Brad Harper

August 24, 1958-December 8, 2020 Our loving husband, father, brother, uncle Brad Kyle Harper was unexpectedly taken from us on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 while working in his favorite white and yellow semi truck. Brad was born of goodly parents, the first born son of Kyle Rolan Harper and Cheryle Gibson, of West Weber, Utah. They loved the Lord and taught him by their example. Brad was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints and he was proud of his rich family heritage which he would often speak. Brad was sealed for time and all eternity to Vivian Lynne Miles of Eden, Utah on February 19, 1988, In the Salt Lake LDS temple. Together they raised two amazing children, his pride and joy, Shawnee and Jacob Kyle. He was proud of the fine young adults they have become, each with a strong testimony and a love for our Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynne Harper and his children, Shawnee and Jake, and his sister Tamra and brother Kurt (Janet) He is preceded in death by his parents. His contagious laugh, and Big, friendly smile will be sorely missed! In lieu of flowers please make donations to Gillies Funeral Chapel to help the family with future expenses. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:00pm at the West Weber 3rd ward building, 4100 West 900 South. A viewing will be held prior from 11:00-12:45. Due to the Covid situation, please wear a mask and practice social distancing. We will also be live streaming the funeral service. Follow this link to view additional details about Brad's Services, https://my.gather.app/remember/brad-harper From the time he could walk, Brad would be found at the side of his Hero and grandfather Harold Wheatley Gibson. Brad would affectionately refer to him as “The great American farmer”. He taught Brad a love of farming, and of hard work. They spent many hours together in the tractor or driving around in the farm truck. Grandpa was his first home teaching companion, teacher, example and hero. Sadly grandpa Gibson passed suddenly at the age of 65 and Brad was heartbroken. He had lost his Best Friend. He experienced another heartbreak with the news that his father passed away, only five months later. Kyle Roland Harper had a motto throughout his life and it was “work hard and play harder”. Brad fondly remembers the love he had for Arabian horses, motorcycles and many friends that enjoyed the same hobbies. He was another example of a hard worker. His father was a devout member of the church and served in many Church callings, including Deacons Quorum advisor to Brad. Sadly he was taken home at the age of 43 and Brad was left the man of the house to help raise his sister Tamra and younger brother Kurt and comfort his mother, Cheryle. This was a daunting task, but he did the best he could despite all of the heartache. Prior to these, the family had already suffered the tragic loss of his uncle Lyman Gibson in 1969 in a train accident near their home. Uncle Lamar Gibson, out of concern for his nephew, Kept him very busy on the farm, giving him more responsibilities. Brad learned to be self-motivated and a perfectionist. He was reliable and worked without supervision. He did his work to the best of his ability. While working with Uncle Lamar, the farm had one of the best producing herds in the state and won various awards for milk production. Brad was organized and a perfectionist. He didn’t love school, but he worked hard at his penmanship. He was left-handed and he wrote beautifully. (We will cherish the last “ Drivers vehicle inspection report” that he filled out the morning of his death. Thank you, Trevor) Just when Lamar thought Brad would never marry, (age 27) he was introduced to Lynne Miles from Eden, Utah, following Steve Lerohl‘s mission farewell Sunday March 23, 1986. (in the same ward building we attend today) Lynne thought he was pretty handsome and, man, could he pray! There was some concern because he was nine years old her, but that was obsolete due to the fact that he WAS single and DID NOT have three kids, (her initial impression) and because of his spirituality and handsomeness! Their first double date was April 4, 1986. They continued dating and waited for Lee (Lynne’s brother) to come home from his mission before they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS temple on February 19, 1988 for time and all eternity. (Rolan’s birthdate) Their daughter, Shawnee was born on April 4, 1991 - five years to the day of their first date, along came a son, Jacob Kyle (Jake) on January 31, 1995. Shawnee and Jake have been his pride and joy, along with his sister Tamra and younger brother Kurt. His Family meant everything to Brad. He was a wonderful provider and worked very hard to provide for our temporal, physical and spiritual needs. When Uncle Lamar sold the farm, Brad needed to find new employment. He enrolled in Steven’s Henager College, where he actually excelled in school. He made the President’s list, High honor roll and Honor roll multiple times and graduated Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in “Computer Network Administrator”. Lynne was grateful to have her own very expensive computer repair guy, as he would be asked by his wonderful Gibson Cousin’s to come work at their farm, Gibson’s Green Acres, which he loved dearly. He loved being back in the seat of those beautiful, powerful green tractors, and he enjoyed the associations there. Our family will forever be grateful for the skills he learn there that would lead him to his final job and destiny. Brad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and served in many church capacities. He loved the camaraderie of serving with the incredible men on the high Council! His talks were enjoyable and he took pride in never using any notes. He would often speak of the time he enjoyed, alone in the tractor, pondering life and the subjects that he was assigned to speak. His favorite incident with this calling was when Lynne and Jake went to church, in their home ward, with his car keys. He was due to speak in the Warren/West Warren church building to give his talk, so he improvised and jumped in Gibson’s Green Acres filthy farm semi and drove it to church. He had to park on the side of the road. His speaking companion was grateful to see him arrive just in time for the meeting. Ironically, his talk was about the importance of Priesthood Keys. Brad served in the West Weber Third Ward bishopric and enjoyed the many associations with that calling. He was currently serving in the Stake as Young Men’s President for the Special Needs Mutual. He loved those who served with him and longed to be back with the wonderful people who’s spirits brought him so much joy. Brad loved to travel and relished this time with his wife and kids. They took many trips to Disneyland and other destinations. A 10 Day epic road trip to Nauvoo was his favorite! They enjoyed attending various temples as they traveled. Brad loved America and learning of its rich history. He enjoyed a recent trip to see Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. In his free time, Brad enjoyed watching westerns and playing Sudoku, recently completing expert levels, thanks to YouTube tutorials! He loved Louis L’amour books and had subscribed to the monthly book club so he could own the whole leather-bound collection and leave it as his “legacy to his children”. Brad had a unique and pleasing personality, a wonderful laugh and a big smile on his face that many appreciated. Just over a year ago, he was able to step away from the many hours of farm life, and started driving a Semi with a side-dump for “Messerly Contract Carriers” Todd, Lisa and Trevor treated him so well, and when it wasn’t in the shop with bumper or other issues, he was allowed to drive this, his favorite white and yellow semi! Brad loved his new job, and would beam whenever he asked about work. He felt appreciated and enjoyed the change. It allowed him to be home on weekends which was also a huge blessing to his family. We will forever be grateful for all who played a part in Brad’s wonderful life. A special thank you to Trevor, The Messerley’s, Officer Crane, Layton Ambulance/fire department, Dr. Scott Moulton and Ogden Regional Medical Center Emergency Room personnel, all who cared for Brad in his final moments on earth, as well as all of the love shown to our family since his passing.