Robert James Harper

Bob was born on December 20, 1948, in Farmington, Maine to the late John P. Harper I, and Gladys (Thorndike) Comstock. His birth certificate mistakenly stated he was born on the 19th, but, his aunt was born on the 19th and he on the 20th.

Bob grew up in Mechanic Falls, Maine and was part of the Lewiston-Auburn Scarlet Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. It was here he acquired his love for music and became a great trumpet player. He continued his appreciation for music while playing the trumpet during high school, graduating from Mechanic Falls High School in 1967.

After high school, Bob enlisted in the army. He proudly served his country for three years with a tour of duty in Vietnam from May, 1969 to January, 1970. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, one Overseas Bar, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and two Badges.

Upon his return to civilian life, Bob worked in the food industry for several years. While his brother, John (December 27, 1952-January 21, 2012) was home on leave from the navy he told Bob “if you want to see the world, join the navy”. With that, Bob joined the Navy and again proudly served his country for another two years, sailing the seas.

After his military service, Bob began courses at the University of Maine, returned to the food industry, joined the Lewiston Sun Journal, and got married. In 1992, Bob and his young family moved to Staunton, Virginia. It was here that his love of music led him to the Statler Brothers and Jimmy Fortune. He became an avid, dedicated and life-long fan of Jimmy Fortune, going on many adventures with a large group of fellow fans and close friends, the “Fortune Tellers.” Jimmy’s music, friendship and shared faith was a great inspiration for Bob.

Bob couldn’t have been prouder when his musical passion took root in his daughter as she began learning to play the mandolin, the highland bagpipes, and later on - the ukulele! Because of her interest, talent and passion, Bob became the number one fan and follower of her pipe band, the MacMillan Pipe Band. Bob cheered the loudest when the MacMillan Pipe band won the North American Championships in Maxville, Ontario, Canada in 2015!

Bob’s favorite pastimes were woodworking, rooting for the Virginia Tech Hokies, listening to, and making music with his instruments of choice: the trumpet, harmonica and guitar, and watching Hallmark movies.

For Bob, it was God first and country second, followed closely by the complete and utter love and devotion to his family. There was no kinder, gentler, more giving and sincere person than Bob, always with the brightest smile, an incredible sense of humor and the most heartfelt laugh. We will all miss you terribly, Bob, and know you will be forever watching over us.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Michaela Marie Harper of Laurel, MD; brother, Frank Nadeau and wife, Tosha of Ashland, VA; sisters, Barbara Harper of Falmouth, ME; Ann Harper Labbe of Sterling, VA; Erma Brutscher and husband, Marty of Fernandina Beach FL; Carol Turner of Turner, ME;15 nieces and nephews and his kitty, Mac.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the VFW Hall, 212 Frontier Dr., Staunton, VA.

There will be a second celebration of life from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the VFW Hall, 588 Minot Ave., Auburn ME. Bob’s final resting place will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 980 Turner St., Auburn, Maine.

Memorial contributions may be given to Heartland Hospice of Stanton, Visiting Angels, Blue Ridge Community Food Distribution Center, and the Fisher House Foundation.

The family of Robert Harper wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Kristen and staff at Heartland Hospice of Staunton; Annalise for helping Bob learn to play his guitar; Cindy from Visiting Angels; Catoria, Danny, and their parents for the loving care they gave to Bob.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com