NQ1965
PR Elite
My first thoughts were to post this in the Old Guys/Old Bikes section, but this post I think belongs up front.
Each year as we approached Vintage Motorcycle Days I would usually get a personal memo from a particular Pitracer member, usually wanting an update on how close I am to being ready, or what changes made to the bikes etc. I got to know this guy well enough that I really looked forward to running into him, and also seeing his posts on here. He was a fun guy to gab with.
I also enjoyed watching his son race the bikes that Kevin would build. He usually done quite well on his 1974 Yamaha MX360.
After 2019 Vintage Days ended it occurred to me that I did not see him there, and then later, heard nothing from him. Then of course, last year, VMD was canceled.
Fast forward to today, a week and a half from Vintage Days, and I've had the nagging thought, "where in the hell is Kevin at?"
My gut told me to do a quick google search, and what I feared became true. Unfortunately, I'm just now finding this out, 3 years late.
PR Member · From Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Joined Jul 19, 2011
Last seen Aug 14, 2018
Pitracer name: "KRH"
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/cantonrep/name/kevin-harper-obituary?pid=189782620
Kevin R. Harper 1958-2018
Age 59, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away Fri., July 20, 2018. Born Aug. 27, 1958, in Canton, a son of the late Ray and Edna (Patterson) Harper. He was a 1976 graduate of Perry High School and retired from ASC Industries in 2017. Kevin was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and loved watching his sons ride.
Survived by his wife, Gina Selvaggio; two sons, Dustin and Ben Harper; stepchildren, Alicia Swigart, Lena Swigart and Joshua Swigart; two grandchildren, Anthony Bowers and Mila Swigart; one sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Dr. Paul Waibel. In addition to his family he had a deep love of animals and cared for many in his lifetime. Kevin was well known for his infectious laugh and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held Sat. Aug. 4th, 2018 at 11 a.m. in Reedurban Presbyterian Church. All are invited to attend a luncheon following the service. The Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions in Kevin's memory may be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.
Published by The Repository on Aug. 2, 2018.
==================================
His final Pitracer post:
Post #7 May 20, 2018 Forum: Old Guys & Old Bikes
1978 - 1979 KX250 parts
I don’t know where these vintage KX’s are coming from but a ‘75 KX400 fell into my lap yesterday. Rough, but very restoreable and complete with a spare motor. Has the kick stand, original dry rotted front tire, tight swingarm, wheels are round and straight and the shocks even still have...
KRH
Rest In Peace old Friend. We miss you!
Each year as we approached Vintage Motorcycle Days I would usually get a personal memo from a particular Pitracer member, usually wanting an update on how close I am to being ready, or what changes made to the bikes etc. I got to know this guy well enough that I really looked forward to running into him, and also seeing his posts on here. He was a fun guy to gab with.
I also enjoyed watching his son race the bikes that Kevin would build. He usually done quite well on his 1974 Yamaha MX360.
After 2019 Vintage Days ended it occurred to me that I did not see him there, and then later, heard nothing from him. Then of course, last year, VMD was canceled.
Fast forward to today, a week and a half from Vintage Days, and I've had the nagging thought, "where in the hell is Kevin at?"
My gut told me to do a quick google search, and what I feared became true. Unfortunately, I'm just now finding this out, 3 years late.
PR Member · From Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Joined Jul 19, 2011
Last seen Aug 14, 2018
Pitracer name: "KRH"
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/cantonrep/name/kevin-harper-obituary?pid=189782620
Kevin R. Harper 1958-2018
Age 59, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away Fri., July 20, 2018. Born Aug. 27, 1958, in Canton, a son of the late Ray and Edna (Patterson) Harper. He was a 1976 graduate of Perry High School and retired from ASC Industries in 2017. Kevin was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and loved watching his sons ride.
Survived by his wife, Gina Selvaggio; two sons, Dustin and Ben Harper; stepchildren, Alicia Swigart, Lena Swigart and Joshua Swigart; two grandchildren, Anthony Bowers and Mila Swigart; one sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Dr. Paul Waibel. In addition to his family he had a deep love of animals and cared for many in his lifetime. Kevin was well known for his infectious laugh and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held Sat. Aug. 4th, 2018 at 11 a.m. in Reedurban Presbyterian Church. All are invited to attend a luncheon following the service. The Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions in Kevin's memory may be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.
Published by The Repository on Aug. 2, 2018.
==================================
His final Pitracer post:
Post #7 May 20, 2018 Forum: Old Guys & Old Bikes
1978 - 1979 KX250 parts
I don’t know where these vintage KX’s are coming from but a ‘75 KX400 fell into my lap yesterday. Rough, but very restoreable and complete with a spare motor. Has the kick stand, original dry rotted front tire, tight swingarm, wheels are round and straight and the shocks even still have...
KRH
Rest In Peace old Friend. We miss you!
