Kenneth Lee Harper

Kenneth Lee Harper January 4, 1949 – February 7, 2022 Bartow, FL 33830 Kenneth passed away peacefully after a long 23-year health battle due to Agent Orange exposure and the many complications that follow. He was the son of Harvey “Buck” Harper and Norma Simms and grew up on the family farm in Monticello, Maine. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Van Pelt, Bartow, FL Son Robert Remington, Hermon, Maine Son Jarrod Harper, his wife Jennifer and granddaughters Madeline and Jordan, Ludlow, Vermont Sister Peggy Betch, Henderson, Maryland Sister Carolyn Smith, Greenwood, Delaware Born and raised in Aroostook County Maine he was forever a country boy at heart and true patriot. Kenneth enlisted and served in the United States Army ’68 - ‘71. His tour in Vietnam was June 4, 1969 – June 21, 1970. He loved farm living and always had a special connection with his animals. His favorite time growing up on the family farm was spent “riding bareback on my horse”, “in the barn with the cows” and “riding the tractor baling hay. The gentle rocking motion was so peaceful.” Even after serving in Vietnam, Kenneth said he would proudly serve his country again. “If they need me and they will take me, I’m gone.” Over the last few years, he was active in several Vietnam Veteran support groups. His buddies from the group at the Lakeland Veteran Center, were fondly remembered by him, “great group of guys”. After a lifetime of dealing with PTSD, Kenneth was “very thankful” to Dan Jarvis and his team at 22Zero for helping him overcome the lifetime of torment that comes with PTSD. “Son of a bitch! I’m good. He needs to keep going and help more Vets.” Kenneth was an Aroostook County Sheriff and spent the later part of his civilian life in the field of Information Technology. He often reflected on his time as Director of IT for Ross Simons Jewelers, Cranston RI. He was proud of his IT team “best bunch of people I have ever worked with” and they had affectionately nicknamed him “TAZ” and “Marlboro Man”. In Rhode Island he lived on “Forever Farm” his gentleman’s farm until he returned to Aroostook County Maine in 2008. In 2015, Kenneth and his wife, Lisa, moved from snowy Littleton, Maine to Florida for some much-needed warmth. When the snow began to fly in the County, “Jesus H. Christ I have to plow again.” could be heard each time. Kenneth and Lisa finally settled in Bartow, FL. Kenneth loved to ride his motorcycle in Aroostook County. Although he could not ride and join in on events over the last few years due to his health, he continued to support his brothers and sisters of the American Legion. He was an American Legion member nationally. Kenneth was amazed by all the good work and unity he saw from the American Legion Riders Chapter 8 Winter Haven. “Your passion and commitment to serving Veterans and their families makes me proud.” Kenneth was especially proud to have known Riders; Denise “D” Wiseman, “Dave “Huey” Wiseman, Cory “Youngblood” McConnell, Dawn McConnell “Phoenix”, and Lisa “Dragonfly” Van Pelt and sent a message in his last few days: “Thank you for all you do my brothers and sisters. The Vets need you guys to continue keeping their 6.” Kenneth was an instrumental founding member of Just One Vet’s “6”, Inc. a new nonprofit serving Veterans and their families. He lived by the words, “I got your 6.” (I got your back). Kenneth's full military honor service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL in October/November. Kenneth’s Celebration of Life March 5, 2022 3 p.m. American Legion Post 8 300 M Avenue Winter Haven, FL 33881 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either Just One Vet’s “6”, Inc. PO Box 973 Bartow, FL 33831-0973 Or American Legion Riders Chapter 8 300 M Avenue Winter Haven, FL 33830