HUMBLE and always looking out for others, shopkeeper Norman Harpur from Maguiresbridge was a gentle and sincere man who had “a servant’s heart”, his funeral has heard.
His son John told Bethel Free Presbyterian Church 35 years since he married his beloved Barbara that the much loved man brought joy, peace and happiness to very many people. 
Since Mr. Harpur’s sudden death at his home on Tullyhill Road on April 30 people have been sharing stories and experiences of the man they say was someone who “wouldn’t see you stuck.”
“Over the last few days I have heard my father described by many, many people. Not a bad word was said, not by anyone. 
“However, the most reoccurring word I heard was friend,” John told mourners at the funeral conducted by M. G. Madill Funeral Directors. 
He told those present how he felt blessed that Mr. Harpur, who ran a garden and gun shop on the main street of Maguiresbridge, was “not only my dad but a friend.”
Mr. Harpur was born on June 9, 1958 to Maud and Robert (Bob) Harpur and had two siblings; Miriam and David. 
“Always a man of few words but when they came they were always chosen carefully and demonstrated very clearly how he thought about things,” he said.
At 22, he met John’s mother Barbara, three years later they were married and together they lived as a happily married couple and had two children; John and Elaine.
“He loved my mum through thick and thin and through more than one Andre Rieu concert. 
“I asked him more than once why he did it, why go see the man so many times when he didn’t like him that much and his answer was simply this: Sure, it keeps her happy and that’s all that matters. 
“I think this sums up their marriage the best and how my dad felt about my mother. He loved her to the end of his life,” explained John. 
He was also a much loved grandfather to Jonathan, Matthew, Skye and Conrad. 
An interest in photography, Mr. Harpur was always the man behind the camera and was always the one who helped others.
“Growing up and heading to some old lady’s house to fix her TV because she asked for help whilst locking up the shop behind us, or opening on Christmas Day, the one day he had off in the entire year to sell someone petrol who wanted to get home. Or talking to people for hours on end, people who weren’t buying a single thing.
“I considered all of his normal growing up, but now I realise it was about putting others first. But, what made my dad unique, what made him special was how clear it was; the fruits of the spirit.” 
Mr. Harpur had a strong faith, said John, and while his death was sudden “we will meet again” he said.
“So, cry today if you have to but remember my dad. Tell the stories, be happy. He is, he came home,” he said.