Dr. Richard Harp was one of the few professors during my years at UNLV that I came to regard not only as a respected teacher but as a friend. 

Over the course of my undergraduate and then graduate studies, I came to know that there were many sides to him: a scholar of extraordinary insight, a passionate advocate for literature as a guide to the well-lived life, and an educator who brought wisdom and good humor to every course he taught. 

But the side that impressed me the most was that of the kind and compassionate mentor whose devotion to his students knew no bounds. He used to say that he learned as much from us as we did from him, and he made us all believe that what we thought and said was valuable and insightful. He was the most approachable professor I have ever encountered; he never hesitated to make himself available to current and former students whenever they were in need. 

He served as my primary advisor over the course of my studies and I owe much of my academic success to his wise advice and tireless efforts on my behalf. I will miss him greatly, as I am certain will all those fortunate enough to have known and studied with him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and to everyone whose lives he touched.

Dr. Harp was my English professor at UNLV and I've never met a more humble, down-to-earth professor. He was extremely knowledgeable about literature and he made the semester of learning about Shakespeare's comedies and histories a very pleasant and fun experience. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Margaret,

Please know that I am thinking about you and sending you love.  And of course the entire RMMRA will miss Richard and we are so thankful for his service and scholarship.

Ginger Smoak

Dear Margaret, 

We are so sorry to hear of Richard's death.  We will miss his lively presence and intelligence at RMMRA Conferences.  We hope you and your family can find comfort in memories of him and in the esteem of his friends and colleagues.  

Charles and Pat Smith, Fort Collins

Richard and I had parents closely connected at KU (his dad was the Kansas basketball coach; my dad was in physical education), played tennis in high school together, joined the same fraternity at the University of Kansas, both became English majors, and then became students of Frank Nelick, Dennis Quinn, and later John Senior at KU.  

He was the best man at my wedding and came to California for that, though we were all broke as grad. students.  Meant a lot to me. A brilliant teacher and fine scholar, a wonderful guy, and a great friend. A great loss for us all. 

Condolences to Margaret and the family.

I played basketball with him....He was also in my gym class. Yes I knew he was a really good tennis player! He will be missed....blessing to the family!!!

Richard and I were members together of Father John McShane's JMJ committee for tuition assistance to school kids.  Later he regularly drove me to the Opus Dei's nights of recollection.  As many have expressed he was a true gentleman.  I want to express my condolences to Margaret and his family.  May he rest in peace.

Richard was one of the first two kids I met when we moved to Lawrence from Overland Park just prior to beginning of 8th grade. He live two houses down and invited me to join him riding our bikes to first day of school. We rode through back streets, picked up at least one more kid--Halley Kampshroader, I believe---and I saw with them in the auditorium for the greeting. We were not close friends but I will always remember that gesture. He was smart and we ended up on simiiar paths though my grad degree is in creative writing. A good man.

Richard and I attended the First Baptist Church during are High School Years he was a trusted friend

"Back in the day,.."  well we all can finish that line.  Richard was friend, playmate, neighbor...From his Mother and Coach Dad's guidance, add the peer influence of friends and buddies, you have the steadfast, honest, and lovable young  person that later became a valued mentor, friend, and parent.  It has been our pleasure to have interacted with the youthful version of the Harp family. RIP Richard!  Our heart in support to all who loved and will miss him, but his legacy is strong.

Richard was a good friend to me in both high school and in my first years at K.U.   I am grateful for his friendship.  My condolences to his family,  to all who knew him.
Steve Foster, Kansas

Richard Harp was a high School classmate of mine at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas. Class of 1963 Many have spoken of his many kindnesses as a university professor and college classmate. My memory of Richard is that he was a kind person to all those with whom he came in contact back in High School.  My heart felt condolences for the Harp Family and special friends  God Bless you.

Harry D Jester
Lawrence High School class of 1963
Nashville, TN.
jester.harry@gmail.com

Dr. Harp was one of the kindest, most passionate professors I've ever had. His enthusiasm was contagious and his love for learning was an inspiration for me as his student and later when I became a teacher myself. I'm devastated to learn of his passing. I hope he knows how many students he inspired. We've lost a master educator and a wonderful person.

We met him at St. Viator school over 15 years ago and he was always a gentleman and had a kind word to share. We saw him less as the kids grew but will miss seeing him at church. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family. May he rest in peace. 
The Rainey Family

Dr. Harp was a wonderful teacher.  I took several classes from him.  He got me through Milton in summer school and I will be forever grateful for his kindness and sense of humor.  I offer my deepest condolences to his family.

Richard taught a supernatural fiction class.  We read Phantastes for the first time and books by Charles Williams and GK Chesterton.  Inspiring teacher.  Very thankful to have had him for a teacher.  Steve Iliff, Hoyt, Ks

Death be not proud though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so...John Donne wrote in "Holy Sonnets." I recall talking about Donne, and especially about the poetry and vision of Shakespeare and Jonson with Rich Harp on snowy winter days in his Lawrence apartment in the 1970s. We called him Mr. Harp, then. He showed Eva Tarnower and me exceptional kindness and good humor. As maturing undergraduates we not only studied wit him, we house sat for him. His kindness  his gentleness and warmth, his calm patience with students who knew a lot less than he did  seeded my deep and lifelong respect for him, both as a teacher and as a model of behavior.  
There was nothing hollow about his charisma and nothing weak in his passion and intensity. In his tolerance he carried good judgment and strength. With a young family to whom he was devoted, and living on the paltry pay of a Ph.D. student who taught several classes, he hunted for food and was once dinged, I learned from a distance, for shooting a deer without a license. I always admired that. He hunted to feed his family like my father had done when we lacked income, too, years earlier in Colorado. I'd like his family to know how deeply he touched and helped make better any number of us, certainly me, who remain admiring strangers. To do that suggests a rich life indeed, both in name and quality. Since love is the one thing death can't kill, let us carry on, always, not without him but with him.  
 Roger Williams, Alva, Florida

Dr. Harp taught me Shakespeare and early English literature, and he did so with unerring passion and devotion. His confident joy in the life of the mind and the spirit touched me--he never seemed bothered by rowing against the current. I've been blessed personally and professionally by his example.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Richard.  When someone falls asleep in death, the memories we have of them becomes our treasure.  May those treasures and God's promise at John 6:40 bring you a measure of comfort during these difficult times. 
Sincerely,
Kj

My contact with Rich Harp dates back to his pre-PhD days at KU.  I remember with pleasure his Supernatural Novel class.  He was a wonderful, engaging teacher.  Mr. Harp was a positive role model for me as I continued beyond the Pearson Program to become an English teacher myself.

A wonderful professor, scholar, and UNLV leader. Dr. Harp was an inspiration for colleagues and students,
                                                               William Donati, Las Vegas

OBITUARY

Richard L Harp

October 9, 1945 – March 7, 2019

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services