Harvey W. Roper

Harvey W. Roper
1956 - 2014


Harvey Wendell Roper was born on January 24, 1956, to Ralph and Helen Roper at the Highland Hospital in Auburn, Calif. A month later, his family would open its namesake business Roper's Jewelers which still operates to this day.
Harvey attended Alta Vista Elementary and Placer High School in Auburn, then Sierra College, the Bulova School of Watch making in New York, and finally California State University Sacramento, Calif., where he completed a bachelor's degree in Business.
In August of 1979 he married the love of his life: Brenda Wilson of Foresthill, Calif. Their family quickly grew to include two children, Jacob, who works as a State Controller's Press Secretary in Sacramento, and Lane, who manages large mechanical engineering projects in the Bay Area.
The couple recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary with a tour through the northern Sierras.
Harvey's legacy includes not only running and expanding his family's business, but also his engagement in the local community. A lifelong resident of Auburn, he was a major part of the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic development projects including the downtown Auburn streetscape (which includes Endurance plaza).
While Harvey enjoyed his work, he most enjoyed spending time outside: fishing, biking, hunting, hiking, and anything that involved a loud chainsaw. He was a man with no enemies, a man who enjoyed working not only for the benefit of his family, but the benefit of the community as well. His love and care for his family was without limits, just one of the many qualities that will be irreplaceable after his passing.
He will be sorely missed by his wife Brenda, his sons; Jacob and Lane, his soon-to-be-daughter-in-law Kylee, his father Ralph, his sister Elaine (Ernie), his brother Steven, his brother-in-law Randy (Karen). Not to mention cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and a foothill community to which he devoted his life.
His family is developing a scholarship in his name to help cover individuals' cost to participate in the Leadership Auburn program, which is run by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Donations can be made in his name to the: Auburn Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 1103 High St. Auburn, CA. 95603.
Harvey was on a trip out-of-state when he passed, and his family would like to give their greatest thanks to his two friends, Michael Reese and Scott Dean, who loyally remained by their friend's side.
There will be a Celebration of Harvey's life on Sunday, September 21, 2104 at the Auburn Fairgrounds. The event begins at 1:00 p.m., and guests are asked to bring a photo with a memory of Harvey written on the back.