people how brilliant they are and how talented. He once spent nearly a week talking about how amazing it was that his oldest son had decided that he wanted to be a microbiologist when he grew up. "Most kids say they want to be an astronaut or a doctor," he'd say, "Not this kid, no he's lightyears ahead of those other kids." All of his children share his striking smile, and continue to bless the world with the sparkling eyes that he passed on to them, as well.

One thing Lamont wanted more than anything was to figure out "How to just do life right and be better." He spent the last part of his life sharing his reflections on his life, his relationships, and he would talk about wanting to be "better." But Lamont was always great, he didn't need to change. He was loud and had jokes that could draw crowds. He could change the energy in any place, could make peace in the deepest turmoil, and he could forgive anyone because he understood what it was to make a mistake and wish to take it back. He always did the best that he could, with all of the tools he had available to him.

The family and friends that live on with Lamont in their hearts are numerous, and wide spread. He touched the lives of people all over the country, and he will be remembered dearly by each and every one.

Lamont Harvey was a King, and he is survived by more beautiful people than can be listed.

His mother was Beatice Harvey, and also Patrice Champagne, who adopted him. He loved them both with his whole heart and soul.

His siblings are Otis Harvey, Mya Walker, Raphael Hudson, Michael Johnson, Jumar Hall, Patric Champagne, Cayl Champagne, Gracien Champagne, Christian Champagne, Ayana Farmby, and Carmene Champagne.

His beautiful children are Kalvin Harvey, Caleb Harvey, Makaylah Kupiszewski, Scarlette Schirer, Charlie Schirer, Gaius Harvey, Renfri Larson, and Wezley Anderson.