Steven Richard Harper

On January 20, 2026, in Switzerland, a remarkable man, Steven Richard Harper, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—the same pernicious disease that claimed his father and mother—made the courageous decision to end his life in a most dignified manner in the presence of his loving wife and children and accompanied by all six of his supportive siblings and their spouses.

He was born on December 4, 1950, to Richard G. and Anna Muir Harper, the first child born on either side of his family. He had it all: an amazing intellect and avid reader, a gifted writer, an accomplished athlete, a charismatic student body leader, and, to top it off, incredibly witty and very handsome! He successfully met all the goals his parents set for him: good grades, Eagle Scout, hard worker from an early age, public service, an LDS mission, and eventually he became an educator, like both of his parents. Yet he became his own person and made many courageous and unconventional decisions throughout his life, including his ultimate decision to end his life with dignity rather than allow Alzheimer’s to rob him of what he most cherished–his mental acuity.

Steven was stouthearted, self-described as a “reader AND writer,” a lover of nature and gardening, a passionate observer of wildlife who enjoyed documentaries and museums, theatre (especially Shakespearean), fine wine and beer. Last June he wrote in his journal, “Well, my wife has just informed me that she will NOT write another obituary! So here goes my version of ME, in MY LONG, HAPPY EXISTENCE! As the eldest of seven children, I learned my parents’ rules, ideology, religion, and political leanings. I fought back against all four.… I was determined to live my 1960s lifestyle, not my parents’ 1950s lifestyle with what they were TAUGHT to believe. (I still respect and love both of my parents and remain loyal, as they are wonderful.)”

Steven thus chose to live a life outside a template, a life of words informed by political questioning that led to activism, of choices that weren’t always popular or easily understood, but a life filled with humor, wit, and love.

He loved to spend time in nature more than spending money, and he was well known for his creative gifts including sea glass, wildflowers, rocks, acorns, or other items he collected and transformed into art. Like his own father, Steven was firm but loving, and his heart belonged to his children, Trevor and Tess. His memories were filled with spirited and enjoyable weekends preparing meals, watching the kids compete or perform as they grew, watching rugby at Westminster, and reading. Always reading. He was so proud of Trevor and Tess’s talents and accomplishments. Later, his journal entries describe the joy he felt spending days with his grandson, Bill. He details their adventures, from visits to Sprague Branch library, hikes, gardening and battling Box Elder bugs, or just playing with the dogs.

His wife, Peg Wilson, was the most influential person in the last decades of Steven’s life. He was incredibly devoted to her and that devotion was reciprocated. They shared a life dedicated to political advocacy, words, and music. Steven’s children and siblings wish to express their profound appreciation to Peg for her enduring strength and support of our father and brother.

Steven chose Switzerland as the place to end his life because Voluntary Assisted Dying is not available in the U.S. for Alzheimer’s sufferers, and, since he had always wanted to see the Matterhorn, he decided it would be wonderful to spend his final days with the most important people in his life, Trevor, Tess and Peg. The Matterhorn became a spiritual alter during his last days. In Basel, they were joined by all six of Steve’s siblings: Jon, Blake, Ted (Myra), Deanne, Miriam, Paul (Amy) and Trevor’s wife, Elizabeth. He is also survived by extended family Fran, Bill, Mariana, and Chris, and many beloved nieces and nephews and pets.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A celebration of Steven’s life will follow from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building. Steven will be laid to rest privately at Larkin Mausoleum.