By Birch Hills Lions Club

Allen Harper Inducted to the Lions Sports Wall of Fame

Feb 1, 2024 | 11:26 AM

On Friday, January 26^th, Allen Harper was inducted into the Lion Sports Wall of Fame at the Birch Hills Blackhawks hockey game. His plaque will hang in the Hesje Centre with the plaques of former inductees

The following is what is written on the plaque:

Allen James Harper was born in Birch Hills, SK on January 27, 1943 – the 7^th child of Thomas and Jessie Ann (nee MacLeod) Harper. He lived on the farm in the Winton district until 1957, when he moved with his father to Birch Hills. While attending Birch Hills High School, Allen participated in all school sports.

On July 7, 1962, he married Georgine (nee Foster). They celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary in 2022. Georgine was very supportive of Allen’s interest in sports and the community. Sadly, she passed away September 15, 2022.

Allen and Georgine have 4 children – Jamie, Lea (Dale), Robin (Candis) & Regan (Andrea). They also have 10 grandchildren.

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He began skating at a young age, playing pond hockey every weekend on the river and sloughs with his siblings and neighbours. Allen started playing organized hockey when he was about 14 years old. In his last year of midget hockey, he averaged 4.5 points per game and was invited to the Flin Flon Bombers Junior Hockey spring camp. Allen played hockey in Birch Hills & Weldon, as well as with the Prince Albert Police Association, and the Birch Hills Crocs (old-timers).

Allen officiated hockey for many years in Prince Albert, Birch Hills and surrounding areas, including refereeing, and lining for the Prince Albert Tier 2 Junior A Raiders. After retiring from officiating, he continued to mentor Birch Hills Minor Hockey officials.

He coached for many years – his sons and grandsons in hockey and his daughters in softball, as well teams where none of his children or grandchildren were playing. A highlight of his coaching career was winning the Sr. Men’s Intermediate “C” Provincial Hockey Championship in 1993.

Allen enjoyed and still enjoys watching his children and grandchildren (and non-family members) participate in events – hockey games, ball games, lacrosse, curling, school events, and recitals.

Allen is one of two remaining charter members of the Birch Hills Lions Club and has held most positions in the organization, including president.

As a Lions member, he was instrumental in the upgrading of two sports facilities – the Sportsground overhaul (ball diamonds & campground) and the Skating Rink improvements (artificial ice installation, purchasing the ice-resurfacer, and lobby & seating upgrades), as well as many other Lions’ projects. He organized and worked many fundraisers for these projects.

The Birch Hills Lions Club would like to thank Allen for his contributions to the sporting community and to the sports facilities of Birch Hills.