David Paul Harper was a truly exceptional person who left a positive impact on everyone he encountered.  He passed away January 9, 2021, at his home in Minerva, Ohio, at the age of 74.  He was the husband of Patricia Raney Harper, who recently passed in October of 2020.  They would have been married 40 years this August.

Born September 1, 1946, in Batavia, NY, he was the son of Frederick Harper and Leona Mann. David graduated from Alden High School in 1964. He attended Oklahoma State University for one year before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1966.   David served two years in Vietnam and earned the rank of Lance Corporal. He was part of the engineering corps and received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge and was honorably discharged in 1968.

David returned to the states to finish his education, graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, with a Bachelors degree in Business.  This led to work adventures in Africa with Intercontinental Hotels and then back at home with the airline industry. During this time he traveled extensively. David's ambition led him to begin several successful entrepreneurial endeavors, including restaurant proprietor and owner of an auto lift and shop equipment distributor.

He and Pat relocated from upstate New York, to Ohio, fourteen years ago, to fulfill their desire to own a small alpaca farm. They are both still sorely missed by their Roscoe, N.Y. friends.

Never one to sit still, he started a small home grown cottage business selling products made from alpaca fiber.  He and Patricia found purpose and joy in the routine of working with their small herd of animals. They lovingly raised them through the years they lived here in Minerva. Around the same time, he began a real estate investor/real-estate renovation partnership with his daughter Peggy under the moniker of Harper & Son. and successfully renovated and sold several properties.

He is survived by Peggy (Alex) Albert, Luke (Jenna) Roth, brother Thomas (Kathy) Harper, and nephews Rhett (Nicole) Harper, Kyle (Alice) Harper and Bryce Harper, grandchildren Carsen, Banner and Brynn Albert and great niece Sally Harper and great nephew Charlie Harper.

The family and friends of David Harper will forever remember him for is unflinching character, work ethic, leadership, and kindness in charity.  He was respected, loved, and will be missed immensely.

Burial services are to be announced at a future date.