Harvey E. Rasmussen
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Harvey Elmer Rasmussen, Jr. passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, the 8th of January 2010. He was 79. Mr. Rasmussen was the founding President of Columns Inc., at 1011 North Main in Pearland, Texas. He proudly served as President for 45 years until his retirement in 2009. Harvey designed, manufactured, and sold the very first aluminum column in the United States. These columns, caps, and bases were load bearing, weather resistant, and were readily installed in commercial buildings, libraries, and residential homes coast to coast in the United States and Canada. Additionally Harvey later designed, aluminum and steel spiral stairways for the industry.
Harvey was born in Gibson City, Illinois, on the 12th of February 1930. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Atlantic Fleet of the US Navy and served his country an extra year as the Korean War was just beginning. He was a long time member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America and more recently served its Board of Directors Texas as the At Large Director for the State of Texas. His Rolling Hills Ranch in Huntsville, Texas, served as home for some 200 head of registered Texas Longhorns. Through his associations he became endeared to many fellow men and women Texas Longhorn Breeders; Harvey cherished those friendships. He unselfishly helped new breeders by freely offering pasture, breeding stock and countless assistance when necessary. Throughout this wonderful breed, Harvey was proudly referred to by many as "Mr. Longhorn Ambassador."Mr. Rasmussen was a lifetime member and active supporter of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Until 2006, he served as Chairman of the Texas Longhorn Cattle Sale of the Rodeo for 12 years.
During those years, this sale generously donated to charitable organizations such as The Alzheimer's Association, The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, The NASA Longhorn Project, The Texas Heart Institute, and The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Center at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Additionally, Mr. Rasmussen served as chairman for twelve years of Best of Texas Sale, held annually in Bastrop, Texas.
Mr. Rasmussen was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Elmer Rasmussen Sr., and his mother Rose Gandy Rasmussen; his uncle, Anthony Gandy of Gibson City, Illinois; beloved sister-in-law June Rasmussen; and step-son Robert Ascheal.
Mr. Rasmussen is survived by his loving wife Evelyn, stepdaughter Sarah Karst, husband Erik Karst, and grandson Andrs Rasmussen Karst of Houston, brother Robert R. Rasmussen of Lake Forest, Illinois, nephews R. Ragnar Rasmussen, wife Megan and daughter Tracey of Houston, Kurt Rasmussen, wife Katie and son Tyler of Lake Forest, Illinois, Carolyn Ascheal of Huntsville, Texas, step grandchildren Michael and Robin and families.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Rasmussen's physicians, especially Dr. Neil Strickman, Dr. Pat Herlihy and Colleagues, Dr. Ross Ruel and Dr. Scott Lea. We sincerely appreciate our caregivers and Vitas Hospice which assisted in his peaceful and painless departure under the direction of Dr. Michelle Cunningham.
A memorial service was conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 13th of January, in the Calkins Chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Victoria E. Jones officiated.
Obituary courtesy of Houston Chronicle
