Aaron Harper in 2015 accepting the Outstanding Community Leader award from Great Start!

Pioneer Upper Peninsula broadcaster Aaron Harper passed away.  Harper worked at WJNR-FM (Iron Mountain) and Results Broadcasting, for nearly 50 years.

He died on Sunday (1/8) at the age of 76. Harper was the first voice heard on WJNR went it signed on in 1972.

Harper served as news director at the station for more than 30 years. Current news and sports director John Koehler told WLUC-TV that Harper was a rare breed of journalist and he will be missed by all who knew him.

“He loved the news, but the most important thing I want people to remember from Aaron is not just the quality of his work, which was obvious. I want them to remember how much he loved this community. He loved it. He gave a voice to church groups, non-profit organizations, you name it,” Koehler said.  Harper retired in January of 2019.

The radio station is preparing a special program to honor Harper’s legacy. Koehler said.  The station will broadcast the tribute Friday (1/13) at 7:00 a.m. and again at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements were pending as of press time.