Ronald Forsythe Harper

Ronald Forsythe Harper

Ronald Forsythe Harper (Ronnie) passed away on November 2, 2022. He was 93 years old.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Westbrook Harper, devoted children, Jennifer Harper

Wilson, Peter Baxter Harper (Lisa Ranck Harper), Pamela Harper Meyer (Brian Ronald Meyer),

and grandchildren, Alexander Jeffery Wilson, Tucker Harper Wilson, Liam Westbrook Wilson,

Cole Westbrook Harper, Katharine Rose Harper, Payton Harper Meyer, Jack Brian Meyer, and Tyler

Westbrook Meyer.

Ronnie was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 5,1928. He was the son of George Thomas

Harper and Helen Anna Quinlan Harper. The family moved to Mt. Lebanon, PA where Ronnie

spent his youth. Recognized for his upbeat behavior and positive attitude, Ronnie acquired the

nickname “Happy” (aka “Hap”) which enveloped his character for a lifetime. Following

graduation from Mt. Lebanon High School, Ronnie attended the University of Pittsburgh and

graduated in 1950 with a degree in finance. After college, he enlisted in the United States Air

Force and served his country at Keflavik Air Station in Iceland. Following his time in the Air

Force, he moved to Bryn Mawr, PA and worked as a financial analyst until becoming a business

owner.

Ronnie met Nancy at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in the young adult group called

Corinthians. He and Nancy were married on June 23, 1962. They lived in Bryn Mawr, PA until

moving to Devon, PA, where they raised their three children, and resided for 60 years.

Ronnie became an avid sailor after his retirement. He and Nancy kept their sailboat, “At Last”,

at North Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD and spent 20 years sailing the Chesapeake together

with their family and friends. They enjoyed spending several winters in Ft. Lauderdale, FL,

taking the boat down the Intracoastal Waterway in early fall. Stopping in small marinas and

meeting fellow sailors from all over the world highlighted their trips. Every day was a good day

on their excursions, even in rough seas when their beloved Cocker Spaniel would slide from

one side of the cockpit to the other, crawl up on Nancy’s lap, and place his paws on her

shoulders.

Ronnie took great pleasure in serving his community. During his younger years, he served on

the Easttown Township Planning Committee, was an assistant coach for his son’s football team

(the Strafford Eagles) and volunteered as Social Chairman at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

After retirement, he spent much of his time with Habitat for Humanity through Paoli Presbyterian

Church. One of his favorite trips was to Gulfport, MS after hurricane Katrina where he and

Nancy ran Camp Hope for three months helping to meet the needs of hurricane victims. Ronnie

also served as a Deacon. He loved volunteering in the church kitchen during Winter Wonders,

chopping onions and wearing his Rudolph blinking nose to entertain the children. Paoli

Presbyterian was a place where he felt loved and connected. Ronnie was also a member of the

Trophy Committee at The Devon Horse Show. He loved escorting people into the ring to

present the trophy to the winners. The tradition and camaraderie of other volunteers was an

experience he looked forward to every year. He and Nancy were honored this May for their

years of service.

Family and friends were most important to him. Caring and providing for his wife and children

were his top priority. Spending time with his grandchildren was something he relished and took

great joy in their visits, entertaining them with stories from his life experiences. He especially

enjoyed yearly vacations on Hilton Head Island, SC. He was the happiest when his family of 16

was altogether where laughter abounded. The highlight of this year’s vacation was celebrating

his and Nancy’s 60th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family and doing the twist with his

eight grandchildren by the pool. A life well-lived. A life much loved.