W. Harper Gaushell

February 23, 1944 - February 22, 2013

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visitation

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

service

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

Friday 3/1

Dr. W. Harper Gaushell, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy for the past 33 years at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, age 68, passed away suddenly Friday morning, February 22, 2013. He was raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from Baton Rouge High School. He received his undergraduate degree from LSU, two graduate degrees from Northeast Louisiana University and his doctorate degree from the University of Houston. He is survived by his wife, Bev Roberts Gaushell, of Monroe; daughter, Kelsey Gaushell Bufkin and husband Jon of Murfreesboro, TN; son, Morgan Harper Gaushell of Monroe; brother, Charles Gaushell and wife, Anne of Ruston; and sister, Susan Jones of San Miguel, Mexico. Harper is also survived by six nieces: Lisa Grafton, Laura Schieffer, Mandy Redwine, Lauren Hankla, Kelley Roberts and Christie Barnard; four nephews: Charles Gaushell, Harper Jones, James Bailey, Clinton Jones; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kaye and Jimmy Redwine and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Dara Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Kitty Gaushell; sister-in-law, Renee Roberts Barnard; nephews, Joseph Harper Gaushell and Jake Redwine. He was a loving father, friend and mentor to all that knew him. The world is a better place because of the impact he had on so many lives. Visitation will be held Friday, March 1st at 1:30 PM at the ULM Nursing Building auditorium on University Avenue. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 PM in the auditorium under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Harper's honor.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Friday 3/1

See Condolences

Bev, Kelsey and Morgan, We love you dearly and are so sorry for your loss. We have nothing but fond memories of the time we had spent with Harper. He was truly a uniquely intelligent and fun-loving man. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you during this difficult time. Love, Niki, Bobby and Lyla

A candle was lit by Mark and Candy Sanders on 2013/03/01

Bev, though we have not communicated frequently in the last few years, you and Harper have remained in my heart, and will continue to do so. While the thought of Harper's absence is incredibly sad, the thought of my history with him brings a smile to my face.

Sending our most heartfelt condolences. to Bev & entire family on the death of your beloved. Harper. He will be sadly missed. Sincerely, the Sheltons

So very sorry Bev and kids but glad his last moments were with those he loved and where he wanted to be! God bless you and give you comfort. Max Edgar, Oklahoma City

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I was talking to my mother recently and she said something that really hit the nail on the head - Harper is truly irreplaceable. I've never met anyone quite like him - so goofy, knowledgeable, kind, and just plain interesting. He will truly be missed. You have my deepest condolences. I love you all.

Condolences on the death of my great Mr Harper.I was shocked and sadened by the tragic death of my great father Mr Harper,in general express my the deepest sympathy and most profund sorrow in the wake of his death.I pledge to his family my support through my sincer prayers my thoughts are with you at this this difficult time.

so very sorry for your loss may god comfort and bless you all ,in this time of sorrow

It is times like these that cause us to pause and look back at our lives. I have fond memories of the times spent with Harper when Mike Gras and I were beginning our exploration of computers. I was always anxious to hear stories about Harper and Bev, the trips Mike took with them and most recently the outings at Camp David. It causes you to pause and reflect on how different things could be if we would just slow down a little. Harper was just a great guy who will be missed by many. We will keep you in our thoughts always.

I know it must be hard on the family as I feel his loss like no other in my life. It must be much harder for you that were so much closer. It is said that time heals all wounds. May that be true for all his family and friends.

Harper and I spent much of our high school and college years together in Baton Rouge. He and I, together with Freddie Malatesta and the late Jack Lipscomb, played folk music in the group known as the Castaways. Although our lives took us in different directions in different parts of the country, we stayed in touch and were able to see each other occasionally. Since the early days he was a delightful, talented and well grounded individual with a world view that was well beyond his years. I enjoyed him and will miss him terribly. Bev, although we have never met. I feel I know you from my conversations with Harper. He was very proud of you, your family and the life you built together. My sincere condolences.

Bev, Kelsey and Morgan. I will miss Harpers's presence,compassion,intelligence, and energy. I am pleased that he was in my life as both colleague and friend. I also appreciate how you opened your house to me during my brief time in Monroe. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please stay in touch.

I am truly saddened by the loss of a good man and friend. Harper Gaushell was one of my professors at NLU from '93-'95. His mentoring to me and knowledge of Marriage and Family Therapy issues has been invaluable. God speed my friend.

Beverly, I was so sorry to read about Harper's death in the newspaper. Though I had not seen him in a long time, I have fond memories of our times at NLU years ago. Please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Susan Featherston Coates

Bev & the Gaushell Family, I was shocked and terribly saddened to hear of Harper's sudden passing. Harper and all of you are in my prayers. Though it's been years, my sincere sympathy & condolences for a good old friend.

Charles and Susan: I am saddened by hearing the news of the passing of your brother, Harper. Even though we have not seen each other in many years, I fondly remember the good times as friends in the fifties. The Spain Street neighborhood is great memories for me from flying kites and model airplanes, riding bikes and skates, playing football, basketball, and baseball, to piano lessons from your mom and of course, Holiday Acres! May Harper rest in peace. Dana Koontz

I am really going to miss you Harper. You were a great mentor and friend. My prayers are with Bev and your family.

Beverly & Family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

So sorry to hear of your loss. He will surely be missed. Bev, we have you and your family in our prayers. God will see you through.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I was blessed to have Dr. Gaushell as one of my faculty during the time I studied in Louisiana. He was a kind and supportive professor. It has been more than 15 years and I now teach in Mexico City, Mexico and have frequently shared with my own students material that I learn from him. I am very grateful for how he touched my life. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. Jason Platt

the following quote was shared with me by Dr. Gaushell in his own words one evening behind the mirror in group supervision, pertinent to some issue I was holding staunchly onto and it really struck home, and has served me well ever since...personally and professionally. Thank You, Dr. G! I will always remember You with admiration and gratitude for the many things You taught me! ULM MFT class of 2005. Sir Walter Scott : The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character.

He will be remembered by so many. Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. The sense of loss must give way if we are to value the life that was lived. – Author unknown

I'm so sorry for your loss! Harper was a good friend to my family and I'm glad that they had him in their lives.

I am so sorry for your family’s lost. Harper will be missed so much He was the warmest and kind hearted man I have ever met. I will miss his ..Thank you.. More than I can say and all those little Invention He would come up with to make a job Easier.And all the encouragement you needed to do it with a smile. We will miss Harper so much at Wildwood. RIP Harper..... Love Wanda

My prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May God bless you with peace. It was a pleasure working with Kelsey and Morgan while they were at OCS.

I knew Harper as Kelsey's dad. He always had a smile on his face and was ready for the next adventure when he visited Tennessee. He was so welcoming to all of Kelsey & Jon's friends and allowed us to take part in their family time. Harper will be missed in so many regions outside of Monroe. Our heartfelt sympathies we share over his quick passing without a chance to say good-bye.

Harper introduced me to the Apple computer. His love for technology was contagious. More importantly, his love of people was primary. Hank and I were so blessed to have Harper in our graduate studies. We were in the first class he taught at NLU...UHaul truck from Houston was in the parking lot! What a joy to know him. Our prayers and love are being sent your way, Bev, Kelsey, and Morgan. You are a very special family. Love, Patty and Hank Phelps

I am so sorry. Dr. Gaushell was a wonderful person. I worked with him when I was the secretary at the MFT office at ULM. My prayers are with all of his family. He will be missed.

Dear Bev: So sorry to hear of the death of your husband. You have always been a good friend and I wish I could be there for you. Take care. Ed Pearce

I will always remember Harper as a fun loving friend from Baton Rouge High School. May he rest in peace.

I went to Baton Rouge High School with Harper, Larry Rogers and others and always felt that Harper was a really good person. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and even though I have not seen him since high School I know the World is a lesser place without him.

I've known Harper since High School in Baton Rouge. Good friend! In undergraduate days Harper was a member of a folk group named The Castaways. Somewhere around 1963 I made an unsuccessful recording of their group while in Atlanta. Somehow I've got to find a proper venue to disclose the full story of this recording. Harper, we miss you!

I have known Harper for over 50 years, he was my best friend and I will miss him deeply, he was always such a wonderful person and friend. Harper will be missed by all that knew him. RIP Harper

I'm so sorry. I will be thinking about you. Love you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.