Brian Edward Harp

Our beloved son, brother, grandson and uncle, Brian Edward Harp, died unexpectedly on August 13, 2011, at his home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Brian was born on February 19, 1979 in Akron, Ohio. Just a little guy at the start, he quickly grew into a radiant toddler with a smile and a sparkle that would beam outward as he challenged the world to keep the pace with him.

Even at a very young age, you would hear him play his Sesame Street record player at top notch while singing ``I love rock & roll, put another dime in the juke box, baby!!' He would dance about, swinging his arms and stomping his feet, as he would feel the music flow through his soul.

Just after the age of 4, his brother Michael became his sidekick. These two superheroes set out to conquer the world, needing someone to protect and guard. Brian was 6½years old when he attended the actual birth of his baby sister Amanda. What a team the three of them became.

Brian attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Cuyahoga Falls from kindergarten through 8th grade. He was active in many sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, and karate. He played the saxophone in the band, and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 179. He was confirmed at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where he was as an altar server. His bold enthusiasm was definitely a challenge to some, but he left an imprint that would not be forgotten. Even then he followed his heart!

Brian attended St. Vincent St. Mary High School and Cuyahoga Falls High School.

Brian was a friend to many, always wanting to share his love and laughter. He always greeted you with a big old hug and most often a kiss, and with a smile that warmed any room. He would always be the first to lend a hand, support the underdog, or to start and end an argument. He forgave easily and was a compassionate listener for anyone that needed to talk. He genuinely was concerned about others, sharing not only their joys but their tears. He loved to cook and had always wanted to go to culinary school. He did work and cook in many restaurants, including Bob Evans and The On Tap Bar & Grille in the most recent years. Brian loved animals and had many pets that he loved and cared for.

He became an official big brother to his cousin Tony Dolan, when Tony's dad, who was Brian's uncle Bobby Dolan, left to join the eagles in heaven.

Brian's brothers and sisters and their children, Ayden Michael Harp, Delaney Rose Harp, Gavyn Michael Hankinson, and Ariana Paislee Dolan were the absolute loves of his life. Everyone who knew Brian knew his family was the most important possession he had. This extended to his many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents as well. His love for his ``Ma', who was his grandmother, Dottie Hoffman, was at the top of his list. He thoroughly enjoyed any family get together, big or small.

He loved to dance and was blessed with the ability to do so. He became a country dancer first at the Boot Scootin' Saloon during high school. Dancing became his passion and his release, that allowed his spirit to flow to others. He could remember the words to any song and loved to sing. He loved to go to Blossom, loved to travel, loved to eat and loved the sun and the beach. He loved movies in addition to live theatre. He became a family member at ``The Dusty Armadillo' where he would shine on the dance floor. His talk about the fun he had there was infectious, and he drew in so many people to join him through the wee hours of the night. A special tribute to Brian was held at ``The Dusty' on August 17, 2011 so his family and friends could have a special last dance in Brian's honor.

Brian was preceded to heaven by many loved ones including his uncle, Robert ``Bobby D' Dolan and his grandfathers, Jake Dolan, Jack Vance, Roy Harp, and George McClellan.

Remembering his passionate love and his gift to their life, are his proud parents, mother, Cheryl Harp and her partner David Farkas, father, Steven Harp and his wife Kerry Haglund Harp; best friend and brother, Michael Thomas Harp and his wife Taryn Harp, their children Ayden and Delaney; his beloved sister, Amanda Marie Harp and her fiance James Hankinson, their son Gavyn; his strong cousin, Anthony Joseph Dolan, his partner Leigha Huckoby, and their daughter Ariana; as well as his grandparents, Dorothy (Dottie) and Robert Hoffman, Gladys Harp, and Marillyn McClellan.

Each of us begins a new journey, a journey of grief for some, a journey of peace for Brian. In honoring his life, we ask each of you to carry forward his laughter, see his smile in a ray of sunshine, hear his song in the wind and feel his heart beat inside of yours.

His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Good Neighbors Food Bank of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Brian loved to prepare for others and would never want to see another person go hungry.

Brian, thank you for the light in our lives. We will ``Carry on with style.'

Calling hours for Brian will be held TONIGHT, August 18, 2011 at Redmon Funeral Home from 4 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Fr. James Singler celebrant. PLEASE MEET AND FORM PROCESSION AT THE CHURCH. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls.

(REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631)