William (Bill) Russell Harper Obituary (1954 - 2010)

John Wayne once said: “A horse is a horse, it ain’t make no difference what color it is.” This quote elicits loving memories and would make our dad and husband smile. In fact, he would likely mimic it to perfection with the same John Wayne drawl and make you roll your eyes and work your hardest not to laugh. William (Bill) Russell Harper passed away on September 28, 2010 after suffering a heart attack. A comedian to the end, Bill loved John Wayne movies (I know God has an amazing entertainment system to play Sons of Katie Elder), was a diehard Beatles and Jimmy Buffet fan, as well as an electronics enthusiast (we hope they have amazing IPOD and laptop advances in heaven). Bill was born on February 7, 1954 in American Fork, Utah to Max and Helen Young Harper (deceased). Bill had a wonderful childhood highlighted by riding horses, working on his family’s farm, and having fun with his brothers and sister, cousins, and family. Bill loved spending time with his grandma and grandpa Harper. As a teenager, Bill enjoyed rock and roll, going to concerts, singing in his barbershop quartet, partying, and wooing the ladies. He married Keri Warburton when he was 20 years old. His eldest daughter Shannon was born seven years later in 1982. Bill built his home in Lindon, Utah and lived there most of his life. Bill married Debbie Donoviel Harper in 1990 and his daughter, Madison was born in 1992. Bill and Debbie welcomed twins, Max and Emily into the world in 1998. Bill was exceptionally proud of his kids and bragged about them often. He was ambitious and daring, and valued integrity and honor in all aspects of his life. He started Harper Concrete, Inc. in 1979 and maintained a dedicated love affair with its success all of his adult life. He worked tirelessly as a business owner, was a master of his trade, and was excessively proud of Harper Concrete’s success. He enjoyed working with, and had tremendous respect for, his numerous business acquaintances and fellow contractors. He loved his employees with all his heart and would do anything to make them feel valued. Bill enjoyed listening to music, watching movies, riding his motorcycle, or driving his Corvette, and spending time in Hawaii. He loved watching football with his son Max, cuddling with Emily before she fell asleep, and watching Madi and Shannon do well in school and career. He enjoyed holidays at his mom and dad’s house, playing golf with his nephews and friends, and drinking the occasional martini. Bill was a loving and kind man who could light up a room with vibrancy and humor. He enjoyed helping people, epitomized compassion, and would do anything, absolutely anything, for a friend or loved one in need. He loved providing for his family and sharing in their joys and success. Bill is survived by his wife, Debbie, his four children, Shannon (28), Madi (18), Max and Emily (12), his brothers, Mike (Lisa) and Tim (Heidi) and sister, Elenna Reif (Bob). He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews: Lexi Harper-Anderson (Travis), Jake (Jammie), Josh (Celeste), John, Billy Reif, Nick Reif, and Angelique Weeks. We are all devastated to lose beautiful, fun and funny Bill and know he is in heaven with his dad and mother, grandparents and father-in-law, Wayne, enjoying health and happiness. Our family is extremely grateful to all of our friends who have provided love and support during this difficult time. We would also like to express our gratitude to the wonderful nurses and doctors at IMC in Murray, Utah who cared so delicately for Bill in his last few days on Earth. We love you, Dad and miss your loving presence in our lives. The world is a sad place without you here. To honor Bill, a viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley on Friday, October 1, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. (1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy.). An additional viewing will take place at Jenkins-Soffe on Saturday, October 2, from 11-12 p.m. and funeral services will commence at 12 p.m. Following the funeral, interment will take place at Lindon City Cemetery (600 N. St. 200 E., Lindon).