UPDATED OBITUARY***

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Allen James Harper on January 5^th, 2026, in Birch Hills, SK at the age of 82 years.

Allen was born on January 27^th, 1943, in Birch Hills, SK, to Thomas and Jessie (nee MacLeod) Harper. He grew up in the area and attended school in Winton and Birch Hills. He married his high school sweetheart, Georgine Foster, and together they were blessed with four children and ten grandchildren. Allen adored Georgine and missed her deeply following her passing in 2022.

After graduating from high school and attending Business College in Prince Albert, Allen began his career with the Canadian National Railway. His professional path took a unique turn when he was recruited by the Prince Albert Police Service—he said the invitation was extended largely because he was seen as an asset for the annual police vs. firefighters’ hockey game.

He later worked for SGIO (Saskatchewan Government Insurance Office) and then Underwriter’s Adjustment Bureau before returning to the family business, Harper Implements, in 1975, working in parts. In 1985, Allen transitioned into ownership and management of the business. He retired from the workforce in 2015, finishing his career in sales with Cropper Motors in Naicam, SK.

Sports and community were the heartbeat of Allen’s life. He was a dedicated volunteer, serving on the Minor Hockey boards in both Prince Albert and Birch Hills. As a Charter Member of the Lions Club, he held nearly every executive position and was instrumental in significant local projects, including the Sportsground overhaul and Skating Rink improvements in Birch Hills.

His own athletic journey began on rivers and sloughs, skating with his siblings and neighbors. He started playing organized hockey when he was 14 years old, playing in Birch Hills and Weldon, and later with the Prince Albert Police Association, the Birch Hills Senior Team, and the Birch Hills Crocs (Oldtimers). Allen was also a respected on-ice official, officiating in Prince Albert, Birch Hills, and surrounding areas. including officiating many Prince Albert Tier 2 Junior A Raiders’ games. He was a mentor for many young officials in Prince Albert and Birch Hills throughout the years.

Allen enjoyed playing many sports, including hockey, ball, golf and curling but he also loved watching his children, grandchildren and the community participate in events – including hockey games, ball games, lacrosse, curling, school events, figure skating, gymnastic meets and music & dance recitals.

As a coach, he led his sons’ and grandsons’ hockey teams and his daughters’ softball teams. He said that one of his proudest achievements was winning the 1993 Sr. Men’s Intermediate “C” Provincial Hockey Championship when he coached the Birch Hills Blackhawks.

St. Mary’s Anglican Church was a cornerstone of Allen’s life. He often spoke fondly of his childhood daily Bible studies with his sister, Darleen, which provided the foundation for his lifelong spiritual journey.

In his leisure time, Allen was an avid gardener, spending countless hours weeding and harvesting his massive garden, which he was immensely proud of. He always ended up sharing produce with family and neighbors. Allen was also keenly interested in his family history, frequently connecting with new cousins through Ancestry.com and exploring his family roots.

Allen will be missed by his children: Jamie and her children Brock (Alanna), Greer (Brandon), & Tyler (Sarah); Lea (Dale) and their children Jen (Davide) & Jordan (Amelia); Robin (Candis) and their children Brendan (Olivia) & Brett; and Regan (Andrea) and their children Mia & Tess. He also leaves behind his sisters Eunice, and Sharon (James); his sisters-in-law Marlene, Krystall, Rhonda, and Joan; his son-in-law Bruce Tilford; and many beloved nieces, nephews, family, and close friends.

Allen is now reunited with the love of his life, Georgine. Allen was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Jessie; his in-laws George and Marg Foster; his stepmother Muriel Harper; his granddaughter Dana Swenson; his granddaughter-in-law Carleigh Jackson; his siblings Darleen, Delphine, Elsie, Stella, Yvonne, Ken, Floyd, and Tommy and his brothers-in-law Tom, Errol, Bill, Al, Gerry and Gary.

The Celebration of Life for Allen will be held on Saturday, May 16th, at 11AM at Lake Park Baptist Church, with Pastor Timothy Olson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Birchview Home Auxiliary (Box 578, Birch Hills, SK S0J 0G0), Birch Hills Golf Course (Box 280, Birch Hills, SK S0J 0G0), or St. Mary’s Anglican Church (Box 340, Birch Hills, SK S0J 0G0).

If family or friends would like to send the family condolences, please go to https://www.mackenziechapel.ca/obituary/Allen-Harper . Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Funeral Chapel & Crematorium.  Mark & Pedro Gyoerick, Mel & Troy Curle, & Jordyn Jacobson. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2026-05-04
• Location : Birch Hills, SK.