Harper was a devoted husband, father and teacher continued from p.1 The vehicle, allege police, failed to remain at the scene, but was located by officers a short time later. Harper leaves behind his wife and five children between the ages of three and 13. "We're shocked," said Hill. "We are dealing with it in different ways, depending on our age and our level of understanding. Some of the children have moments of silence and then in the next moment there is weeping and then in the next moment there are lots of questions. The youngest children have not fully comprehended what has transpired." Hill described her husband of 11 years as a devoted and passionate individual who loved teaching, relaxing with long bicycle rides, the Beatles, dill pickles and expensive cheeses, but above all else his family. "He loved our kids and our family life. He was very dedicated to teaching and his students. He was a perfectionist in that he wanted to make sure that what he was delivering in curriculum and content to his students was as understandable and as forthright as possible," said Hill. "We took a lot of family road trips. He was keen on exploring and learning new things. He was a voracious reader and a life-long learner. He was fun-loving and very keen on the outdoors. He loved being outside and hiking, biking, swimming, tennis, and being active with the kids." One of the last family photos taken with Harper shows him standing with his children on a beach at Port Dalhousie during a Canada Day family road trip. Harper's path to teaching was not a straight one. The Burlington native received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours at Queen's University in 1992 and worked two years as an economic researcher for the Bank of Canada in Ottawa. Hill said Harper decided he wanted something different, noting he disliked being in an office all day and needed more contact with people. He ultimately discovered teaching to be what he was looking for, receiving his Bachelor of Education degree from York University in 2001. Hill, who is an English teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School in Mississauga, said Harper had been a teacher for 15 years, 11 of which he taught at Meadowvale. His wife said Harper left a lasting impression on many of his students, which can be seen in 5 | Thursday, July 9, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com I knew something had happened... I started driving the route. I figured if he slowed down to change a tire or something, he would still be following his route. Eventually I came upon the road closure... Sometimes you make a mistake you can fix. This is a mistake that cannot be fixed. Chris Harper's wife Melissa Hill A memorial resting at the scene of the accident on Tremaine Road. | photo by Graham Paine Oakville Beaver the comments many posted online about him following his death. One former student said Harper influenced her to choose a career in history. Others credited him with boosting their self-image. "He encouraged me to follow my passion when I was feeling unsure about my future, and I don't think I would be where I am now without that advice," said Sarah Lefebvre, in a posting, which was picked up in Harper's obituary. "He always spoke so fondly of his kids during class, and I'm heartbroken that they have to grow up without him now." Hill said that on the last day of Harper's life, the two of them had enjoyed a long walk together. When they returned home, Hill began to prepare dinner and Harper began stretching in preparation for going on his regular bike ride. Hill said Harper's hour-long bike route takes him from his Oakville home to Milton and back. She said his bike has a flashing red light in the rear and a bright white light in the front. Harper left at 8:20 p.m. to be home by dusk. At 10 p.m., Hill realized something was wrong. "I did lose track of time a little bit because I was trying to get little people to bed. I knew something had happened. I wasn't thinking it was a tragic happening, but he was very consistent with his timing," said Hill. "I started driving the route. I figured if he slowed down to change a tire or something, he would still be following his route. Eventually, I came up upon the road closure." Hill got out of her van to talk to a Halton police officer and learned her husband was dead. When Lia asked her mother about the vehicle involved in the accident, Hill said she responded in a way she hopes her daughter could understand and remember. "Sometimes you make a mistake you can fix," she said. "This is a mistake that cannot be fixed." Since the day of the accident, a makeshift memorial has appeared on Tremaine Road, near the area where Harper's life came to an end. News of Harper's death saw a memorial created at Meadowvale Secondary School with students and staff laying flowers and writing messages in chalk in memory of the popular teacher. "Forever in our hearts," said one message. "Thank you for not giving up on me," said another. The online Glen Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery guestbook condolences are many. "Dear Harper Family, please accept our heartfelt condolences for the sudden and tragic loss of Mr. Harper. He was an extraordinary teacher and person. Our daughter, Alexandra, had the privilege of having your husband and father as a teacher for two years at Meadowvale Secondary School," wrote the Panke family. "She raved about him stating, `Mr. H was the best teacher and a great person. I loved his classes.' There are many of us in the community who will mourn deeply his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. Rest in peace, Mr. Harper." A GoFundMe account was set up to assist Harper's family at www.gofundme.com/y8zmaaf7. It aimed to raise $25,000 and did so as more than 450 donated in two days. Mike Fugler, who set up the account, said Friday's senseless act has taken Harper away from his wife and five children as well as the thousands of past, current and future Meadowvale Secondary School students. A bank account was opened, in trust for Harper's family, and donations can be made at any TD-Canada trust branch (Transit number 03342, Account number 6470555). This outpouring of support has had a profound impact on Hill and her family. "It's overwhelming, overwhelming," she said. "We have been surrounded by love and support from my school, his school, friends, neighbours and the children's friends and teachers. Members of our family came from Vermont and Boston to be with us. My sister hopped in the car and drove immediately from Timmins with her family and three young boys to be with us for the week. It has been overwhelming." She said she knew her husband was wellliked and respected by his students and colleagues, but was amazed to see the outpouring of comments from former students he taught more than 10 years ago. Harper's funeral was Wednesday at Glen Oaks Funeral Home. A condolence book is available at http://glenoaks.sharingmemories.ca. Harper is survived by his wife Hill and children Luke, 13, Nicole, 12, Lia, 8, Alison, 4, and Joseph, 3. Michelle Maisey, 33, of Oakville faces charges of impaired operation causing death, blood alcohol level over 80, dangerous operation causing death and fail to stop at the scene causing death. Witnesses are asked to contact Halton police at 905-825-4747, ext. 5065. 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