Pat Harper 1950-2022
Peace Arch Chorus lost a much beloved long-term member after a brief struggle with cancer.
Pat began her life of music in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She was very involved in church choirs and also a member of the Cantabile Singers, who in 1965 were chosen to be one of 4 groups to tour a section of the province to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Saskatchewan joining Confederation.
Her sisters write, “One of Pat's greatest joys was her association with Sweet Adelines. Her love of music kept her singing with these girls for over 40 years” (44 to be exact). Pat joined Sweet Adelines in May 1978 with the Lion’s Gate Chorus, as a Lead. LGC friends Cammi MacKinley and Kitty All, relate that Pat was President of Lions Gate for one year, and was on the Board in several roles for many years. She joined Peace Arch Chorus in 1997, where she served as Director with Kitty for a year, Assistant Director, and many Leadership Team roles. In addition, she was a member of Region 26 competition steering committees. She enjoyed travelling to SAI competitions. Pat was an avid sewer, thus, involved in designing and making costumes for both choruses.
The PAC is experiencing such a void of Pat’s interesting sense of humour, her generosity, her very noticeable determination and her VOICE! She was a noted karaoke singer.
On Valentine’s Day this year, a PAC group gathered with Pat at her home. She was still in her interim Director role selecting the songs. Her singing was strong that memorable afternoon.
A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held at the Harper home on June 18, the day before her 72nd birthday. Her family; husband, three children and four precious granddaughters decided very early on to acclaim the glory of Pat during her birthday weekend.
Peace Arch Chorus has gifted monies to Region 26 YWIH Marlene Eppy fund in Pat’s honour.
“Thank-you for the generous donation to the Marlene Eppy Memorial Fund For Youth in memory of Pat Harper. Her legacy will live on through music education assistance to our young members!”
Canadian Maple Leaf Region 26 of Sweet Adelines International