Harvey J. Crane, Jr, WD4IYS SK {Yes this is older news, but I neglected to share it before now. } Harvey J. Crane Jr., 81, founder of Crane Cams, Inc., and a pioneer figure in the racing and performance automotive industry, passed away peacefully with family at his side on May 31, 2013. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 2:00 P.M at First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, 118 N. Palmetto Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Interment will follow at Daytona Memorial Park. A visitation will be held the night before on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, 1423 Bellevue Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. It was at age thirteen, Harvey discovered hot rods, which led him to a lifetime fascination with modifying engines to increase their power output. In his teen years, Harvey gained a reputation for building fast, powerful and reliable flathead Ford V-8 engines for Florida racers. He later opened a part-time business, building race engines while working in his father's machine shop. On January 1, 1953, Harvey opened Crane Engineering in a rented corner of his dad's shop in Hallandale, FL. By the mid 1960's Crane Cams had caught and surpassed its competitors, becoming the largest racing cam company in the industry. By the 1970's Crane Cams were being used to win races on the NASCAR circuit, in all categories and by both major race teams and privateer racers. In the 1980's Crane Cams built a new facility in Daytona Beach, Florida and in 1985, Harvey closed his plant in South Florida and consolidating all operations to Daytona Beach. In 1989, Harvey "retired" from Crane Cams but still remained active in his passion. He began offering classes in designing camshaft lobe profiles using knowledge gained in a half-century of involvement in the business. Harvey's "Cam School" eventually attracted more than 100 students from every element of the automotive industry. Harvey Crane's memory and his legacy will remain as long as there is a fine-tuned, properly prepared racing engine delivering its song to a race track and racing fans. Other than his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Harvey was a certified ham radio operator, boat captain, fisherman, a private pilot and a loving husband and father. He often would fly or travel by sea with his family to the Bahamas on weekend excursions. Harvey also proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, David Crane, Steven Crane, Mona Crane, Susan (Greg) Farris; grandchildren, Ryan and Zachary Crane, Holly Banos, Madelyn Farris; two great-grandchildren; and his faithful dog, Stormy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Maxine Crane and his 1st wife & mother of his children, Mildred Crane Hoisington. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, 4850 S.W. 52nd St., Davie, FL 33314. Arrangements are under the careful supervision of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Condolences are welcome and may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on June 9, 2013 https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/n...aspx?n=harvey-j-crane&pid=165213997&fhid=5883
