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Harry Harper Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry Harper
David kolas
July 30, 2025
I rember harry from vq. Me and harry got real close because I was aways getting into things. But he made a big difference in my life I always sit back and think about him and other staff . I realize now that the people there wasn't there for the money. God bless you harry
David kolas
March 10, 2025
I was in a camp with Harry in Franklin pa in 1986.i was a resident in the program Harry was like a father to me he help build me to the person I become today. He told me one day he never got close in that place to a kid as he did to me.im 56 I never forgotten. At the end when I was leaving there and he had a long talk with me about it thank Harry and his family David kolas.
maske
October 3, 2022
thats to bad you had passed away you n i got close after vq my condolences to the family
Sheila Cooper
January 3, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Harry and Paula in the 70's in Tucson, with Vision Quest. What memories! Simply put, Harry was one of a kind! My late husband Lynell and I were house parents, and I also taught in the school. I witnessed the impact Harry had on shaping so many young lives. So sorry to learn Harry has passed away. I will always remember his style, his wit, and his compassion.
Nadine Comeau
October 31, 2010
Harry H. will be in the hearts of us all...to draw upon his love & strength he showed to us all...forever
Nadine C.
Dona Bazemore
October 29, 2010
I worked with Harry for a very short period of time. I did not know him as well as others, but I learned when his name was spoken, it was spoken with a great deal of respect and love. He apparently lived a life of inspired wonder and thoughtful purpose and will be remembered as such. His influence on all the lives he has touched gives continuity to his own life, and his ending is just a beginning. Eternity is born in time, and every time some one passes on that we have loved, admired, cared for dearly, eternity is able to break into our mortal existence a little bit more. Think of Harry Harper as such, "Eternity." Though he is gone from his earthly space, he is not lost. Harry Harper's achievements, his affiliations, the bonds he developed and maintained will always be the tone of everything we do or say.
Out of God's love Harry Harper came to life, and out of God's love he was called back. In this time of sadness remember God is your rock and will embrace you with the healing radiance of his unwavering love and let you always know that there is ebb and flow but that the sea remains the sea.
Lawrence Christian
October 29, 2010
Harry Harper was my father figure and mentor. He was a mystery even to those who knew him well. We understood each other without having to say too much, and could share a laugh even in the toughest of times. I will always cherish my time with Harry and his wonderful family.
Lee Anderson
October 29, 2010
Harry Harper was one-of-a-kind. He was a friend, father figure and fun guy. I spent a lot of time with him working at VisionQuest and got to know him well. Harry always had my back when the chips were down. He believed in you more than you believed in yourself. Harry was a loving and loyal friend who could make you see things as they were and then laugh with you about them. He was dear to me and I will miss him.
James A Chicago Golubic
October 29, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Harry and his family for 4 years during my VisionQuest experience while in Erie. Harry was a unique man to say the least; always teaching to be humble in his edgy way. I remember how he would dry shave his chiseled face during morning meetings while looking at you directly eye to eye. A quote that has been etched in my mind: you how Golubic, you are very good with what you do here with our kids but remember, as good as you are that is how bad you can be. What I got out of that was this: be humble and always continue to learn from your mistakes; it’s OK. Kids with Kids Quest, Reading PA, Seven Shields Wilderness camp, my base camp for 3 years before going to Erie; raining for 5 days straight, mud up to your knees, sweaty and stinky staff, horses and mules to be feed and watered every morning at 5am, sleeping in teepee’s and sitting around the camp fire at midnight. My conversations with Harry at the fire pit discussing life, love, laughter, the quest and the unknown. It not for those late nights I would have never made it, Harry was my Shaman. Thank you Buffalo Soldier.
And to Paula, thank you for always having compassion, time and an ear to vent to. You treated me like family and I will always have a place in my heart for you.
Peace, Love and Grace
Jim Golubic
James A Chicago Golubic
October 29, 2010
Ride on Buffalo Soldier, your mission in life was a success, measured only by your humble soul and the troubled youth you helped live a better life, me too.
Peace & Grace Jim Chicago Golubic,
James Chicago Golubic
October 29, 2010
I was shocked to find out Harry passed on to the higher ground, it was by chance/fortune the information came to me. Harry had a way of putting the complexity of life together in easy to understand formula, kind of like Life for Dummies. I was fortunate to work with and for Harry and Paula during half of my VQ years in Erie. Harry had an edge, sometimes he would be dry shaving that handsome chiseled face during a meeting while looking you straight in the eye, only expecting the best from you, but you would be expecting the worst. Harry developed and only saw the best in me, one of the many things I remember was the phrase, damn Golubic, you can be so good but at the same time so bad, which he reminded me many times during our VQ relationship. Be humble and always learn from others is what that meant to me and has guided me still today. Kids with Kids Quest, rained for 8 straight days, hot sweaty days, mud up to your knees, horses, mules, stinky staff, sleeping in a teepee and needy kids, now that’s living. The only way I survived and enjoyed the experience was because of Harry and our midnight conversations about life, love and the unknown. Bless you Brother, you changed my life as well as countless others, never will I forget you, your family and how to live a humble grateful life. Paula, thank you, you always had time, compassion and an ear for me to vent to. I am on facebook.
Peace & Love
James (Chicago) Golubic.
Ann Terrell Christian
October 29, 2010
Harry, was my mentor, surrogate father and friend. At my wedding he 'gave-me-away' when my own father could not. He was the administrator who 'pinned me' with my SPS(senior professional staff) button. The Harper family has been a part of my life & my husband's life for 22 years, and my children's life as well. Harry was a truly Great Man. We will always cherish our fond memories of him, as he has such an impact on all our lives.
The Harper Family are my Dearest Friends. God Bless You All.
Ann Terrell Christian
October 29, 2010
Harry Harper was my mentor, friend and surrogate father figure. He gave me away at my wedding, and that was a true gift. He was the Administrator who "pinned" my button on me and made me an SPS, Senior Professional staff. His family has been a part of my life for the past 22 years. Paula, Zach and Annie are my dear family and friends, and always will be. I love you all. I cherish the many wonderful memories of a truly great man.
Rhonda Kumer
October 26, 2010
Paula, Zach, and Annie,
To the people that meant the most to Harry. You all were always a part of Harry's conversations that I had with him. Paula, to Harry you were a most amazing woman. Annie, Harry would say that you had a lot of him in you but was so thankful that you were raised by an amazing mother and Zach, as the son you had a very special place in Harry's heart. Serendipitously I stumbled upon Harry and in him I found a friend a brother and a mentor and someone who would "let" me win at raquetball every now and then :) I will miss Harry even beyond these tender days. Harry had a lot of humility in recognizing his shortcomings but ALWAYS knew the grace and goodness of God in whom he always placed his trust in. May the peace of Christ be with you all and all who mourn the loss of a one-of-a-kind friend.
Melvin Witherspoon
October 26, 2010
To the Harper family, I have known Harry for years through the YMCA and we became very good friends. Harry gave everyone respect and he received it. He was kind, mild mannered if he liked you...he could get mean if necessary but that was very seldom. I will miss my friend and as he travel to the YMCA in the Heavens, may his membership be Blessed and his Spirits well maintained. God Be With You Harry, my Friend...
Kathy Lutz
October 26, 2010
Paula, Annie , and Zach,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Harry was always a great friend to me. I have missed him and will continue to miss him. Every time we got together it was an adventure and I smile as I think about some of those times now.
Peace to you old friend and to your family.
Renee Horton
October 26, 2010
Humility is the result of our choice to focus on God and not on self. Harry was the perfect example of humility. Always loving, caring and supportive. It has been a pleasure walking this recovery journey with him. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us. God bless you!
Renee Horton
October 26, 2010
Humility is the result of our choice to focus on God and not on self. Harry was an example of true humility, walking this recovery journey with him was a true delight. He will be missed, thanks to his family for sharing him with us. Love & Peace Renee
Melanie
October 26, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear that Harry passed away. He never let anyone walk by without acknowledging them & always put as smile on everyone's face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charles Woodard
October 26, 2010
God Bless!
October 26, 2010
My condolences to Harry's family. He was a part of our YMCA family and any day that he was with us was a better day. I am very glad to have gotten to know Harry.
Ginny Flowers
DANIEL
October 25, 2010
my heart and prayers goes out to harry family mister harper was a nice role model in my teen life mister harper help me alot . i remember when i was in vision quest he help me alot i remember that we took a trip to atlanta city we had alot of fun i enjoy knowin mister harper r.i.p we will miss u DANIEL J RUIZ
Sherry Biletnikoff
October 25, 2010
H.H. was truly a remarkable man filled with so much wisdom and spirituality. I always loved hearing what he had to say and learned so much from him. It will not be the same without him. But, I know he will be there in spirit listening to all of us and shaking his head in wonder at some of the things he hears. My deepest sympathy to his family and to all of us who had him in our lives. GOD BLESS you Harry and thank you.
Sherry B.
Julia R
October 25, 2010
To the Family of Harry: Harry had the biggest arms for hugging,
people, the world, the Word, life. You know, and in knowing,
that Harry is "on the mountain" now! Sending you a big hugs,
during the difficult time; and sacred tears with loving memory.
Sadly and in celebration "wonderful life" whose life touched many.
Julia
Julia R
October 25, 2010
To the Loving Family of Harry: Harry had the biggest arms, for hugging and embracing people, the Word, life! Hear is a huge hug, from we to you, as your beloved, is "on the mountain"!
Sadly, and rejoicing a nod.
Love, Julia
NORMAN ROBERTS
October 25, 2010
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HARRY'S FAMILY . MY DEAR BROTHER WAS A LIGHT TO
SO MANY . MY FRIEND HELPED ME LEARN TO WALK AGAIN AFTER THE STORM . THERE WILL
BE MANY TO FOLLOW , BUT NONE LIKE HIM .
TO THE FAMILY THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM
WITH US . REMEMBER KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE SKY , WERE ALL BLESSING FLOW.
REST MY DEAR BROTHER , WORK WELL DONE .
LOVE NORM
Ron "Railbird" Sorvelli
October 25, 2010
My heartfelt condolances to the family and friends of Harry Harper. As a Field Justice Officer I often bumped in to Harry during the day. A real gentlemen. I will miss our discussions of the Cleveland Indians over coffee at Dominics. Rest..." Ron "Railbird" Sorvelli (Erie, PA)
Mark
October 25, 2010
God Bless you!
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