Marvin "Gene" Harp

Marvin "Gene" Harp was born May 3, 1929, to Maggie and Gilbert in Louisville, Ky. After a long battle with cancer, he died April 20, 2011, in Gresham, Ore., at the age of 81. Gene went to college as an art major, but left to join the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. While in Korea, he was injured in battle and received a Purple Heart. Upon discharge, he returned to the University of Kentucky, graduating with a degree in Geology in 1960. He moved to Anchorage, with his first wife and young son when he was hired by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation, Highway Division. He continued working there until 1984 when he retired as a Chief Engineering Geologist. Many roads and highways in Alaska were Gene's projects.

Gene married the love of his life, Roberta, in 1976, and helped raise her four children and was grandpa to the 12 grandchildren. Upon retirement in 1984, they moved to Gresham, where he lived until his death.

Before retiring, Gene and Roberta spent many happy days sailing the Alaska waterways, including the inside passage twice. After retiring, they traveled across Canada and back across the U.S., around Europe, Mexico and many trips to Hawaii. Yearly, they visited family and friends in Anchorage and New Jersey. They enjoyed many activities and trips with friends in Gresham. Family times were the most joyous for Gene, not only with the kids and grandkids, but also with Roberta's many siblings. Gene was always happy when there was good food, children present and music playing. Gene's hobbies included photography, piano, uke, guitar, Western movies and anything historical.

Gene is survived by his wife Roberta of Gresham, Ore.; son, Larry Harp; step-sons, Bill and Bob Wessels all of Anchorage; Dan (Karin) Wessels of N.J.; step-daughter, Susan (John) of Portland, Ore.; sister, Linda Stark of Kentucky, 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Henry Catholic Church at 11 a.m., Friday, May 6, followed by Military Honors at Willamette National Cemetery.