With profound sadness, we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Kenneth David Harper of Prince Albert, SK, formerly of Birch Hills at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert on Thursday, August 5^th, 2021.

On January 9^th, 1935, Ken was born in Winton, SK, the eldest son of Thomas and Jessie Anne (McLeod) Harper. The experiences of growing up on a farm were similar to those of many boys of that time. He enjoyed playing hockey on the frozen sloughs, swimming in the river, and spending time with the children of the neighboring farm families. Ken attended a one-room school in the Winton District and completed his formal education in grade 8. Just down the road from where he was born was the Pentecostal church that the family attended.

The family experienced a devasting loss when Ken was 16 years old with the passing of his mother. Ken remained at home and helped with the family farm. In the winter, he played hockey both in Saskatchewan and Alberta. While living in Alberta, he worked on the railroad. In the summer, he enjoyed playing ball and was a member of the Davis Aces.

Ken’s dad Thomas (TD) and the rest of Ken’s siblings moved to Birch Hills in 1957 when TD purchased the Massey Ferguson dealership. Ken worked for his father and was farming when he married Marlene McBeth in 1958. They made their home in Birch Hills and lived there for over 60 years until they relocated to Prince Albert in March of 2020.

Ken and Marlene were blessed with three children: Warren, Joanne, and Vincent. In 1966, Ken purchased Harper Implements from his father. In August of 1975, the dealership was destroyed by fire. Community support and assistance were immediate and instrumental in getting the parts department back up and running within a couple of days as it was harvest time.  Ken obtained his pilot’s license and owned four different airplanes over a period of time. Many farmers will recall Ken arriving by plane to service equipment or deliver parts in the field.

Ken sold Harper Implements in 1985 and continued farming actively for many years. Ken played on the Birch Hills Senior Hockey team and coached many minor hockey teams. Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. He also enjoyed reading and watching tv. He did extensive research on his family genealogy and eventually had it compiled into a book. He loved going for coffee, both in Birch Hills and Prince Albert, and sometimes made the trip to PA twice a day to meet with friends at the Inn on the Park. He was a regular at the Gulf (later the Can-Am) and often seen driving in his truck with his dog Arthur by his side.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marlene (nee McBeth).  His children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren; Warren (Brenda) Harper, Birch Hills, and their children Kellen Harper, St. Walburg; & Camryn Harper, Warman; Joanne Harper, Prince Albert, and her daughters Jill (Derek) Crompton, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Kristin Hrenyk (Svend Sorenson) and their children Lyndon & Svendy, Kelsey (Ryan) DePape, Medicine Hat, AB and their children Daxton & Hayes; Vincent (Adriane) Harper, and their children Jennifer and Eric, Qualicum Beach, BC.  His sisters Eunice Knutson, Elsie Ozmun, Sharon (James) Waldbillig.  His brother Allen (Georgine) Harper.  His brother-in-law Gerry Carson.  His sister-in-law Krystall Harper.  His in-laws Eugene Forrest, Jean (Henri) Paulhus; Donna McBeth (James Figley), & Rod (Jasmine) McBeth.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Thomas & Jessie Anne Harper.  His In-laws Gordon & Whilelmina McBeth.  His sisters Darleen Shilling, Delpheen (Errol) Cummings, Stella Litterick, & Yvonne Carson.  His brothers Floyd Harper & Tommy Harper.  His sister-in-law Fern Forrest.  His brother-in-law Bill Ozmun.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21^st, 2021, at 11:00 AM at the Birch Hills Cemetery, followed by lunch at the Birch Hills Civic Centre.  Everyone is invited to attend.  In remembrance of Ken’s life, the family asks in place of flowers that a charitable donation be made to the Rose Garden Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Condolences can be sent to the family on our website at www.mackenziechapel.ca.  Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium – Shellbrook Funeral Home.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Renee Phaneuf & Mark Gyoerick. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2021-08-13
• Location : Prince Albert, SK formerly of Birch Hills, SK