The wife of PC Andrew Harper has paid tribute to a “gentle giant with a heart of gold” at his funeral.
The 28-year-old Thames Valley
police officer was killed on August 15 while responding to reports of a burglary near a village in Berkshire.
He had married his partner of more than 13 years just four weeks previously.
Lissie Harper paid tribute to her late husband at a service at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on Monday, which was attended by hundreds of uniformed police officers.
She told the congregation the couple were “true childhood sweethearts”.She said: “From the ever sweet, lanky and red-faced boy passing me notes in class, to the strong and loyal man you grew to be I have always known how special you are.
“You used to tell me we were a team and that we would get through all of life’s hurdles together, how I wish you were here with me now. The hardest challenge of all is losing you.”
She described Harper’s priority in both his work and his personal life as “keeping everyone safe”.
Lisse continued: “Although Andrew was strong he was also unfailingly kind, a gentle giant with a heart of gold.
“To me, Andrew was everything. My breakfast buddy, my dancing partner, the love of my life.”
The congregation listened as she spoke about the adventures the couple had been on, from extreme sports to trips to the beach.
She said: “We should have had so many more of those days together, for you Andrew above all deserved a lifetime of happiness.
“The kindest of kind and sweetest of sweet. I have never known someone so kind, worry free, forgiving, positive and good as our Andrew.
“If there is one thing Andrew taught me is not to sweat the small stuff and treasure each day as if it is a gift.
“I can think of my husband and feel lucky to know him as much as I did, more than anyone. He was my hero and his spirit will live on in my memories forever.”
Coming to the end of her moving tribute, she said: “My lovely boy, I miss you more and more as the days pass into weeks, my love will never fade and the sound of your laugh will stay with me.
“Your beautiful smile and warm embrace will fill my dreams and comfort me as you always have.
“If everyone on this earth had just an ounce of the kindness and generosity that Andrew had I know it would be a better place.”
As members of Andrew’s family were invited to lay mementos in front of a framed wedding photo at the front of the church, Lissie placed their wedding ring boxes.A colleague from the Roads Policing Unit, PC Jordan Johnstone, also paid tribute to the fallen officer.
Johnstone, who called Andrew by the nickname “Harps”, said: “I remember Harps’ first day on traffic. He arrived in the office with a clean white hat, shiny boots and an incredible range of Tupperware.
“We laughed, we joked and we never stopped smiling.
“How will we remember you? I asked a few of our colleagues on their thoughts. One of the most consistent topics was his love of food.
“Like a hobbit, his day revolved around seven meals required to keep those massive feet moving.
He went on to describe Andrew’s “relentless” sense of humour, describing his smile as “infectious”.
He said: “Your personality shone through throughout and I’m so very very proud of you.
“I’m privileged to have worked with you and even more so to call you my friend.”Related... Police Line The Streets For Funeral Of 'Brave, Genuine And Kind' Officer Andrew Harper Charges Dropped Against Man Accused Of Murdering PC Andrew Harper A Minute's Silence Will Be Held This Morning To Honour Pc Andrew Harper