Obituary of Keith Harper

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". It is with great sadness, but with thanks for a life well lived that we announce the death of Keith on November 4, 2008. Keith Sargent Harper was born March 22, 1916 to Winnie (Nee Clark) and William Harper in Scott, Saskatchewan, third eldest of a family of four boys. The majority of his earlier years were spent in Kincaid, Saskatchewan where his father owned Harper's Hardware and the family lived above the store. He attended Regina College and Institute of Technology and Arts in Calgary. Employment ensued in the automotive industry at Bowman Brothers and York Auto Supply in Regina. On October 9, 1943 Keith married Bernice (Bee) Barlow. The family moved to Yorkton in 1947 where Keith owned and managed the Yorkton branch of York Auto Supply. A successful and hard working businessman, Keith was also very committed to his community and gave willingly of his time and energy. Some of his involvements include: Pres. Of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, Pres. Of Anderson Lodge board, Life Member & Past Pres. Of Yorkton Kinsmen Club and Past District Secretary, Pres. of K40 Club, member of Yorkton Housing Corporation, member of Yorkton executive of Navy League of Canada, Sask., Chair of Marketing and Research Division of Canadian Automotive Wholesalers, executive member of the Yorkton Terrier Hockey Club, long time member of the Yorkton Rotary Club and St. Andrew's United Church. A wonderfully gifted and humorous speaker, his annual speech presenting the Kinsmen of the Year Award was greatly anticipated. Keith retired at age sixty and after some travelling, he and Bee enjoyed many years as "snowbirds" in Palm Springs, California, and summers at their Crystal Lake cottage. They moved to the Bentley Retirement Community in 2002. Keith's enthusiasm for his community continued after his retirement and he was a daily observer of local, provincial and national news with strong opinions regarding the same! An avid sports fan, hunter, curler and fisherman, annual fly-in fishing trips continued until his mid 80's, firstly with his own friends, then with his son-in-law Gordon's group where he was made to feel welcomed and valued. Keith and Bee cultivated a strong circle of friends and loved to entertain. Their social life was an active one. However, Keith was, above all, a man fiercely devoted to his family; supportive, encouraging, and leaving a legacy of love. In 2005, after several years of devoted care giving by Keith, Bee entered the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. After her death on April 9, 2008, Keith lost his zest for life and his own failing health entailed entering the same facility in September 2008. He was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife, Bee, his siblings and spouses: Marvin, Marriott (Edna), Bruce (Helen) and a daughter-in-law, Susan Harper. Keith will be deeply missed and remembered by his three children and their families: daughter, Pattee (Gordon) Flett of Yorkton, SK and their children: James of Calgary, AB, Susan (Syd) Furber of Yorkton, daughter Jill (Jim) Powell of Regina, SK and their children: Jeff of Regina, SK and Scott (Deanna Shanks) of Fairmont, BC; son Doug (Joan) Harper of Yorkton, SK and their children: Kari (Francis) Ostapovich, Ryan (Daniela Clement), Stacey (Bob) Sullivan of Calgary, AB, Erin Hunt of Saskatoon, SK and Sandi (Jeff) Weist of Kenville, MB; great grandchildren: Sean and Spencer Furber, Carson Ostapovich, Siobhan Sullivan, Rayne and Zenin Weist; sister - in - law Marge Barlow as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Service Information Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 11:00am, St. Andrew's United Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery