Nathan Michael Harpe

Nathan Michael Harpe passed away suddenly on September 28, 2025 in Corvallis, Oregon. Nathan was born April 13, 1991 in Plainwell, MI to Scott and Michelle Harpe of Portage, MI, who survive. He is also survived by his sister Lydia Penn and her husband Andrew of Las Vegas, NV, and sister Abigail Harpe of Eugene, OR. Surviving grandparents are Marvin and Patricia Warnez of Shelby Township, MI. Surviving aunts and uncles are Michael Warnez of Shelby Township, MI, Robin and Daniel Nicholson of Rochester Hills, MI, Renee Turner of Norton Shores, MI, and Kristi Harpe of Muskegon, MI. Also surviving are 8 cousins, many of whom were very special to Nathan. Nathan was preceded in death by his grandparents Lawrence and Peggy Harpe and uncles Craig Harpe and Paul Turner. Nathan spent a large part of his childhood growing up in Bangkok, Thailand with his parents and sisters. Nathan’s compassion for those in need was evident early. He developed an interest in medicine and became well known for always carrying a backpack full of medical supplies just waiting for the opportunity to help someone in distress, which he did on more than one occasion. Nathan excelled early in his academic pursuits. He read at a fast speed at an early age and consumed books at a rapid rate. Weekly visits to the local library always included a significant number of books for Nathan. He was ahead of the curve on grasping and using emerging technology and enjoyed online group gaming and forums. He was a good writer with a quick wit who always had an epic pun at the right time. Nathan was also blessed with a fantastic memory which he put to good use in school and in his work life. Nathan graduated from high school as a homeschool student before studying at Western Michigan University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013. Nathan started his career at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI before moving to Florida in 2014 to work at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. He held many fond memories of nurses there who took time to train him properly. Nathan developed a teaching spirit at Shands and mentored young nurses far and wide in his nursing career. Nathan eventually relocated back to Michigan, bought a house, and built a farm with his long-term girlfriend. They had many dogs and cats, inside and outside. They also had many sheep and goats and their shepherding dogs. After working at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, MI, Nathan switched over to a travel nurse career and worked at many hospitals across lower Michigan. Nathan’s years in Thailand gave him a sensitivity and love for colleagues and patients from countries outside the U.S. Nathan was a classic patient advocate and had no patience for workplace politics, poor doctoring, or overpaid CEOs. He received several Daisy Awards for nursing excellence as nominated by his grateful patients. COVID brought several challenges into Nathan’s life as he travelled and worked five or six 12-hour shifts per week for many years while commuting lengthy distances each day. Farm chores at both ends of the day complicated his life. Nathan cared deeply for his patients and was very distressed by the limitations placed on medical professionals during that time. These issues contributed to an aggravation of his mental health issues which plagued him from a young age. A move to Eugene, OR earlier this year to be near his beloved sister Abigail and start a new job was an attempt at a fresh start. This ultimately proved unsuccessful, but he was able to enjoy many beautiful days in the Oregon forests with his sister. Most people who had the pleasure of knowing Nathan or working with him will be surprised at learning of his struggles because he was always upbeat, positive, and the first to volunteer to teach or help someone in need. Nathan leaves a legacy of deeply loving his friends and family. Nathan received and felt the love of many but often felt unworthy. His family wants to sincerely thank all of you who loved Nathan and showed him kindness over the years. We feel your pain and we grieve with you. No public service will be held.

Nathan Michael Harpe

April 13, 1991 - September 28, 2025