Obituary of Harold Keighley Raper II

Born in 1931 Harold Keighley Raper II embarked on his next journey on July 13, but his spirit continues to live within each of us. His life's mantra resonates with each of us, urging us to seize every opportunity and savor each new experience for time is fleeting.

Harold’s life journey started in Springhill, born to Harold and Mary Raper. He went on to be a tinsmith, a super salesman, a respected businessman, a long-distance sailor, a storyteller, and an expert woodcrafter at the Fredericton Seniors Workshop. Fellow woodchippers granted him a lifetime membership in 2023. He loved his church family at St. Paul's United where he served many years on the building committee and made lifetime friends. Sailing pals honoured him with a lifetime membership in the Fredericton Yacht Club where he had held the position of Commodore. 

He always loved spending time with family and friends, sharing his life and talents {often with a rum in hand} with one and all, whether at the Heather Beach cottage, the Fountain Lake camp, onboard one of the four sailing Rumpots or wherever he landed on one of his many travels.

Harold is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ann Riekie (Russell), his sons: Harold (Hal) Keighley III, Katrina Donovan of Miramichi, NB; Christopher Philip, Arleen Allen Victoria, BC; and his daughter: Pamela Riekie, Michael Murray, Charlottetown, PE. Grandchildren are Jamie Raper (Christian), Keighl Raper (Lindsay), Alexa Wowchek (Adam), Brittany Pilgrim (Zechariah), Emma Murray (Lukas) and Sarah Murray (Jacob). Great-great granddaughters: Addy and Nora Raper, and Willa Wowchek, who all brought him much joy and laughter in his latter years. Harold will also be much missed by his nephew, Greg Hannah, and wife Ann, his brother, and sister-in-law Ken & Cay Raper, as well as their extended families with whom many good times have been shared.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the many dedicated caregivers for the wonderful care Harold received during the last six months in hospitals and finally at Windsor Court. Harold was grateful and loved all the wonderful staff he found there.

No flowers, please. Donations to St. Paul's United Church, Pantry Project, or do a favour for a friend in need.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home, Fredericton, on Wednesday, July 17 from 2-4 pm & 6-8pm. The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 18, at St. Paul's United Church, George St., Fredericton, at 11 am followed by a reception in the hall.