Alexander James Hope Harper

HARPER, Alexander James Hope August 11th, 1924 - March 6th, 2017 Forever in our hearts With full hearts, we have had to say goodbye to our wonderful Dad, Alexander (Alec) James Hope Harper. He passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 6th to be with his dearly beloved wife, Jessie. Alec was born on August 11th, 1924 in Kilmun, Scotland. He emigrated to Canada in 1952 to continue his post secondary education in forestry, and graduated from The University of British Columbia in 1955 with a Degree in Forestry. He would go on to work for MacMillan Bloedel as a forester, and later for Weyerhauser as head of inventory. Having met the woman of his dreams (Jessie) prior to leaving Scotland, he soon wrote to ask her to come to Canada, and they were married in 1953. Dad was a serious photographer at the beginning of his career, and as well as taking pictures of family, he loved to take pictures of tree planting sites, often revisiting to photograph them years later to observe the growth. We lived in logging camps in Sarita and Franklin River and then moved to Port Alberni to enjoy a larger family home. On our property near Roger Creek, Dad set up putting greens and a driving practice area. Daily golfing would become a ritual, with his love of the game being shared by all, and becoming a large part of 'Harper' life. Dad loved the outdoors, and would look forward to his camping trips with the family during his holidays. The trailer would get loaded up with clothes and food, and off we'd go in the station wagon to visit campgrounds, explore the outdoors and have fun. Dad has been there to support all of us with our career paths after graduation, and in his quiet manner he would celebrate our accomplishments. He was a loving and devoted grandfather, celebrating birthdays, attending graduations and various activities and concerts. He loved watching golf and tennis tournaments on T.V., and some of our fondest memories of late will be family gatherings in his living room to watch these sports events. (He was a huge Andy Murray fan!) Golf was a big part of dad's life. He was a member of the Nanaimo Golf Club for over 50 years as well as being a director and President in 1976. He was also very involved with the junior golfers in Nanaimo and was a Director with the British Columbia Golf Association. Dad and Mom spent much of their retirement years golfing, travelling, socializing with friends, and enjoying time with family. He missed Mom so much since she left us last May, and we are thankful to find peace now in knowing that they will be together again. Dad is predeceased by his adored sister, Aileen, his brother Bill, and his daughter-in-law Sandra. He leaves to mourn his daughter Sheila (Greg, Jennifer, David Buchanan), and sons Sandy (Karen, Alex, Andrew), Bruce (Terri, AJ, Jaylene), Ian (Jeanette, Aimee, Julie, Hannah), James (Josephine), niece Christine (Roy, Rob Clemens), sister-in-law Jean, as well as nieces, nephews and their families in Scotland and Australia. A special thank you to Barb, Rick, Ashley and Elaine for their compassionate care of our father in his home. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vancouver Island Regional Library or a charity of your choice.