David Ainsworth Harper

David Ainsworth Harper went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the age of 54 years after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was born on November 3, 1961 and raised in New Orleans. He was a long time resident of Mandeville, Louisiana. David is survived by his son, David Nicholas Harper (Katherine Welty), his grandson, Jullian Marley Harper, his parents Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Schroeder and Richard Ainsworth Harper, his brothers Daniel P. Harper, Michael S. Harper (Madeline Hickey), his sisters, Mary H. Seither (late Kurt J. Seither), Jane H. Hotard (James S. Hotard, Jr), Nancy H. Hernandez (Christopher J. Hernandez), eleven aunts and uncles, and nineteen nieces and nephews. David graduated from St Dominic School where he was an altar boy and a Boy Scout. He was also a graduate of Brother Martin High School where he was a drummer in the Crusader Band. He earned a B.S. degree in Marketing from Loyola University in New Orleans. While a student working at Winn Dixie, David loved to paint and work on cars and boats. He pursued these passions throughout his life. He was an avid triathlete, earning second place in his age group at the New Orleans Triathlon in March 2015 after undergoing cancer treatment. He was a competitive barefoot water-skier. When not working, training for races, or painting cars he could be found on the water in, or skiing behind, his boat. David enjoyed spending time with his many wonderful friends, his large family, and especially his grandson, Jullian. We remember our son and brother, David, for his kindness, humility, eagerness to learn new things, and strong desire to be the best he could be. David loved the outdoors, and his most joyous times were on the water teaching his son, Nicholas, how to ski and barefoot. David also had the opportunity to get to know his first grandson, Jullian, whom he loved dearly. He was an animal lover who leaves behind his dog, Jackson, and his macaw, Saphira. David worked for Pan American after graduating from college. He was in medical sales with McKesson HBOC. He also worked for PPG and Sherwin Williams in automotive paint and equipment sales for many years. He was the owner of Carrollton Collision Center, and he was most recently an insurance adjuster for Allstate Insurance Company. The family wishes to thank his many loyal friends and cousins, especially Karl Schutzmann and Alfred Hassenboehler, who visited him and brought him so much joy and true friendship. The family is especially grateful to John and Linda Pippenger, the St Dominic Family Advisory Board, and our neighbors for the meals, prayers, and support they provided to us. The compassion and professionalism demonstrated by all of the doctors, nurses, and staff that cared for David is much appreciated and will be forever remembered. We are indebted to Allstate Insurance Company and their employees for their generosity and understanding during David’s long illness. The family sends gratitude to all of the family members who contributed to the care and needs of David and his family. And lastly, a truly special thank you to David and Betty’s special angel, Jane Couvillion, whose love and compassion are without measure. Visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. A Requiem Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St Dominic Catholic Church. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30 am. Internment will be private.