Percy Irvan Harper

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Percy, who was a beloved father, brother, uncle, nephew, grandpa, great grandfather, and papa. Percy passed away peacefully the morning of April 21, 2024, surrounded by family, at the age of 81 years.  
Percy was born on July 16, 1942, in Amherst, Nova Scotia.  He grew up on East Pleasant Street, which explains his personality.  He was often running around with critters in his pockets and was known for his hunting and fishing adventures.  One of Percy’s favourite places to fish was at the Pumping Station. Percy remained in Amherst until he joined the army at a young age. 
Percy joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1963 and served in several deployments with the Armoured Corps around the world.  After 30 years, Percy retired in Suffield, Alberta as a Master Corporal.  In 1978, Percy married Lorna McRae and they cloned five boys Paul, Jarod, Scott, Brian, and Dustin.  He came from a family tradition of scouting and carried on that tradition with his boys in New Brunswick and Alberta.  Percy loved his boys and inspired their passion for the outdoors with many hours of camping and fishing. 
Percy possessed a flirtatious nature and infectious sense of humor.  One of the family’s favourite memories included the 2019 trip back home to Novia Scotia where Percy showed all his boys some of his old haunts, shared his love of bologna, and re-taught the boys how to crack lobster shells (you already showed us a million times, Dad).  Percy was a tinkerer, constantly renovating his house and garage.  He loved to take things apart but failed to put them back together.  Percy also had an extremely green thumb that led to a jungle growing in his living room. 
Percy was predeceased by his father Percy Sr., mother Marjorie, sister Hazel (Guy), and daughter Gail. Percy leaves behind his aunt Gladys and brother Peter and his memory lives on through his children, Paula, Clinton, Stacey, Paul (Farrah), Jarod (Shanda), Scott (Megan), Brian (Lorraine), and Dustin.  His legacy remains in his grandchildren Jennifer, Brandy, Jada, Ryley, Caden, Austyn, Isabella, Niko and Sparrow, and his great grandchildren Gigi, Avro, Archer, Adler, Harper, and Rya.  Percy will be missed by so many more including friends, in-laws, nieces and nephews and many extended family members in Nova Scotia and across Canada.
As a final note, Percy never forgave Paul for crashing his Mercury Cougar but readily forgave Lorraine for crashing his boat.  Oh Percy. 
Percy will be silently remembered by his family and friends. If others who loved Percy so desire, memorial donations in Percy’s name may be made directly to Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada, Quilts of Valour, or Wounded Warriors Canada. 
We would like to thank the staff at Riverview Care home for the wonderful love and treatment of Percy and the Medicine Hat Hospital for making him comfortable in his final hours.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Percy Irvan Harper, please visit our floral store.