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Bob was the third of five children born to Clara Moore Stidham. He was placed in foster care at age four when Clara and her husband, Roy Stidham, divorced.
Bob was eventually adopted by J. Leslie and Gertrude Perkins Harper. They had a small dairy farm along the North Fork of the Newaukum River outside of Chehalis, Washington.
Bob credited life on the farm for his values of discipline, dedication and hard work. It is where he also developed his love of the outdoors.
By his estimation, heaven was traveling a country back road on his motorcycle, hunting in the fall woods or fly-fishing along a shade-dappled stream. A cold “frosty” in the front of the campfire also ranked highly. He loved hiking and cross-country skiing.
He had numerous faithful dog companions throughout his life, beginning with Buster. Buster adopted Bob when the Harpers did and protected and helped ease a very scared little boy into his new life on the farm.
Bob excelled at the trumpet from an early age. His was a beautiful, pure and resonant trumpet sound. He had a signature balladic style that was instantly recognizable to any who had heard him play previously. He continued to perform with various groups until the last few years of his life. Bob was encouraged by his high school band director to pursue a career teaching music.
He earned his degree at Eastern Washington State College. He enjoyed a very successful teaching career in the Franklin Pierce District in Tacoma. He spent his last five years teaching in the Puyallup District. He cared deeply about the individual and collective success of his students, devoting extra time and care to those who most needed encouragement and support.
Bob also coached a winning girls fast-pitch baseball team in the Parkland area for about 10 years. Bob found the greatest expression of his tender, sweet heart through music and teaching.
It was probably partially a result of his own early trauma that Bob strove always to be an anchor and the port in any storm for those he held dear.
There is not anyone in this world who was more reliable, steadfast, solid and ever-ready to help and support the people in his circle. He was also a playful prankster and practical joker.
Bob was a devoted and loving husband to Gina, father to Greg and Robyn Harper, stepfather to Sasha Lynn and Hava Tursky, and “bampa” to Goldie and Margot Lynn. He will forever be loved, celebrated and missed by his family, friends and hundreds of past students.
