We lost a beloved frater, Harvey Palash, on March 4, 2023. He was a few weeks short of age 90, and suffered several years from bone marrow cancer.
Harvey transferred as a junior from Los Angeles City College to SC in fall 1953. His leadership and charisma allowed him immediately to be elected Pledge Class President. Later he served as Prytanis his entire senior year, graduating in June 1955 with a degree in political science.
When he succeeded astronaut Jerry Carr as Prytanis, Jerry showed him a closet full of Memorabilia he had quietly pilfered from rival fraternities. He made Harvey promise to not reveal the secret. Unknown to all including the rivals, Harvey secretly returned the entire stash. It wasn’t until Jerry’s death several years ago that we learned of the skullduggery.
Harvey was always heavily involved in the entertainment industry. He had early employment in labor relations with the American Television and Radio Actors (AFTRA) and the American Broadcasting Company, while attending law school at Loyola College and passing the bar. As a successful entrepreneur he formed three companies: The Palash Agency, Diamond P Enterprises and Diamond P Sports. The latter was sold in 1990 to setup his retirement. His activities involved tennis, golf and reminiscing with old entertainment friend.
In 1967 Harvey was connected with The National Hot Rod Association, later being elected to its Board of Directors. It was at NHRA that he met his beloved wife of 25 years, Penny. They lived in Coronado, Indian Wells and most recently Rancho Mirage, California.
Harvey was an exceptional man and will be remembered always for his quiet strength, his gentle and loving soul, and as a consummate gentleman.