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HARPER, Richard

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It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Warren Harper announce his unexpected passing on August 08, 2012 at Bear's Pass Ontario. Richard started his life in service, he was a Sea Cadet in 1970 and then in the Military Service for 26 years.  He retired a Veteran and was a legion member for the past 12 years. He was a quiet man who enjoyed fishing and hunting after he moved to Fort Frances.  Every year he would spend months contemplating and constructing his Christmas village for the children to come and see. Richard always had a story to tell and a smile for everyone.  He had a gift for animals and children. During his career with the military as a cook he served with multiple postings in all three branches; Air, Land and Sea. His service in Canada included: Shilo MB., Shelburne NS., Edmonton AB, Alert NT, Victoria BC. and Petawawa ON.  He also served extensively across the pond in Germany, Turkey, Haiti, Dubai, and Bosnia.  He circumnavigated the globe while on the HMCS Calgary then 6 months in the Adriatic on peacekeeping duties.  Other ship postings were with HMCS Yukon, Annapolis, and Vancouver. Married to Kerry, Aug. 1980 in Shelburne NS.  He lived from coast to coast in Canada and also 6 years in Europe with his family.  His family travelled to Fort Frances and Sault St. Marie often for visits.  Since settling in the Fort in 2001 he was a Chef at the Adventure Inn, and a Chef for the Fort Frances Jail the last 11 years.  He enjoyed cooking for family and friends at the Bears Pass cabin (Rebel Acres), he was always proud to show off what he had had a part in building.  He also volunteered with the Air Cadets and was an active member of the Sportsman Club of Fort. Richard was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on November 25, 1956.  He was predeceased by his father Thompson Harper (SSM), mother Connie Holmes nee Brandow (SSM), step father Harry Holmes (SSM), granddaughter Savannah Harper (Wilmot NS). Richard is survived by his loving wife and companion Kerry Frances (Kiki) nee Adair and sons Jeffery T A Harper and spouse Amanda Bremner of (Wilmot NS) and Timothy W A Harper.  His siblings Vicki Legg (Winnipeg), Vera and Allan Taylor (SSM), Dennis Holmes (Lynn Lake, Man), Doug and Wanda Holmes (Lynn Lake, Man), Donna and Andrew Teare, (Windsor, Ont) Shaune and Vicki Holmes (SSM) and all their children and grandchildren Aunt Rita Conway, Aunt Marlene Harper, (both of SSM) and Bob Brandow (Dryden).  The members of the Adair family, mother in law Faith Adair (FF) predeased by Bill Adair, Terry Michiel (Calgary Alta), David and Rhonda Happy (Atikokan,Ont), Merry Sue Adair-Gill (Winnipeg), George and Valerie Adair (Winnipeg), Jeri and Dave Lefleche (Orillia,Ont) Jesse and Barb Adair (FF),John Adair (Fort McMurray, Alta) and all their children and grandchildren. Also the extended family of Bosko and Jovanka Stopa and family. Uncle Ricki will be missed by all his family especially by his frizzbee throwing companion Shaelyn. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 from 7 – 9 pm. Funeral service to be held in the chapel on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 11 am. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Victory Baptist Church in Fort Frances on August 24, 2012 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations made to The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Rue Ruskin Street Ottawa ON K1Y 4W7. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com