HARPER, Robert Henry “Bob”
Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Palmerston & District Hospital in his 97th year. Dear father of Robert (Deb), Ron (Nancy), Mary Beth Sutton (Glenn), Dorothy Grotenhuis (Wayne Morris) and Jim (Theresa). Survived by his sister Velma Bramhill (Bob Rundle), brothers-in-law Mervin Gillies and Art Dungey, and sister-in-law Betty Gillies. Cherished grandfather of Steven Small (Julie), Rob Harper, Becky Harper (Oliver Delima), Allison Wierenga (Jason), Scott Harper, Brett Harper (Eryn Stewart), Stacey Belmore (Mark), Dale Sutton, Amanda Sutton, Katelyn Arsenault (Cam), Daryl Grotenhuis (Pat), Shawn Grotenhuis (Kelly), Tim Grotenhuis (Jessy), Jacqueline Harper, Diana Harper, Andrew Harper, and Jonathan Harper. Loving great-grandfather of Owen & Christopher Small, Henry, Logan & Nico Wierenga, Seth, Aaron, Jesse & Caleb Grotenhuis, Maddox & Emmett Grotenhuis & William Grotenhuis. He is predeceased by his cherished wife of 65 years Florence, infant son David, daughter Bonnie Small, siblings Ida Patterson & Joan Dungey, sisters-in-law Betty Abercrombie (Edwin), Marlene Harper (Bruce), brothers-in-law Leonard Patterson, Don (Etta) Carmen, Harvey, Jack, Keith, Ken and Gordon Gillies (Mary Lou Burke). Bob was born and raised in Arthur Township, now Wellington North. He grew up on his family farm and started his own mixed farming business in the 1950’s. He met and married Florence in 1955, together they raised their six children on the family farm on Highway 6. Bob was active in the community including the School Board, 4-H leadership, North Wellington Co-op Director, Mount Forest United Church Elder and part of the executive of the Mount Forest Agricultural Society, including President. Bob was an active curler within the Mount Forest Curling Club for many years and encouraged his children to join him. He was also a member of the Cameron Highlanders and played the bagpipes. In later years, Bob and Florence enjoyed many trips together. They especially loved attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Bob and Florence spent many years in Birmingham Lodge and Royal Terrace Retirement Home. Bob will be missed greatly by his family, friends and members of the community. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-8:00pm at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest. The funeral service was held on Friday, April 24th at 11:00am, at Mount Forest United Church, 175 Queen Street East, Mount Forest. Immediately following the service, all were invited to the church hall for a reception. A recording of the service is available by visiting the funeral home website and clicking on the link below Bob’s obituary. Spring interment will take place on Thursday, May 21st at 11:00am at the Mount Forest Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider Mount Forest United Church or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
