Robert Harper, 71

Despite our best efforts, Robert “Rob” Alan Harper, 71, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2023, while holding his wife’s hand. Rob was born in Wallace in the fall of 1951, the third child of Herb and Irene Harper. He attended schools in Spokane, Wash., and Wallace, graduating from Wallace High School with the Class if 1970. At the University of Idaho, he pledged Phi Delta Theta and forged lifelong friendships.

He met his wife, Kathy, on Alldredge’s porch after the Trog Boogy, Gyro Derby Days, 1978. They eloped four years later and were very happy in their life together.

Rob was well-traveled having toured the grand cathedrals and museums of Europe, played golf in the shadow of the Great Pyramid in Egypt, and toasted the sunset over Uluru. He consumed hundreds of adult beverages as he watched the sun set over the Philippine Sea.

Rob enjoyed his work, the interaction with clients and fellow artists, he was amused by his Guam students who cried when he returned to the mainland. He loved the Lord and was a stickler for the Word.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Irene.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Wallace; a brother, John Douglas of Spokane; two sisters, Maryann Jensen of Spokane and Helen (John) Grismer of Billings, Mont. His nieces and nephews adored him and Rob was greatly loved by his family and friends.

We will gather to celebrate Rob’s life early in May at the Shoshone Golf Club in Kellogg, with a date to be announced. Gifts in Rob’s memory may be made to the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 261, Kellogg, ID 83837.

Memories of Rob and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Harper family with arrangements.