Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Harper Obituary
Michael lived his life with contagious enthusiasm. Interests that gave Michael his classic ear to ear smile included scuba diving, cooking, creating and listening to music, body surfing, attending Gator games at the Swamp, eating bacon, playing games, and sailing with the people he loved. He genuinely and outwardly expressed his love for his family and friends. He combined his ingenuity and love of the ocean and turned it into his life's work. Michael's life, although cut short, was lived to the fullest and touched our hearts forever.
Michael was a 2005 graduate of Nease High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He earned his Master of Science in Ocean Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. At the time of his death, Michael was pursuing his doctorate in Ocean Engineering at FIT.
Michael is survived by his parents, Jack and Maureen Harper; sisters, Katie Prevatt and Meghan Gorham; brothers-in-law, Chris Prevatt and Conor Gorham; nieces, Annie and Maren Prevatt; nephew, Elwood Gorham; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Katherine Travers and John and Eleanor Harper, and uncle, Stephen Travers.
There will be a memorial gathering at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 10 am to share prayers and stories to celebrate Michael's life, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission House, 800 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Services under the direction and care of
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Harper
Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.
The Wynn Family
October 22, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ms. Willie Mae Rose
October 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
paul Wantage
October 21, 2014
so sorry died
October 11, 2014
I pray God's love comforts you and brings you peace, sorry for your loss. ...
Lisa Boehling
October 9, 2014
Jack,
I was so sad to hear the news of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
J S
October 8, 2014
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Harper family for your loss. May you find comfort in memories and strength in God. We look forward to a time soon to come when all of God's promises are fulfilled, and we are reunited with loved ones we lost in death. (John 6:40)
frank box
October 3, 2014
Jack and maureen, my heart goes out to you and your family. donations have been pouring into the mission house . You are in my prayers
Michelle Leemis
September 29, 2014
Dear Maureen and Family,
I just heard about your tragic loss and am so saddened by the news. The loss of a child is not one we expect and the depth of your sorrow must seem unbearable. My heart felt prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son.
Michelle Leemis
Melissa Devers
September 29, 2014
Maureen and family, I cannot imagine a loss so great. My heart breaks for you. I will be praying for you and your family.
Lisa
September 29, 2014
So sorry about this tragic event. May all who knew this young man be comforted by family, friends and especially by God, who cares about us.
September 26, 2014
Maureen, Jack & Family--We will keep you in our prayers. All our love and God bless your family today and always, Love, The Gerry Family
Peggy McCarter
September 25, 2014
Jack and family. I cannot express enough my deep sorrow for your tragic loss. I have a son Michaels age and can't imagine what you are going through. I pray God's strength and blessings for all of you.
September 25, 2014
Dear Jack and Maureen,
I learned about this through a note from Paul Smith. Words cannot adequately express how sorry I am to hear about your son Michael. My wish for your family is that over time the sharp pain you feel today begins to ease into soft loving memories of Michael.
Jayne McIntosh
Bill Hoffmann
September 24, 2014
Dear Jack, Maureen, sisters Meghan & Katie, and extended Harper family,
Reading about this tragic accident, I was hoping against hope that this was not the Michael I once knew from grade school, church and soccer; sadly, my worst fears were later confirmed. Michael was always such a wonderful young man, so intelligent, ever polite and respectful, and of course, so very tall. You have so, so many reasons to be proud of him, each reflective of your parenting and family values; I can only hope this knowledge helps sustain you to some degree, especially during this difficult time. I remember him fondly; am deeply, deeply sorry for your loss; my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Caerus Oil and Gas
September 24, 2014
To the Harper family:
We do not know you or your beloved son Michael, however we work with your nephew Pete Travers here in Denver, and wanted to express our sorrow for your loss. Pete's heart is heavy as we know the closeness he had with his cousin. We wish you strength for the coming days and hope peace comes to you from the memories of the love you shared.
Anne Cashin
September 23, 2014
Mrs. Harper, Our whole family is so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Words truly cannot express how sorry we are and we wish you peace in the times ahead. Love, The Cashin Family
Penny Kennedy
September 23, 2014
Jack and Maureen,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are for comfort for you and the girls. I will never forget Michael's sweet smile in my Kindergarten class. He always had an enthusiasm and a love for life that was infectious. I am proud to see he lived his life well and seemed to have found joy in his calling. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow and lift your spirits with fond memories of Michael. Rom.8:17-18
Debbie Rokosz
September 23, 2014
Mrs. Harper, I was so saddened to hear about your son!! I did not know Michael, but being he is your son, I am sure he was a wonderful young man!! Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family!!
September 23, 2014
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear son. May God strengthen and comfort your family through this most difficult time. (Luke 7:13-15)
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Harper's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Harper
Funeral services provided by:
Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Harper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
