Obituary of HARPER – Jack Duncan

November 19, 1925 – January 30, 2011 After a long, happy and fulfilling life, Jack, beloved husband of Marie, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, January 30 at age 85. Born and raised in Calgary, Jack was the eldest of five children born to John and Marion Harper. Jack was proud of and loved his native Calgary. After graduating from Western Canada High School he enlisted in the Navy. Following WW II he completed a degree in chemical engineering at U of A. Jack became a passionate innovator and thinker in the field of petroleum engineering. He undertook early trials in carbon dioxide flooding and his pioneering work in radioactive tracing took him to many parts of the world. Jack valued a sense of community and volunteered his time with the Lions Club, Shriners and as past president of the Brittania Community Association. He enjoyed his membership in the King George Lodge and the Scottish Rite. One of Jack’s most challenging and rewarding hobbies was his one-man cattle ranch and farming operation in Priddis. While Jack and Marie (with the support of his obliging sons-in-law) toiled with haying, calving, and tractor maintenance; the grandchildren created their own adventures fishing in the pond and frolicking in Marie’s vegetable garden. While he was still in uniform, “Sailor Jack” met the love of his life, Marie, at Penley’s Dance Hall. They loved to dance and, after 63 years of marriage, they still enjoyed kicking up their heals at every opportunity. Family life sustained Jack. He was devoted to supporting and encouraging his grandchildren to pursue their educational and personal dreams. He will be sorely missed by his wife Marie, son Stuart (Louise), daughters Heather (Michael) Giuffre, Cheryl (Dan) Spelliscy, and Jill Barnes; grandchildren Tannis and Colin Harper, Martin, Christina, Adrianna, Anthony, and Stephen Giuffre, Kelly (Martin), Travis and Nicole, and their father Kevin Peckham, Megan, Ross and Claire, and their father Alan Barnes, and great grandson Liam; and sisters and brothers Joyce (George), Don (MaryAnn), Millie (Frank), and Stan (Bev) and his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his second son John in 1976 and by his son-in-law Simon Potts in 1984. A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at Living Spirit United Church (629 – 49th Avenue S.W.) on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jack Harper, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200