New Zealand native Chris Harper was born on May 29, 1939, and spent his childhood growing up there. Life brought challenges early, as his father passed away at the young age of 47, leading Chris to attend boarding school. Despite the hardships, he developed a deep love for learning that would guide the rest of his remarkable life.

Chris went on to study geology in Dunedin, where his talent quickly became evident. In fact, his very first professional role came unexpectedly when one of his professors left for England and trusted Chris to take over teaching the class. From there, his academic journey continued at The University of Oxford, where he earned his PhD in geochemical and isotope research, specializing in measuring the precise ages of rocks and minerals.



While working in the laboratory at Oxford, Chris met a Canadian scientist named Derek York, who offered him an opportunity to complete a post-doctoral program funded by Canada in Tallahassee. That opportunity changed the course of his life. Chris moved to Florida and spent 20 years teaching at Florida State University.

It was also in Tallahassee where Chris met the love of his life, Judy. As Chris tells it, he was looking out the window one day when a beautiful car pulled up and caught his attention. But it was the woman who stepped out—Judy—whose presence truly stopped him, and he immediately thought, “I’ve got to meet this girl.” The rest, as they say, is history. Chris and Judy shared 50 wonderful years of marriage before her passing last year. Together, they built a loving family with their three children — twins Nicholas and Sara, and their daughter Linda — along with seven cherished grandchildren.

After their years in Florida, Chris and Judy returned to New Zealand, where Chris taught at Wanganui Collegiate School. Eventually, they made their way back to America and settled in New Hampshire at Phillips Exeter Academy. During his time there, Chris helped build an observatory through fundraising efforts. Since a nearby school already had one, Chris joked that they simply could not be outdone.

Later in life, Chris felt called toward ministry and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary on a Billy Graham Fellowship. He became ordained and devoted time to missionary work in Romania, teaching English to students there. Chris and Judy loved Romania so much that they returned for several summers. One of his favorite memories was during a solar eclipse, when he made sure every student had eclipse glasses so they could safely experience the event together.

Chris has always had a curious mind and many hobbies. His love for model cars began with a humorous Christmas exchange. When Judy asked what he wanted for Christmas, Chris jokingly answered, “A Lamborghini.” Instead, she bought him a model car kit, and from that moment on, a lifelong hobby was born. Today, he has an impressive collection of detailed model cars displayed in his room. He also began collecting stamps as a young child, another hobby that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Now retired and living in Thomasville to be near his daughter, Chris enjoys life at Legacy Village at Plantation Manor. Residents and team members alike appreciate his wisdom, kindness, and especially his Bible study classes, which continue to inspire and encourage those around him. Chris Harper’s life has been one of learning, faith, adventure, and devotion to both family and community.