Robert E. Harper

Published 12:06 am Sunday, June 11, 2017

Mar. 22, 1930 – June 01, 2017

Robert E. Harper passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2017. Bob was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on March 22, 1930, and his family later moved to Canby in 1941. He served in the Army from 1951-53. Bob met his wife, Norma Schoen, in high school and they married January 11, 1952, when Bob was on leave from the Army. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

Bob, Norma and their two daughters moved to Bend in 1967, where he and his partner, Bob Krueger, opened the CED store. The men, known as “the Bobs,” later opened Harper-Krueger Electric, followed by the opening of ESCO.

A student of the world, Bob loved traveling the globe. He enjoyed golfing and spending time in their Palm Desert home with his beloved Norma. Bob was made for living in Central Oregon and he and his daughters spent happy weekends skiing in their youth. Nothing made him happier than hunting and fishing with his grandkids and son-in-law. A proud grandfather, he loved supporting all the kids in their sports. Bob was an icon on Pilot Butte, jogging up and down each day, logging over 1,900 miles. He was an avid reader and always had one book on his nightstand and another waiting in the wings.

Bob is survived by his wife, Norma; his daughters, Pamela (Steve) Halvorsen and Allison (Steven) Zettle; grandchildren, Brannon, Madison, Lucas, Spenser, Ellie and Jordan; and great-grandchildren, Odin and Wes Robert.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 on June 16, 2017, at the Pavillion at Tetherow.