with permission
June 2003
Dr. Harvey Gellman, who died on April 23, was one of Canada's computer pioneers and most distinguished consultants.
Harvey was important to many people, and on many levels. Harvey was important to me as a mentor, coach, advisor, and friend. For me, his legacy is the example he set in business, and in life. He never preached, but his views were powerfully communicated by his actions.
With his help, many of us were led to a better understanding of the human challenges we faced. Harvey would listen. He was able to hear new ideas, regardless of how much he might (initially) disagree. He was open to all, giving equal hearing to the custodian and the chairman.
Harvey was fond of saying, "I'm just a simple man." He recognized on a deep instinctive level that a persuasive message must be simple. He insisted that problems were not really solved until you could to provide a simple solution. Harvey didn't quit, and didn't let his colleagues quit, until they had gone through complexity to reach the simplicity that lies beyond.
The power of simplicity works on multiple levels in the worlds that I shared with Harvey. In consulting, the dual challenge is to discover the basis for change (by actively listening) and then to lay out a simple path forward - one that is compelling and unambiguous. An effective consultant must do both. Harvey excelled, and helped all of us do better. In computing as well, simple pays big dividends. A simple design for a computer system will be easier to build, document, test, and maintain. Harvey's "simple" filter dramatically improved a number of weak designs.
Harvey was unfailingly courteous and open. He was also one of the most moral men I have known. He never preached, but the example he set showed a profound respect for other people and their best interests. Ron Gilmore, a mutual colleague in Calgary, tells the story about the little man sitting on his shoulder. "When I face a tough decision, I listen to the little man on my shoulder. He guides me to the right path. His name is Harvey." Harvey helped many of us discover what was right for us and gave us the strength to stay the course.
Be open to what everyone has to say. Fight through to simplicity. And through it all, show deep respect for everyone in your life. Harvey set an example we struggle to follow. He will be remembered.
reprinted from
with permission
June 2003