Robert Ramsey "Rob" Harper III's Obituary
One of the dearest hearts of our family was suddenly taken from us on Thursday, January 30th. Rob died unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism resulting from a fractured leg suffered while on a recent skiing vacation with his wife, Caryn, and son Daniel in Vail, CO. Three weeks after accident, feeling good and hopeful for a speedy recovery, the clot broke free, and he was gone. His wife and EMT personnel worked valiantly to revive him but with no success. Rob was 52 years old. Born in Dallas, Texas on March 9, 1961 to parents Robert and Betty Bob Harper, Rob was a third generation Texan. He is survived by his parents, loving wife Caryn, two sons, Daniel, Will and daughter-in-law,Julianne; sister, Patricia Van Voorhees and husband, Jonathan along with their children, Jordan, Mackinzie and Alex. Rob graduated from J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson in 1979. He was a natural athlete who excelled playing soccer on youth select teams, won many honors, and was a co-captain of the Pearce team. He continued playing soccer at SMU where he was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated in 1982 with BA and BBA degrees. As his sons began to play soccer, Rob coached for many years in the city of Carrollton youth leagues and found great joy in helping mold the character of his young players. It was in high school where he met his future wife, Caryn, who became his lifelong love and partner. Rob was truly a family man with a keen, adventurous spirit. With his family, he traveled the world and lived every moment to the fullest. Rob and his father shared a unique and special relationship strengthened by their love for business and the outdoors. This bond took them on many international hunting trips including Africa, British Columbia, and Argentina. They also hunted domestically in the American West and throughout Texas. When possible, Rob made sure that his wife and sons joined him in the experience. He loved Texas country music and he and Caryn attended many concerts together. A surprise Christmas gift led Rob to play the guitar. As with all things, he enthusiastically embraced the challenge and found a new interest that, in times of stress, became his refuge. “Good for the soul”, he said. Rob was a highly respected professional in the real estate community and worked with some of the leading developers in Dallas. He worked as the Real Estate Development Manager of Unity Hunt, Inc. for 18 years. At the time of his death, he had projects in Irving, TX, Santa Fe, NM, Telluride, CO and Austin and Bryan, TX. Rob was much loved by his family; admired and respected by his friends and peers. He leaves a void in all of our hearts that cannot ever be filled. We miss him greatly. Memorial service will be at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Restland Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to North Texas Soccer Association in memory of Rob Harper to support scholarships and grants for children around the area.
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