Harry Clinton Loper Jr.

Harry C. Loper, Jr passed away peacefully at his home in Howell, Michigan on July 1, 2021. He was born in Detroit on June 1, 1928 to Elizabeth and Harry C. Loper, Sr. Loving husband of Connie and dear father of Cindy (John) Johnson, Steven Loper, Shari (David) Lucyk, Scott (Mylene) Woodworth, Lisa (Joe) Madison, Michael (Carrie) Woodworth, and Christy (Jay) Williamson. Proud Grandpa (Papa) of 15, and Great Papa of 10. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry (Noreen) Loper and his sister Cathy (Don) Maxwell. He was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed people and loved his family, dogs, and horses. After serving in the US Army, Harry delivered for Hostess Cake Company while attending Lawrence Tech University studying industrial engineering. The lure of the smell of rubber led him to open Loper Firestone Tire in Plymouth in the 1950’s. Customers remember him as a trusting, generous man who would sell a set of tires on credit with nothing more than a promise to pay and a handshake. When it came to a handshake, his son in law said he had a grip like a vise. While in business, he enjoyed bowling and sponsored many bowling teams. Harry married Connie in 1984 and together they enjoyed renovating a century old farm house and also building a home on Loper Drive. They enjoyed traveling, and on one trip to Maui purchased a condo. Harry loved sitting on the lanai watching for whales. In 2000 they bought the first of two homes in Florida where they spent the next 20 years “snowbirding”-dividing their time between Florida and Michigan. Harry loved it when Connie entertained in their home because that was a great opportunity for him to sneak his sweets, as he was known to his family as having a sweet tooth. The grandchildren were always amazed at his ability to palm a handful of cookies, casually walking past the table while having the most innocent expression on his face. At one point, he decided that a great hobby would be to own racehorses. Over the years he purchased several, they raced at the county fairs, Northville Downs, and Hazel Park Raceway. When they won, he was always excited and loved getting his picture taken in the “winner’s circle.” He loved to tease and joke around, even telling one of his nurses recently that he used to be a boxer and then laughing and saying he just wanted to see her smile. Memorial Visitation Thursday, July 15th 9:30 AM until 11 AM, with a Memorial Service immediately following at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, (between Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Heartland Hospice, 3840 Packard Rd., Suite 260, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Harry Clinton Loper Jr.

June 1, 1928 - July 1, 2021