Charles William Harper

Charles William Harper, better known as Chuck, passed away on Saturday, May 27. He was 70 years old.

Chuck was born and raised in Prineville and a fifth-generation Oregonian. He attended Oregon State, served in the Army in Germany, and lived in Portland, Oregon, where he was a mechanic and engineer for more than 20 years. He moved to Sisters in 2012, which he described as returning to his roots - cowboy boots and all.

In Sisters, he and his wife, Carol, built a thriving real estate business and worked hard on their house and yard, creating an oasis for family and friends in the High Desert. Many dinner parties and celebrations took place at the Zosel-Harper House, and Chuck relished, in his kind and quiet way, the sense of beauty and community he and Carol created.

Chuck had a profound love and reverence for the outdoors, spending much of his free time rafting, hunting, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. He was also deeply committed to his local community, serving in leadership positions at Sisters Habitat for Humanity, Sisters Rotary Club, and the Sisters Rodeo.

To those who knew him well, or met him only a few times, he'll be remembered for his deep sense of morality, his strong work ethic, his unbelievable stubbornness, his commitment to Oregon IPAs, his sly smiles and winks, his excellent dancing, and his big hugs.

Chuck leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Carol; his daughters Therese and Ashleigh, sons-in-law Kelly and Serge; his parents Blanche and Sidney Harper; his sisters Cynthia and Sharon; his granddaughters Audrey and Miriam; and a community of friends who were family. He is no longer physically with us, but his enduring, steadfast love always will be. To have been a part of Chuck Harper's life will be a treasure we never relinquish.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.