It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Royce Harper announces his passing at the Upper River Valley hospital on Friday, September 26, 2025. Royce was the beloved husband of Marjorie Harper (Meadows) of Moncton, N.B., with whom he shared sixty-two wonderful years.

Born in Jacksonville, N.B., Royce was the son of the late Charlie and Pauline (Craig) Harper. A master carpenter by trade, Royce was one of the first Red Seal carpenters in the Province of New Brunswick. He moved to St. Andrews, New Brunswick in 1963 when he was hired as the first carpentry instructor at the newly opened New Brunswick Community College. He taught for 17 years. He was president of the Lions Club in St. Andrews for a term. Royce also proudly earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of New Brunswick. While working at the College, he re-wrote a portion of the carpentry curriculum that was used by tradespeople across the province. He was a visionary, a life-long learner, and instructor in building science. Both his sons carried on his legacy and became Red Seal carpenters as well.

In 1980, he and his family moved back to the family homestead in Jacksonville, N.B where he successfully owned and operated the Atlantic Inns Motel and Restaurant, which he and Marjorie owned for 27 years.

Royce was a devout member of the United Church of Canada in Jacksonville, N.B. He was an avid gardener, who supplied his family with fresh organic vegetables, a farmer, beekeeper and a member of the N.B. Antique Auto Club. You could often find him in the woods on his property, where he was logging to get lumber for his various woodworking projects. He was blessed to enjoy the things he loved doing up to within weeks of his passing.

Royce will be remembered as a quiet, kind, and humble man. He lived his life in service to his friends and family. His legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Marjorie, Royce is survived by his daughter, Shelley of Jacksonville, N.B; his two sons: Dana (Karen) of New Maryland, N.B.; and Scott (Heidi) of Jacksonville, N.B. He is also lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren: Alexandra, Elizabeth, Brogan, Keegan, Griffin, Abigail, Sydney and Samantha.

In keeping with Royce's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 30, 2025 at Carleton Funeral Home, 337 Lockhart Mill Road, Jacksonville from 6 to 8PM.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jacksonville United Church, the |River Valley Cancer Support Group or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Carleton Funeral Home