Rex Harper

Lesley

Thank you to everyone who came to the Celebration of Rex's life last night at Paradise Park. It really was a joyous occasion. Thank you to Nick and Alison at Paradise Park for hosting the event.

Margaret Craze

To my Dearest Dad
Words alone cannot express how much you were loved and admired by your family, not just by us but the many many people in Cornwall.

We shared with you your love of the animal kingdom, all creatures great and small were loved with kindness and nursed back to health. You always told us that you cannot save every animal, and that is so true. We shared with you the joy of seeing new life but we also saw the ending of life.

I truly believe that this has made us better people to accept that there is a natural cycle of life and not to be afraid of death its self.

I owe you and mum a great debt of gratitude for taking on that sickly, skinny baby at the age of two, being there for me in my sad times and happy times.

I will always remember your sense of humor, your funny jokes the very long walks we used to do as children and your very sweet tooth you had.

Your love of animals did not stop there your love of the country side included the flora and fauna of the Cornish hedgerows.
Most importantly was your interest and love of birds (feathered variety) domesticated wild or exotic they were your passion.

You showed determination strength of character and your hard work made you a truly inspiration dad we dearly love and miss you and hope that we may one day all meet again.

God Bless you Dad.

Alan

A Life Well Spent……..

Rex Harper MBE died peacefully at his home in Perranporth, Cornwall in the company of his family on 26th February 2018.

Rex is survived by his wife Julie to whom he was married for over 60 years together with his five children, Glen, Alan, Margaret, Klairella and Zoe, and 11 grand children.

Rex was born in Bath in 1936 and moved to Cornwall as a teenager. Rex brought with him a deep passion for flora and fauna which remained with him and molded his life thereafter. After his time as a dog handler in the RAF Rex continued to dedicate his time to developing his interests and became a recognized and a highly respected expert. He willingly shared his expertise with others and gave his time to the pursuit of animal welfare (including exotic birds and animals as well as domestic pets).

Rex worked tirelessly to develop his interests and became widely known for his expertise. From the setting up of a facility to clean oiled birds during the Torrey Canyon oil spill through to his instrumental role in developing the first southwest RSPCA central animal and bird welfare centre (and subsequent employment with the RSPCA up to his retirement).

Rex was awarded an MBE for his contribution to wildlife conservation in the Southwest.

Rex enjoyed reading, writing and drawing and has recorded highlights of his life in three books:

• An Otter in the Aga
• An Eagle in the Airing Cupboard
• Dog in a Dustbin

The stories contained within provide a continued opportunity to remember Rex for the truly wonderful man that he was.

Jo White

Such beautiful words from Rex's family. They sum him up wonderfully.
I met Rex when I was about fourteen. He gave me a pair of cockatiels. I didn't know anything about looking after them but Rex was always there with help and advice. He continued to give me help and advice on my animals, especially my dogs. He was still giving me guidance with my current dog. To me he was like an animal whisperer. He just understood them.
If I were able to go back in time I would thank him for his guidance and his friendship. I feel honoured and very lucky to have known him. He was one of life's true gentle souls. I have never met a kinder man.

Glen Harper

Jo kindly sent these words, which also resonate so well ...

The tide recedes,
but leaves behind bright seashells in the sand.
The sun goes down,
but gentle warmth still lingers in the land.
The music stops,
and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.
For every joy that passes,
Something beautiful remains

In writing this down more thoughts crowd in ....

It is sometimes said that the beauty of music is in the silence between notes and phrases, stanzas and movements.
In art it is what is not represented, but what we fill in ourselves from experience, context and emotion
In prose the words unwritten and in speech what is not said, but still communicated
In this time of reflection our love for a life well-lived swells beyond measure

Glen Harper

This is something I wrote the following day, I was going to read it at the funeral, but it turned into a reflection on the soul instead ....

Some might say his soul has flown,
and now he sits with God and King
Some might say his soul now flies
Inside a raven, on jagged wing.

We know his soul now flies within us
All who knew, who touched his hand
All who saw and felt his kindness
His soul will never leave our land

And those he touched he lifted higher
Put air beneath their wings in flight
Gave all our souls a bit more fire
He is not gone into that dark night

Needs work, but it helped me come to terms with things a bit.

Glen

Such a lovely photo of Rex, Klair and goat taken by Alan around summer 1978 or earlier.

Remember me each morning
Remember me each day
Remember me whilst walking
Remember me in the rain
Remember me whilst working
Remember me at play
But remember me not with sorrow
And remember me not in pain
But remember me with happiness to ease away each day.

Phil Harper

Thank you Grandpa for being the best grandpa I could have asked for. You taught me many lessons that have helped to make me the person that I am today.

I will always keep the memories of time spent at Ferndale. I was so proud when you got your MBE and can even remember having you speak with my class at school about all the amazing work you did with animals. You were proof for me that you didn't have to just work for a living, you can do what you love and actually make a difference in the world.

Thank you for letting us look after Moss. I know how much you loved him as he was such an amazing dog that you so brilliantly trained. Most of my childhood memories are of spending time with him and getting embarrassed when he got too excited with other dogs… I’m looking forward to one day having my own dog and I hope that I have the same bond with my own animals as you did with yours. It was always very special seeing how much your animals respected and loved you.

I love you and will see you again one day,

Phil x

Lesley Harper

Well I can honestly say, hand on heart, that Rex was the very best father in law I ever had. I was so proud of him and Julie when they got their MBE. Rex always insisted it was hers as well as his. And I consider that both Sophie and Phil were really lucky to have 4 very different grandparents who brought different things to their lives. It was certainly a challenge being out in New Zealand when we found out Dad was so ill but we knew he would not want to hang around. He used to say to me, "Lesley, when I get ill will you shoot me?" . I had to explain that unfortunately I would not be able to , due to the laws of our land. Nevertheless I have no doubt that he was at peace with himself and all of us when he refused any more treatment. He had done everything he wanted to do.

Thank you Rex for the legacy you leave behind, and for eating double amounts of my special mince pies I always made for you at Christmas. You were a very special Dad. We will miss you but I'm happy that I have loved you.

Lesley.

Sophie Harper

This is what Sophie wrote to grandpa. She has given me permission to share it with you. Isn't it beautiful?

To the best Grandpa I could have wished for.

If someone asked me who is my hero, it would be you. I feel so proud and lucky to be able to call you my Grandpa.

My childhood memories of spending time with you, Granny and the animals are ones I will always treasure. You have taught me so much about what matters in life and how important everything on this earth is.

I know my love of animals comes from you both, much to my mum's despair. Even after Bracken dumped me in a pile of cow poo. Surely she'd know if that didn't put me off, nothing would. I have always been amazed watching you with the animals. Of the bond you had with Pom who I will never forget sitting above my head on the sofa watching my every move and of our special Moss bringing you back your tools from around the farm. The time you left Moss with us I will never forget and I will always feel so privileged that you let us care for such a special dog. Memories of spending time with you in the RSPCA centre, being able to help you care for so many amazing animals but also how important it is to make the hard decisions that may sometimes be the kindest ones to make.

There are so many memories and I know these play a massive part in who I am now. There are no words to say how thankful I am to you for this.

This isn't goodbye because I know you'll always influence my life. Your love of all animals and the world is sewn deeply in my veins. I think of you often over here in New Zealand and often think when I see new wildlife and plants that you and Granny would love it here.

I love you Grandpa. Thank you for being my hero.

Sophie xx