William James King Harper.

1941 - 2021

William (Bill) James King Harper. October 28, 1941 to January 20, 2021. With the heaviest of hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Bill Harper. He was born in Newmarket, Ontario, to Alfred and Jessie Harper and grew up on the family farm in Brampton, Ontario. Cerebral palsy did not slow Bill down. He was an active man who enjoyed farming, singing and being of service to others. His joy for life was felt by all who were blessed to be his family and friends. Bill was a 1962 graduate of Variety Village in Toronto. He was proud to be chosen as a spokesperson for the school. Bill worked at a farm implement store in the parts department until he took over the front counter of Betty's Variety Store in Guelph from 1965 to 1976. He moved to Brackendale, BC, in 1992 to join his family, where he quickly became a favourite choice for lawn care. He impressed everyone with his work ethic, pride and perseverance. In 2004, Bill moved to Powell River. He will be lovingly remembered by his dear friends and staff at Kiwanis Village and Evergreen Extended Care. Bill was quick with a joke and loved to make the nurses laugh. Cheering on his Toronto sports teams, the Leafs and the Blue Jays, gave him so much pleasure through the years. Bill is reunited with his parents Alfred and Jessie Harper and nephew Brian Burton. He is survived by his loving sister Sara Elizabeth (Betty) Burton, his niece Brenda Burton (Ed Audet) and great-nieces Kristin Leigh and Courtney Leigh (Jesse Jerry). Uncle Bill will be lovingly remembered by his great-great-nieces and nephews Cameron, Josephine, James and Harper. He will always be remembered by his dear friend Patti Anderson, a friendship Uncle Bill treasured. He loved his friends and the residents and caring staff at Evergreen, who have become like family to us all. Uncle Bill was an inspiration. Having a disability did not change his joy for life. He did not accept handouts, but would give everyone he knew a hand up. He was our sounding board, a giver of wise advice, and our cherished uncle. We will miss him so much. The family will be forever grateful for the love, friendship and phenomenal care he received at Evergreen and from Dr. Dohm. We could not have asked for a better team, especially during the last year; it was reassuring to know how well he was being cared for and loved. A memorial will be held for Bill at a safer time. Until then, tell a joke and make someone laugh in memory of Bill.