George R. Harper

With much sadness, we, his family, announce the passing of George R. Harper.  George passed away quietly at home on April 18, 2024, at the age of 84, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  George was born in Nevada City, California, on November 23, 1939, to Jessie and John Harper.

George graduated from El Dorado High School in Placerville, California, in 1957.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1959.   George lived and worked in Nevada City, California.  He worked for 30 years at Nevada County Road Department where he retired at the age of 55.   He married the love of his life, Pat, on June 4, 1977, in Sacramento, California.  Pat and her daughters, Jennifer and Denise, moved to Nevada City in 1977 where George and Pat lived for 42 years.  They then moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 2019 to be closer to family.

George was an active fixture in the Masonic Lodge, Nevada #13, F&AM for 36 years, serving as Worshipful Master in 1996, and received the Hiram award in 1996.  One of George’s proudest moments was when his grandson, Joshua Duncan, followed him and became a Master Mason on February 8, 2008, at George’s home lodge in Nevada City.

George had a passion for volunteer work which took him to volunteering for Nevada City Chamber of Commerce for 20 years.  George was larger than life and loved his community.  Because of his active volunteering in Nevada City and County, he was chosen by the United Way of Nevada County to represent Nevada County in the 1996 Olympics by carrying the Olympic Torch in Marysville, California, relay.   He was so proud of that honor that he would show everyone who came to their home his Olympic Torch which hung proudly by the front door.

George also volunteered with Big Brothers and Sisters where he served on the board of Big Brothers and Sisters in Nevada City.  George and Pat were the 4^th of July and Constitution Day Parade Chairpersons for over 20 years in Nevada City.  He was awarded the Bill Lambert Award in Nevada City for his services in Nevada city.  He had his grandsons, Joshua, Garrett, and Zachary, lead the parade one year, which was exciting for all.

George also was passionate about helping others by donating 100 gallons of blood at local Blood Source locations in Grass Valley and Nevada City.

George was “Santa Claus” for so many young, old, and everyone in between.  He brought so many smiles to those who wanted to see “Santa”.

Although George’s health curtailed much volunteering in Shawnee, he did volunteer at the front desk of the Shawnee Senior Center and delivered for “Meals on Wheels” for a short time.  As usual, he made a lot of friends while volunteering.  George “gave back” wherever and whenever he could.

George and Pat loved their time together.  They traveled worldwide to England, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.  They took a train trip around the United States and many road excursions around the United States.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and John Harper; brothers, David, Ralph, John, Harry, and Richard Harper; sisters, Carolyn Hancock, Laura Davidson, and Gloria Ridings; and his grandson, Joshua Duncan.

George is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughters, Lori Ekkart and Mike, Denise Manion and Chris, and Jennifer Schaffer; grandsons, Garrett Schaffer and Sarah, Zachary Schaffer and Aubry; great granddaughters, Jade and Rose Schaffer; sister-in-law, Bobbi Harper; nephews, Kevin Harper and Joan, Walter Hancock and Becky, James Hancock and Lori; nieces, Connie Pratt, Kathy Houghton, Kim Pineira and Jessie, Marcia Harper; and many other family members.

George was a proud American and loved his flag and country.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on May 9, 2024, 3:30 pm, at the Shawnee Recreation Center, 401 N. Bell Ave., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801.