In Memoriam: Hooshang Harvesf, Ph.D.
The Avondale community learned of the passing of Hooshang Harvest, Ph.D. on Saturday, Feb. 3, in Jacksonville, Florida, his hometown outside of his native country of ancient Persia. He was predeceased by his father, mother and brother, Dr. Keikhosrow Harvesf, M.D., a local pediatrician, whom he followed to North Florida back in the 1960s. He is survived by his niece, Mojdeh Harvesf (Ourmazdi), and nephew, Cyrus M. Harvesf, along with grandnephews and a grandniece.
Harvesf was born in Kerman, Iran, and emigrated to the United States due to persecution of Christians in his home country, which proved to be a great move for his family and his business pursuits. Remembering his roots was key for his passionate career; in his native culture, rugs were underfoot in every home. Multiple rugs would be spread throughout the rooms of homes across the Middle East. It was a tradition that he curated through his life’s long journey.
After earning his Ph.D. at the University of California Berkley, he moved to Jacksonville to begin his career, where he would fall in love with the people of Jacksonville – from Avondale to the Beaches – and all neighborhoods in between. One thing was clear, he loved Avondale and was always proud to be a productive member and Board Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the Shoppes of Avondale, now referred to as Historic Avondale. His input brought the best outcomes in updating and management decisions for the area, even as far back as the mid-2000s, when Avondale went though major upgrades to pavers, historic lighting and more.
Starting his rug business back in 1977, Harvesf was the longest continuously running business in Avondale, selling rugs from the top weaving centers of the world for decades. Not only did he sell rugs, but he was an educator on the craft of hand-tied and loom-fed mills that procured beautiful works of art. If a guest or visitor wanted to learn about the value and craft of rugs, he would take the time, and quite often would build friendships with those that were intrigued by this unique form of art. He made fast friends and procured relationships, even if there was no business to be done. He simply loved to talk about his treasure trove of rugs – it wasn’t about the sale, and it wasn’t about the money.
Many of the works he purchased were not just rugs, but pieces to be hung as displays on walls, or procured in museums due to the time-honored traditions of highly skilled, professional weavers that created life-like beauty in colorful, dyed wool and silks to create landscapes, patterns and color-combinations of magnificence.
Harvesf was quick with a smile and had sincere respect for those that took time to build relationships and spread kindness; his wisdom was unmistakable. He was also a man of few words – but when they were spoken, people listened. Full of insight, wit and kindness, his advice was paramount and encouraging to anyone that took time to appreciate and enjoy his company.
He earned his reputation as one of the most knowledgeable, kind and considerate salesmen. His collection of rugs are placed in some of the finest homes in North Florida and far beyond the shop’s local area; many will be passed on for generations to come as part of his legacy and that of the families and friends he served.
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