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Charles Harper Obituary
Aug. 22, 1934
Dec. 13, 2014
Charles "Chuck" Harper, age 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec 13, 2014 in his Reno home after battling cancer.
Chuck was born Aug 22, 1934 in Coleman, TX to Charlie and Susie (Baxter) Harper. After his father's tragic death in 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War as a radio operator in the Aleutian Islands.
After his service, Chuck had a long and varied radio and television broadcasting career in Texas, New Mexico, California, Utah, and Nevada. He had great success in Reno during the 1960s and is perhaps best known as his on-air personality, Big Daddy. He then worked in real estate for 20 years until early 2014.
Chuck volunteered for many years in Sheep Dip, a nonprofit organization that raises money for charity, and served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society. For ten years, he was a member of the Reno Police Department's Senior Auxiliary Volunteer Effort (SAVE), patrolling the community. He also served as a Wolf Pack Ambassador, interacting with and helping crowds at University of Nevada athletic games.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Sandra Harper (Reno, NV); his siblings, Mary Catherine Parnell (Bangs, TX) and Carl Robert Harper (Baytown, TX); his seven children, Chuck Harper (Portland, OR), Carrie Cammack (Bothell, WA), Laurie Chadwick (Portland, OR), Margo Guidara (Las Vegas, NV), Steven Harper (Quakertown, PA), Michelle Montoya (Reno, NV), and Meghan Green (Reno, NV); his thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister, Patsy Irene Morgan.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Mon., Dec 22nd at Walton's Funeral Home, 875 West 2nd Street, Reno. Visitation hours will be from 12 - 1pm. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, with a reception immediately following at the Elks Lodge, 597 Kumle Lane, Reno 89509.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Harper
Al Lockett
December 23, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michelle & Chuck - Sheep Dip 50
Mike Bryant
December 22, 2014
Let me add one more voice to those who note that Chuck was a class act. Those of us in his extended Sheep Dip family will miss him more than we can say.
Without a doubt, many glasses will be raised to Chuck at the Doctors' Party, and many stories beginning with "remember the time Harper..." will be told.
We'll miss you, Dr. Chuck, but we won't forget you.
Brent Boynton
December 22, 2014
Michelle, Sandra and family,
Chuck was a class act, and always a joy to see and work with at Sheep Dip. I was not surprised to find he was a radio guy from Texas. I felt some kinship, since I, too, was a radio guy from Texas.
Although I never had the opportunity to hear him on the air, I know he was a classic voice of Reno. I respect his broadcasting background and appreciate his Sheep Dip fellowship. We are richer to have known him.
Rest in peace, Big Daddy.
December 22, 2014
His work with the UNR Ambassadors was much appreciated but more than that he was a good friend. His smile will always be in my mind. Jerry Cail
Andrew Barbano
December 22, 2014
My Sparks Tribune remembrance of Big Daddy is now posted at
http://nevadalabor.com/barbwire/barb14/barb12-23-14.html
Linked thereat, you will find my 1989 column about the last day of KCBN. Whoever promised me a CD of all 13 hours and never sent it, now would be a good time. I'll upload it as a nice sendoff.
My friend Big Daddy was the ultimate mellow dude.
May he rest in peace among all the golden oldies riding the waves which escaped our sky toward the ends of the universe.
December 21, 2014
We will all miss his many talents.
Dan McGee
December 20, 2014
Glad to have worked with you on Sheep Dip. May God hold your soul in his hands and give you eternal peace and may he surround your family with his love and strength during this time. RIP Chuck.
Chris Kilian
December 20, 2014
My deep sympathies. Always so so difficult to lose your love ones.
Rachel Cytanovic
December 20, 2014
R.I.P. Chuck
Barry and Judi Schoppmann
December 19, 2014
Barry and I are so grateful to have known this wonderful man. He was truly an inspiration and will be sorely missed. RIP Chuck . . .
Once upon a record (45).....
Dick Stoddard
December 19, 2014
The year was 1964 and I was a junior at Reno High. Chuck was my first radio program director and the station was The Big 1230. KCBN (AM). Chuck loved the Chessmen and Checkmates,but I was too young to see them at the Mapes and the "Fun Room". What great radio days those were with such a fun guy. Will always remember you,love and peace.
Your Friends & co Workers at Real Estate Temps
Danni Starr
December 19, 2014
Chuck Harper you will always bring a smile to my face everytime that I think of you. You were the most amazing man! I will miss you!
Love
Danni Starr
Cindy Campbell
December 19, 2014
Sandy and all of you, I am so sorry for your loss. I always considered Chuck a friend, a mentor and important in my life. My sympathy to all of you. Love and prayers Cindy Campbell
December 19, 2014
R.I.P.
December 19, 2014
Godspeed, Chuck. It was a pleasure to know you and work for you at KCBN. My prayers are with you and the family.
michael perry
December 19, 2014
Giving simply for the joy of giving makes the world a little brighter. Big Daddy lit it up. Than you, Chuck, for the example you set for all we media understudies. Your smile and warmth will be so missed. Our prayers for your family as they go thru the letting go of your physical presence.
Sybil & Woody Woodhouse
December 19, 2014
A very special man who will be missed greatly by many!! Heaven will be a little brighter!!
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