Community celebrates the memory of Brian Raper

May 18, 2022 @ 3:36 pmLocal News, Music, Walkerton Herald-Times

Bob Raper (Brian’s brother) and family were among the many family members who attended the celebration held at the Cargill Community Centre in memory of Brian “Dutchie” Raper. (Pauline Kerr photo)
“He was our Irish leprechaun in Chepstow,” said Kym Hutcheon, as she and Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody share a few words with Bob Raper. (Pauline Kerr photos)
Lee Anne Raper, Katy Penstone and Trish Penstone (Doug Raper’s daughter) chat with family and friends. (Pauline Kerr photos)
Mark Armstrong, Dan Bester and Tom Cassidy share memories of Cargill’s “Ambassador.” (Pauline Kerr photos)
Hug Day, held in memory of Brian Raper, drew a crowd of hundreds to share memories, laughter and of course, hugs. (Pauline Kerr photos)
Marlene Zettler was among the many who wore sports jerseys to “Hug Day.” (Pauline Kerr photos)
It was an event Brian Raper would have loved – people to interview, photos to take, and hugs galore. (Pauline Kerr photos)
Max Barclay, Olson Barclay and Marissa Parsons wore sports jerseys in honour of Brian Raper. (Pauline Kerr photos)
The Cargill Pike Derby was an event enjoyed by Brian. Shown with the trophy on the bench dedicated to the memory of Brian Raper are trophy winners Jerry and Debbie Brick, with Tammy Keip and Adam Bester. (Pauline Kerr photos)
Thanks for the memories, Brian. (Pauline Kerr photos)
CARGILL – Brian Raper didn’t just write about Cargill, he was the community’s biggest cheerleader, the self-described “Ambassador of the Magical Village of Cargill, Lover of Life and Laugh, and Collector of Hugs.” He was the heart and soul of literally every community celebration, fundraiser, project, event and story for years. And the community loved…
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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Pauline Kerr is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Walkerton Herald-Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.