March 7, 1918-
February 25, 2007
Paul G. Harper was born in San Diego, California, in 1918. He attended San Diego State College and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics. At college, he was a dashing figure in his Pierce-Arrow touring car, and there he met his wife to be, Dorothy Lou Hayes. They married December 27, 1941, during a wartime blackout in San Diego.
He received a commission in the Navy and served for three years on Espiritu Santo in the Pacific theater. After the conclusion of his tour of duty, he attended Harvard University for six months. He moved with Dottie and daughter Suzanne to the Northwest, making their home on Lake Burien. They resided there as members of the lakeside community for 45 years, raising three additional children, Nancy, Claudia and Rich ("Buzz"). Paul enjoyed so many fun activities on the lake, including raising trout, boating, swimming and playing Santa at the annual "Christmas Boat" parade. Paul was known for always pitching in to help his friends and neighbors. His dry wit and wry sense of humor were always enjoyed. It was on Lake Burien that he became close friends with Dr. Robert Rankin, who was his frequent companion on many mountain hiking trips, and pheasant hunting opportunities which led them to the Wenatchee area. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, hiking in the mountains and hunting trips with his beloved dogs.
After World War II, Paul started his own business in manufacturing steel pipe fittings. He and his co-worker Jack Beltz worked together successfully for 29 years. Paul always taught the merits of hard work values of thriftiness, which he practiced and passed on to his kids. After retiring and selling his business, Paul took pleasure in working in h is yard and gardens, planting berries and apple trees, and continuing his outdoor outings.
In 1993, Paul and Dottie visited their daughter Claudia in Wenatchee and loved the area. Dotty fell in love with a 1902 Victorian house, which Paul purchased for her and they have resided in to this day. They made many new friends in Wenatchee. Paul and Dottie added lovely gardens and fruit trees, which they have enjoyed tending and sharing with friends.
During the last few years, Paul has been cared for by many loving caregivers. Their warm presence and attentions have been a great source of happiness for both Paul and the family. Our family is very grateful for their kindness to him.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and George Harper, and by his son Richard Harper. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, their daughters Suzanne Harper and Claudia Cockerham of Wenatchee, and Nancy Roy and grandson Joel Kairson of Vancouver, B.C., and two great-grandsons, Adam and Noah.
