Obituary of Robert Alfred Harper

Robert Alfred Harper 1923 ~ 2014 Robert Harper was born at the Red Cross Outpost Hospital in Pouce Coupe on July 7, 1923. He was the first born and only son of Wes Harper and Mona Skillicorn. When Bob was a baby, he and his mom were returning to Dawson after visiting family in Montana. The horse and wagon they'd hired to drive them from Spirit River fell through the ice, and the only thing that saved Bob was that the wool blankets he'd been wrapped in, captured air and floated on the icy pond. Afterwards, his mom always told him: "They'd have to hang you because you can't be drowned." On Bob's first day at Dawson Creek School, on the corner of 8th St. and 111th Ave, for sport, he was informed that it was customary for all new students to get the strap on the first day. So he beat a hasty retreat for home two miles away. On the way home, he was collected by a teacher, and back to class he went. On the second day, he observed older boys tossing rocks at a squirrel on the roof of the school. Bob's efforts with his own rock sent a missile directly through the school's window. So, once again, he beat a hasty retreat for home. Bob spent much of his childhood with Jack Linklater. They were like brothers, and they hunted and fished, and Jack helped Bob pick all the moss to insulate Harper's Store. When they were ten, they went into business together, stealing lumber from Bob's dad to build a booth to sell ice cream at the two-day Stampede. After paying off their creditors, each boy had five dollars, and they believed themselves to be the wealthiest kids in town. Bob and Jack enlisted in the War together in 1942. Bob spent time overseas and was in the Commonwealth Air Training Program in Regina as an instructor, flying Tiger Moths and Ansons. He returned from WW II when so many of his friends, including his best friend Jack, did not. He always felt that there must have been a purpose for his survival, and he spent his life looking for that purpose and wondering why he'd been spared. Later in life, he told his kids that he thought that it must have been so he could raise them: that maybe it wasn't about what he was meant to do, but rather about what they were meant to do. Before he returned from the Air force, Bob bicycled around Scotland with a buddy. He was always proud of his Scottish roots. Once back in the Peace, he met Bernice Alexander at a South Dawson Hall dance. They were married in July, 1945. Doug and Jane were born within the next three years. Bob worked for his father, managing the meat department in the Harper's store, while Bernice worked in the lady's department. And for a short time, they owned a jewelry store in Prince George, where they lived with their two children. Bob and Bernice returned to Dawson Creek in the early '50s when they bought a farm and Bob began working in real estate. John was born soon after and Tom six years later. They also bought an acreage at Moberly Lake where Bob put his heart into building the family cabin, which was for many years a vital part of his life as his favourite retreat. Many important family memories were forged at the cabin on the Lake. In the '60s, Bob received his diploma in Real Estate Appraisal in Oregon and subsequently from the University of British Columbia. He started Harper Appraisals in Fort Saint John and later opened offices in Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. Bob spent the summers at Moberly and the winters skiing at Azu. He was instrumental in starting the ski patrol and building the first chalet at Bear Mountain. He was also president of the ski club. During ski season, the family would always watch out the front-room window for the illumination of the hill lights, so they could hit the slopes. In later years, his passion for downhill skiing gave way to cross country. Bob always enjoyed fishing in a remote lake, maneuvering a river, climbing a mountain, or sitting around a campfire and singing. This was his idea of paradise. He loved the Peace River area and wondered why anyone would live anywhere else. His passion for the outdoors was passed on to his children and grandchildren. After his retirement, Bob spent most days at the golf course, something that he enjoyed throughout his life. At 89 years of age he would still golf at least 18 holes each day. The other constant in his life was the Masonic Lodge, attending meetings throughout his adult life. Each of Bob's children feels imbued with his influence and world view, and they sought his advice and opinions on all things practical and philosophical. Bob had an expansive knowledge of Canadian history, was a strong believer in Canadian culture and had great concern over Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. As a father, Bob was never dictatorial, always quoting Voltaire: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." He also taught his kids to reserve judgement until all the evidence is in: "If something looks like a duck and quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, it isn't necessarily a duck." His mind and conversation skills were sharp, but he was a good listener as well. He always had the ability to have an objective conversation free from judgement or bias. Like a true philosopher, he'd extract the critical parts of an issue to determine its validity. He'd ask questions and never act like he knew everything. He always considered all perspectives, even if they encroached on his own character or challenged his opinions. One of Bob's favourite hobbies was woodworking. He built tables, walking sticks, and all the furniture for the cabin, and eventually he lovingly built treasure chests for each of the grandchildren. Many childhood memories of Grandpa are of him good-naturedly taking creative requests in the shop. Bob was observant and appreciative of nature, especially the birds and deer who came into the yard. And he enjoyed his large garden and at times, his shed was turned into a makeshift tobacco barn with tobacco leaves draped from the walls and rafters. Bob always wished he could know his great granddaughters better, as Audrey lives in the US, and Rosalie in Fort St John. He said there was so much he wanted to teach them and tell them of their heritage. It was important to him that they know where they come from. His mind was full of facts but also an essence of pioneering perseverance and gentle thoughtfulness. Bob will be remembered by his family as a wise man who was always full of stories and advice. He explained to his grandsons a Latin motto from the Royal Flying Corps at the outset of the First World War, Per ardua, ad astra, or "through adversity, to the stars." Bob's determination and toughness allowed him to live independently until his passing. He will be deeply missed by his sisters Dorothy McGowan and Ruth Byskal (Ed), his children Doug (Rose), Jane, John (Pat), Tom (Tracey), his grandchildren Robbin (Tom), Heather, Aaron (Maria), Quinn, Tyler, Matti, Cassandra and Wes and his great grandchildren Audrey and Rosie. A funeral service was held on June 27, 2014 at the South Peace United Church, officiated by Reverend Marilyn Carroll. Expressions of sympathy may be made by way of donation to the South Peace Historical Society, 900 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 4T6. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium. Service 2:00 pm Friday, June 27, 2014 South Peace United Church 1300 104 Ave DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2J6