It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Henry Harper, affectionately known as Bob. He passed away at home in Cary, Illinois, on January 16, 2025, at the age of 84, after a hard-fought nine-year battle with cancer. Bob was born in Cary on December 17, 1940, to Rosella and Henry Harper.

 

He married the love of his life, Susan Phillips, in 1965. Together, they had two children, Tracy and Christopher, and later, they were blessed with grandsons Gabriel and Lucas.

 

As a teenager, Bob dabbled in taxidermy and was an avid collector of Civil War memorabilia, a passion that reflected his love for American history. His academic journey began at Bradley University, followed by training in the Tool & Die industry. He worked as a skilled Tool & Die Maker before transitioning into a manufacturer's representative role. After semi-retiring in the mid-1980s, he pursued his passion for photography and opened a commercial photography studio in Chicago. Bob and Susan had a keen appreciation for collecting antiques. Throughout their marriage, they set up at antique shows all over the country and made lifelong friends. Eventually, he opened Cary Station Antiques in the old Cary Fire Station, specializing in early advertising and military items. Through the years, Bob, his father Henry, and his aunt Betty Freeman purchased and were given hundreds of treasures from Cary. He ultimately donated all of these items to Cary, the Cary Fire Department, and Trout Valley.

 

Bob's favorite vacation spot was the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a place he had visited since childhood. In 1991, he and Susan purchased a vacation home on Lake Gogebic in the U.P. The "Cabin" became a sanctuary where they created lasting memories with family and friends. Over the years, they enjoyed snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, boating, water skiing, and tubing. Bob especially enjoyed the time spent with his grandsons "Up North."

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; daughter Tracy of Cary; son Christopher of Elgin; and two wonderful grandsons, Gabriel and his wife Mina, and Lucas and his girlfriend, Caleigh.

 

Those who knew Bob will remember him as kind, wise, and witty. He was truly a renaissance man and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

 

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 25th, from 1PM to 4PM at the Cary Country Club located at 2400 Grove Lane, Cary, IL 60013.

 

Instead of flowers, those who wish to donate may send contributions in Bob’s name to:

Lake Gogebic Volunteer Fire Department

c/o Dave Nordberg

E16895 E. Shore Rd.

Marenisco, MI 49947