Rev. George Harper 1923-2011
Rev. George Arthur Harper was born on July 4, 1923, in Salem, Ohio, and died in Helena on May 2, 2011. In between, he lived a remarkable life.
George went to grade school in rural Alabama, where he ran a couple of miles to and from school every day. His 8th grade basketball team was undefeated, but had tough luck at the regional tournament, because four of the five starters were disqualified for being over 21! He went to high school in Birmingham, and college at Birmingham Southern. He went to seminary at Duke Theological School and finished his Master’s Degree at Garrett Biblical Institute in Chicago.
He was always a fine athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball. He ran a 4:15 mile, only 11 seconds over the world record. In an exhibition baseball game, he hit a home run off Bob Feller, later a Hall of Fame pitcher.
He married Dorothy Watson, a national oratory winner, actress, dancer, and writer of national radio scripts, with a Master’s Degree, a rarity at that time for women.
As a young adult, George was elected President of the million-member Methodist Youth Fellowship. He was later appointed Executive Secretary of the National Conference of Methodist Youth. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, he traveled world-wide, preaching even to the headhunters of Borneo. He became known as a great speaker, a comedian, a man of God, and a believer in youth. He organized youth rallies and caravans across America, during which many young people heard a call of God to service in many different fields. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke at two of the interracial rallies he organized.
George and Dorothy had five children, the last of whom was born in Great Falls, where the family moved from Nashville after he became Youth and Camping Leader for the Montana Methodist Conference.
Before the move, he wrote in 1952 to Dorothy, “We are moving to Montana, and the big land will welcome us. It is a land of the big sky… Its young men and women need to be banded together in a movement to make the people and policies of the state as much a part of God’s perfect plan as the mountains are. That is why we are going there to live…We will grow up with the state and we will help shape its future.”
In 1961 he was appointed pastor to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena. (He told friends he started his career at the top and was working his way down.) In 25 years at St. Paul’s, and since then in retirement, he estimates he performed 1200 weddings, 1200 funerals, and an untold number of baptisms in churches, camps, and on mountains, rivers and lakes in every corner of Montana.
Always a fan of youth and athletics, George became the pole vault coach at Helena High in 1965, where he coached until his death. Athletes, especially at Helena High, but also at Capital, Carroll and Rocky Mountain College, have heard his support for 50 years. Basketball, football, track, volleyball, soccer, tennis, swimming — he followed it all as best he could. In the last year he would appear at basketball games in a wheelchair or at track meets on a power scooter, just so he could see his beloved young people.
Many a parent who was not United Methodist came to George for counseling, because they knew they could trust a man who supported their children that much.
In 1972 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention, one of only two independent delegates. He was proud that the Republicans and Democrats decided to be seated alphabetically rather than by party, so that they could concentrate on producing the best possible Constitution for Montana. He believes that the Constitution may be the best thing that he and his delegate friends ever did for Montana youth.
George was on a Helena committee that planned and built the new jail here. He also served on the group that wrote the city charter for Helena.
He has written 14 books, including a set of 9 that covers the whole Bible in his inimitable style, and three on golf.
A true outdoorsman and exceptional angler, George delighted in the Lord’s natural creations and hiked, trekked, fished, and packed United Methodist youth, older adults, and his own family into back country all over Montana. On one such trip, sons Rusty (11) and Steve (7) became lost overnight in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. George’s mother, Mabel Harper, read the sensationalized news of “Boys lost in Grizzly-infested Wilderness” in her Florida newspaper. His mother and his sons survived.
Always active, George and Dorothy could often be seen in a drift boat on the Missouri, enjoying the scenery and wildlife, and often leaning into the bend in his nine-foot six-weight rod. At age 85, he lost a hearing aid while riding on a zip line over the Costa Rican jungle.
George and Dorothy had five children – Rusty (Pat Callbeck Harper), Hal (Janet Matteucci Harper), Steve (Pam Campbell), Nancy (Michael McNeilly) and Jannie, deceased (son-in-law Randy Fuhrmann (Renee Driessen)); five grandchildren – Robin Harper Cowie (Zac Cowie), Molly Harper Haines (Mark Haines), Emily McNeilly, Hannah Harper and Becca Harper; and two great-grandchildren – Caleb and Greyson Cowie.
The family invites you to a memorial service celebrating his life at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 8th at the Carroll College PE Center. Rather than flowers, memorials in George’s name are suggested to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Building Fund 512 Logan Helena, MT 59601; Rocky Mountain College 1511 Poly Drive Billings, MT 59102; Intermountain Children’s Home, 500 S. Lamborn Helena, MT 59601; Angel Fund (for clothing and supplies for Helena school children) P.O. Box 7436 Helena, MT 59604; or any charity that helps children and youth. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Adrienne Hitch says
Rusty,
Thinking about you and your family at this time.
Amundson Family says
Our prayers with all the Harper family, George has been a guide for us and we thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers with you all in this time, may God’s grace be with you.
Tyler, Crystal, and Corinne
Barrett Adams says
My sincere condolences. George will be truly missed. A mentor and supporter who was such an advocate for so many, yet was so personable that you felt like you were select. From baptism in ’73, through methodist youth group, sports in the schools, George was always there rooting me on. He will always be warmly remembered.
Bill Burr says
It was special just to be around this kind and gentle man. My sympathies to Hal and all the Harper family.
billie chittim herron says
What pleasant memories surface at a time like this. George wa perhaps the most instrumental adult in my youth back in the 1950’s as I grew in the Lord. He loved for all of us, whether it was riding the train to Purdue for National Convo, standing up and singing “Harvest Time” at Purdue University with us, sitting around the campfire at Flathead Lake or the other camps in the state and canada. I am just one small life compared to all the youth he reached. Our prayers of thanks to our almight God for putting him amongst us. When he survived in the military, the Lord had a special place for him in His ministry. George listened and followed where the Lord led him. For that we are all grateful. Love to you all.
BOB AND ALICE OMANG says
OH, HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. HE WAS SUCH A TOWERING GIANT IN HIS BELOVED CHURCH, CITY AND STATE. WHAT A LOSS AND WE A LL DEARLY LOVED THIS EXTRAORDINARY MAN AND OUR BELOVED PASTOR. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS.
Bob Firebaugh says
So sorry to hear of George’s death. May God bless all in the midst of grief.
BROOK FAMILY says
Dorothy, Rusty, Hal,Steve & Nancy: GOD bless you all. George has touched our lives in so many ways. He was there for evey sporting event our children ever participated in and always had a positive comment or funny story. We will miss his sermons as he was so good at relating GOD’s word to everyday people. I regret no being able to take one of his Bible Classes. He was loved by all.
Carl and Laurie Quist says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We were so honored to have Rev. Harper speak at our mother’s funeral just a month ago…he was truly an inspiration to us and loved by all.Sending our love, The Carl Quist Family
carol and carl carlson says
A true christian ….off to another adventure! But should you need him….just listen …he’ll be there…no matter what.
Our thoughts and sincere prayers go to Dorothy and all his family.
Charles & Pamela Brown says
Dear Harper Family ~
Our many thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Rev Harper married us in 1980. What a very wonderful man.
May your memories be cherished and God’s healing be with you.
God Bless You,
Charlie & Pam Brown
Helena, MT
Clare Ward-Jenkins says
George was a truly great person. An example to us all of God’s love and commitment to those in need. My thoughts are with the wonderful family he left behind and those he met at the gates of Heaven.
Claudette Ross says
Bless you, George, and thank you for your tireless and humorous faith in us, in every circumstance. You showed so many what true grace can be. My condolences to the Harper family.
Craig Wright says
My regard for George has no bound or reservation. I’m profundly grateful to have known him even a little, and I know I will continue to see him expressed in your wonderful family and in our community which was so touched by his giving nature. I share his and your confidence in life everlasting, and I see clearly that George can be no more be separated from life than he could be separated from the love of God.
dave spencer says
George was a legend. Not a more charismatic person ever. Such an inspiration and model Christian for us all. What a privilege to have known him. Heartfelt condolences to you, Dorothy, Rusty, Hal, Steve, and Nancy. With love, Dave and Donna Spencer
Dawn Maurer Skerritt says
Dear Harper Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your losses. George was loved by many. Thinking of you. Dawn
Dick Bylund says
Dear Harper Family,
George Harper touched more lives than I can imagine. I was in MYF in Hardin in the late 50’s and attended RMC in the early 60’s. Reverend Harper was always there as a help and inspiration. I will always remember him and am thankfull for the time I spent with him
Don and Lori Eckhardt says
Rev. Harper was one of a kind and one of the most caring people I have ever met. I have know him for 30 years and he married us in July 2000. I felt very blessed to have him be a part of such a special time in my life. George will be truly missed. May god comfort you in your time of sorrow. Always cherish the memories and hold them close to your heart.
Don and Lori Eckhardt
Ed Sheehy, Jr. says
To Dorothy and All the Harpers
One of the best Christian man I ever knew will be deeply missed by all of us. My deepest condolence to each and every one of you. He’s in a much better place now and we can rejoice in that at this sad time
Ed
FayDee Hamilton says
I would just like to offer my condolences to the family and to say how honored I was to have known George. He was such a wonderful, honest and sincere man and no sports event was ever complete without seeing him there. He made my children feel special in their sports endeavors, as he did all of the students, but somehow he had this incredible way of making each one feel he personally cared about them and I’m sure he did. He will be missed, but how happy Heaven must be to welcome him there!
Helen Richter says
To the Harper family
I was sorry to learn that George passed away. He was a wonderful person and will be missed in Helena.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Helen Richter
Jacque Cottingham Burton Weiland says
Rusty and Family..I’ve always thought so much of your Dad, He married my 1st husband and I in l966, baptised both of my sons, Bob and Gary Burton..and most of all was a FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD. My your grief be swallowed up by all the wonderful memories of his life serving others and raising a wonderful family, and his community of Helena.
Hugs and PRAYERS
Jacque Cotting Burton Weiland and Family
Jeffrey Pedersen says
Rusty, Pat and family
We were sorry to learn that your Dad passed away. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God Bless
Jeff and Diane Pedersen
Jenny Frost says
I am newcomer to the State of Montana in George’s eyes (moved here from Wisconsin in 1999), so only had the chance to know him for the past few years. He has touched my life and the life of my family in so many positive ways. I always appreciated the chance to chat with him and hear his words of wisdom. He always referred to my daughter as the little giant. Aris started out as a hitter on the Helena High volleyball team, but then moved to libero this past season. She is a junior and is only 5’4″ but could get up there when she needed to. I was so thrilled to have George be a part of her life and the volleyball team’s successes, especially this past year winning the State Champion. I truly believe George was part of the team that made that happen. His support was something you just don’t find anymore. Dorothy, I have met you a few times, but I have to tell you George brought tears to my eyes one time when we were sitting by him at a volleyball game. He called to tell you he had eaten and was going to stay on a little longer. He called you darlin and it just touched me! He was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. Thank you again for sharing him with us and allowing me the chance to get to know him. My life is changed because of him and he will forever have a place in our hearts! Sincerely, Jenny Frost
Jim and Lindy Bartruff says
…and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Here’s hoping George’s next tee-time is with his favorite alltime foursome. Love and best wishes to Dorothy and the rest of the family from Jim and Lindy.
Jim Phillips says
To the Harper family,
George was a very wise and progressive voice to whom I enjoyed listening over the years. He will be greatly missed!
Jim, Barb and Julie Penner says
George was, as the IR so aptly put it, a treasure and we are thankful for the support and encouragement he gave to Helena’s youth and especially our daughter Julie during her track career. He was truly one of God’s angels for Julie. May God Bless his memory.
Joan Eagle Goldstein says
I am thinking about you all so much during this time of passing. My life was so enriched by George and all of the family. We were so fortunate that he and Dorothy came to Helena and stayed.
With sincere thoughts of sorrow and wonder at his legacy.
Joan
Johanna says
What a great man. My daughter always spoke fondly of George. She knew him as her behind the scenes pole-vault coach. We traveled with George to Reno for The Pole Vault Summit several years ago. Together with Doug the kids had two great coaches. George, always positive, was an inspiration.
The mashed potatoes at Golden Corral are waiting for you. God Bless You
John and Norma Cromwell says
Our memories of George during our time in Helena included lots of fun and tears. He always managed to draw us out of our shell. Montana is much poorer without him.
John Bartram says
My father had a great appreciation for George as a pastor, teacher and a person. I know that he is welcoming George into God’s eternal Kingdom today! I personally will remember the Harper family from church camp, pastor school and from my days at Rocky. Sympathy to you all from John and Martha Bartram, as well as from my sister Jo Larson.
Judi Dahl Foutz says
To Dorothy and the Harper family,
I remember when George first came to the Methodist Church and what a difference he was from the previous minister. What a kind and caring man who loved us kids unconditionally (even when he probably shouldn’t have). He was the reason that I kept coming to church and he had a huge impact on my life. Thank you George for all you gave to all of us. You were an angel on earth and we will all miss you.
Judi Dahl Foutz
Judith Williams says
Please accept my condolences for George. I met him when I joined St. Paul’s U. M. Church and often sat near him and Dorothy in the balcony of the old church. He was a delight to know as a person, parson, and writer.
Kamerzel Family says
May god hold you in his hands at this difficult time. Rev. Harper always put a smile on our face when we would see him at various events. God bless the family.
Karen Roberts Johnston says
To the Family of the wonderful Reverend George Harper:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this very special family member. I remember attending church and how excited I was that we had a new minister: Reverend Harper. I went to school with Rusty and worked with Hal while I was with the Governor’s office. I also have fond memories of you, Mrs. Harper, greeting us at church and of your wonderful family.
Reverend Harper will truly be missed. Our family appreciates all of the support he has given us over the years.
Very sincerely,
Karen Roberts Johnston (daugher of Caroline and Gorham Roberts)
Kay Mathews says
I have many, many, fond memories of George. He baptized both my boys and they grew up adoring him. John’s funeral service would not have been the same without George’s humor. I am sure there are many people in heaven that were so happy to see him again! He will be dearly missed here however! We are so blessed to have been a part of his life.
Larry and Lisa Murphy says
The Murphy family sends our condolences to the Harper family. George was inspiration to all of us and will be missed.
Sincerely,
The Murphys
Lois Baker says
To all the Harper family-George was such an important part of my life…encouraging me to be my best when I was hurting and celebrating when everything was good. He did the weddings of 2 of my children, traveled the miles, always was at conference leading “Harvest Time”. The George and Dorothy team were an inspiration! Blessings to all of you at this time.
Maggie Bullock says
During my career in Montana State Government I had the privilege of working with many talented Harpers, including George. I also had the honor of enjoying conversations with George and being the beneficiary of many prayers and homilies he spoke. He has left his very significant mark on Helena and all of Montana.
I am currently a summer visitor to Helena and always have and always will think of George (with a smilie) whenever I pass St. Paul’s Methodist Church. His presence on this earth was a true gift to all of us who encountered him.
Maggie Bullock
Mary and Marty Mouat says
It has been our honor and privilege to know a true SAINT in our lifetime! George is the center of so many of our great memories! Thank you to the entire Harper family for sharing this wonderful man with us!
Marty and Mary Mouat
Michael Olds says
To the Harpers and especially to Steve…don’t know if you remember but we were teammates on the 1966 Helena Jr. High track team. At the end of that season, I started to learn the pole vault. And I clearly remember how far advanced you were in technique and skill compared to myself and all the other athletes. Now, so many years later after reading about your incredibly athletic and spiritually gifted father, I know why you were such a great vaulter and such a kind and respectful person to myself and many others. My prayers and best wishes to you and family with the passing of you father. He was a great man who left further great gifts of wonderful people through his children.
Nina Cramer says
To Hal and Rusty, You and your families are in my prayers. I so enjoyed meeting your dad on my many trips to Helena when he so graciously donated space for us to meet. In later years when my path crossed with yours it made perfect sense that you two were involved in public service. I feel blessed that I crossed paths with two generations of your family. As I sure many others are as well. Peace. Nina Cramer
Pam Johnson-Stricklin says
Dear Dorothy and the Harper family. I was truly sorry to read about George’s passing and my prayers are with you all. I remember when your family first came to St Paul’s Church and how George’s charisma and true love for us “kids” made our MYF group and church camp at Flathead Lake so much more meaningful and fun. He was a true inspiration to me and had a major impact on my life and my personal Christian walk today. I am sorry for your family’s loss – may God bless you all. Pam Johnson-Stricklin
Pam Pipal says
In 1967 when I was living at the Florence Crittendon Home for Unwed Mothers, in Helena, Rev. Harper used to come and meet with us on Wednesday evenings. I looked forward to his visits! I was hoping to find another guest entry from an unwed mother of that “circa” to confirm my memory, but I’m sure all would agree that anyone meeting Rev. Harper would remember him, as I do after nearly 44 years!
Paul Wanders says
I Will Never Forget George Harper. Having been Brought up in the Methodist Church My Self by my Dad who isnow a retired methodist minister. I will laways treasure themomories of George at Pastor School & Annual Conferance. He Brought joy & Laughs to alot of kids thru the years & I am one of them. You Will be truely missed. I was an Honor & Privillage to of known you. Peace be with you in your eternal home. May the love of God Surround your family thru this difficult time. We All Love You George. Good Bye My Friend.
Rodger, Bob, and Christy (Roland) Curnow says
Dear Harpers:
Thank you for moving to Helena in 1961, and for sharing your husband and father with the people of Helena and Montana for the last 53 years. The life lessons which we learned from George in church, in MYF, and yes around the pole vault pit have helped us each to grow as serving people, caring about others and loving our Lord. In George, Jesus created a Disciple, and so many of us can be happy to say he showed us the Way.
Peace be with you.
Roger Koch says
I was fortunate enough to know George while teaching and coaching at Helena High in the mid-60s. He was quite a human being and so broad minded regarding all aspects of life. He will be missed.
Roxanne Ki-Ai White says
To the Harper Family
What a legacy George has left for all of us to remember him by. He will be dearly missed by his family and the community he calls “home”. What an inspiration he has been with all youth of Helena.
Roxanne Ki-Ai White
Ruth Collins Johnson says
To Dorothy, Rusty, Hal, Steve, Nancy and families: You are all in my prayers. I have so many fond memories of all of you. George will be sorely missed.
Scott Frazier says
Hal,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. It is a powerful rite of passage that takes time to get through. My prayers are with you and the family. Scott
Scott Lockwood says
On behalf of myself and all the Bengals from class of 1968 who were so much richer for Rev Harper being with us all these year, may his family rest easy and feel embrace in the love of hundreds. We are so thankful for the presence of George in our lives and the lives of countless others.
Susan Williams Lubbers says
Our family shared many memories with George Harper. We anticipated his visits to Laurel where he slept on the sofa in our living room after he shared his stories with us. He inspired my mother, an MYF leader. He continued the friendship in Helena when my parents arrived for the legislature. He taught us humility and humor. . . may his spirit continue to guide us. Very sincerely, Susan Williams Lubbers
The Needham Family says
Dorothy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. As you already know, he was the most amazing man to so many people. Over the years I have often thought back to George when I was in high school. I still have his books, which he gave to me my senior year. Then he married Matt and I after we moved back here a few years ago. There will always be a part of him in our lives. He will be missed by us and everyone who knew him.
Our Condolences, Mandy (Brown), Matt and Finna
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dorothy and the Harper family. We are sorry to learn of George’s passing. He was a fine man who gave so much of himself and his life to Helena. He will surely be missed. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Van Nice Family says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Harpers. George will be truly missed. He was such a big part of growing up and living in Helena for our family and for so many others. We are sure that George now has a special place near any pole vaulting pit that Heaven has to offer!
Wayne L. Leslie says
It is with great sorrow that I extend my sympathies to Dorothy and the entire Harper family. George was a role model and an inspiration to me and hundreds of other Methodist Youth. He will be missed, but never forgotten.