Peter David Harper

PETER DAVID HARPER

 January 20, 1953 - February 19, 2019

Peacefully at Health Sciences Centre, Peter passed away at age 66. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife June, his father Frances, his brothers Micheal and Garry (Helen), sisters-in-law Pauline, Helen Davidson, Margaret (Nick) Hossack, nieces and nephews, their children, his best friend Don Hayden and godchildren Donna, Deanna and David. Peter was predeceased by his mother Dorothy, his brother Mark, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ila and Al Graham, longtime friend Dorothy Hayden, godson Danny Hayden and his beloved Kitty Kat.

Peter was born in Leeds, England and lived in Bradford until he came to Canada on a company transfer with Stenhouse in 1976.  He was quickly promoted to Senior Vice President at Reed Shaw Stenhouse. Peter remained in the insurance industry for 40 years and while his expertise was general liability, he was exceptionally knowledgeable in all coverages of general insurance.

Peter left Reed Stenhouse in 1994 to establish Harper Risk Inc. providing risk management and general insurance consulting to corporations. Peter consulted on many projects including the Pan American Games. In 2003, Peter and partner Jean Fontaine purchased Trans Canada Risks Manager Inc. now known as Trans Canada Insurance Marketing (TCIM) and together transformed this entity into a very successful company, employing people across Canada. When the business sold in 2013, Peter remained active with TCIM until his health forced him to fully retire in 2017.

Peter was a lifetime member of the insurance fraternity, Honorable Order of Blue Goose, Manitoba Pond, and will be sadly missed, but definitely remembered, by all the ganders. Peter achieved remarkable things in his career and helped many people along the way.  His keen insurance sense and mentorship to others will certainly be missed.  Peter made lasting impressions and all who knew him loved him.

While his career was successful, his marriage to June, the love of his life was more important.  They wed on April 20, 1989 and cherished their marriage of 29 years. Together they enjoyed travelling, weekend drives in the country and spending time visiting family.  They shared common interests such as reading, playing Scrabble, watching Jeopardy and shopping.  It was Peter who relished in creating their beautiful living spaces and nothing seemed to delight him more than spoiling the people he loved. 

Peter was a modest, straightforward, kind person who bravely fought more than his share of health problems over many years.  Those who loved Peter most cherished his unbelievable resilience and strength, his knowledge and curiosity, his generosity and kindness, and most of all his blunt opinions, quick wit, and brilliant sense of humor.     

Uncle Pedro, it is our hope that you are in the most technologically advanced, shopping planet in the cat galaxy because then we’ll know where to find you.  This is not goodbye…

Our family thanks Dr. Ho, Dr. Karpinski, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Wiebe and all the medical and support staff of GB3.

Following Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A celebration of Peter’s life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may consider donating to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be left on Peter’s tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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