Clio Harper Obituary

Clio Armitage Harper Jr.
July 11, 1933
March 20, 2024

Clio Armitage (Doc) Harper Jr. passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, in Boise, Idaho at the age of 90.
Harper was affectionately known as "Doc" and leaves behind a legacy cherished by his surviving children: Clio Armitage Harper III, MD of Austin, Texas; Heather Yvonne Harper of Boise, Idaho; and Brante Schlich Harper of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Harriet Hawkins of Little Rock, Arkansas, and his adoring grandchildren: Brittany Yvonne Biggs, Caroline Callie Biggs, Holly Catherine Harper, MD, First Lieutenant Clio Armitage Harper IV and Brenton Harper as well as his great-grandchildren Sloane Ingrid Wilson and Oscar Eugene Bourque. He is predeceased by his wife, Carole Yvonne Schlich Harper.
Doc was born on July 11, 1933 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Eleanor Purifoy Harper and Clio Armitage Harper Sr. He grew up in the same city, until departing to attend Phillips Exeter Academy and then Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Following his academic pursuits, he honorably served as a Naval Aviator stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.
On December 17, 1955, Doc exchanged vows with his beloved Carole Schlich in Nashville, Tennessee. He continued his academic journey by graduating from Vanderbilt Medical School in 1963, later completing an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. His professional journey as an OBGYN took him to Beaumont, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Midwest City, Oklahoma, where he served his community with compassion and skill. Later, he re-enlisted in the Air Force as a flight surgeon, ultimately retiring as a Colonel at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
In retirement, Doc and Carole settled into the serene landscapes of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They spent 25 cherished years there, during which he pursued his passions for downhill skiing, hiking and fly fishing amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. One of his greatest sources of pride was climbing Pikes Peak at the age of 80 with his grandson, Clio IV. Alongside his wife, his faithful canine companions (Admiral, Posey, Gretchen, Bear, Trudy and Heidi) held a special place in his heart. Doc was an avid reader and instilled the same love for learning in his children. His faith was paramount, serving as a Deacon and a dedicated advocate of the Anglican church.
The loss of Doc leaves a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Yet, his spirit will endure through the memories and legacies he leaves behind, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.