Paul Harper-Shirk

PAUL HARPER-SHIRK

Gainesville, Fla.

Paul Harper-Shirk died on Oct. 8, 2021, in his home in Gainesville, Fla., of heart failure. He would have been 46 on Oct. 9.

Paul was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 9, 1975, to Paul Harper and Carol Case. He spent many of his early years in Kirksville, Mo., and Sundance, Wyo., but returned to Iowa City for junior high and high school. Paul is an alumnus of CEC, an alternative high school where much of who he became was formed. At age 17, Paul found himself homeless due to a difficult divorce situation. His mentors at CEC and advocates at United Action for Youth guided him through the difficult process of emancipation, securing him housing and supporting him to finish his education while working full time.

Despite his difficult beginnings, he managed to become a well-loved townie and friend of many. He studied computer science at Kirkwood CC and later put himself through LaJames International. He would become a beloved hairdresser known for his flamboyant style and quick wit. He described his work as "hairapy" because he wanted people to feel they were just as beautiful inside as their hair color was on the outside. He tried to inspire people to love themselves and others. To take his love of his career and clients further, he would return to LaJames as a teacher to give others the gift he received when he was a student in need of guidance and inspiration.

In 2001, Paul connected with the love of his life and occasional partner in crime Jeffrey Harper-Shirk over a dinner to protest being single on Valentine's Day or, as Jeff called it "Glorified Rejection Day." The spark was lit, they used the L-Word in the first week and married on May 1st, 2009. Over their time together, they owned and managed a series of salons and spas and taught hairdressing and cosmetology. They enjoyed traveling to sunny climates, attending music festivals, snobbing it up at book signings of their favorite authors (Paul's secret love was for "Chick Lit: Paranormal Cozy Mysteries,'' but I didn't tell you that -- officially he liked horror novels), going to fantasy conventions, playing role playing games and cosplaying, cooking French and Chinese cuisine, and spending time entertaining their many friends and family members.

He is survived by his husband, Jeffrey Harper-Shirk; his sister, Paula Mackey; his nephew, Joey Shirk; and niece, Katie Shirk. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, hairdresser and merry trickster. He touched every life he encountered and will be missed.

A memorial is being held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at Gay and Ciha Funeral home in Iowa City. For more information, please visit gayandciha.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to United Action for Youth, Iowa City, IA 319-338-7518, unitedactionforyouth.org.

Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com. For further information, Williams-Thomas downtown, (352) 376-7556.