HARPER, Gary Wayne

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/27/2005 Gary Wayne Harper, 49, died Sept. 22, 2005 at White Mountain Regional Medical Center from complications to diabetes. Gary was born Aug. 17, 1956 to Wayne and DeLois Harper in Sweet Home, Ore. While he was still a young boy, the family moved from Oregon to Arizona. Gary attended school and graduated from Round Valley. He loved working outdoors and spending time with his family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. His passion was rodeo, both participating and as a spectator, however everything, including his passion for rodeo took back seat to his blue-eyed blonde haired granddaughter, McKehnzie. He doted on her completely as evidenced in the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face when she was anywhere around. Gary was a heavy equipment operator first in the logging woods and later in construction. His survivors include his son Ryan Harper, Blue; step sons William Boyd, David Boyd and Justin Lee; daughter Dustie Harper, Blue; parents Wayne and DeLois Harper; sister LaVonda Stokes and granddaughter McKehnzie Harper as well as uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. Preceding him in death were his grandparents Oscar and Gertrude Harper and James Murphy and Ruby Webster. A memorial service is planned for Gary Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the Apache County Rodeo Grounds, Eagar, at 10 a.m. Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary handled the arrangements.