George Harper, a former pipe-fitter who ran his own business, Harper Mechanical, is still mourned by his family and friends. Harper died in January of 2008 following a battle with mesothelioma cancer.

“George started out as a pipefitter,” his widow Donna said. “And that’s where he was exposed to asbestos. The doctor told us it would stay in the body for years and then might suddenly appear.” in October of 2007, Harper developed mesothelioma cancer, attributed to his exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos-related diseases often kill within months. Those who suffer from mesothelioma are often told that they only have months to live after being diagnosed with the rare cancer. Asbestos also causes asbestosis and may cause lung cancer or other chronic respiratory ailments.

A year after his passing, Harper is remembered for his generous spirit and his uncanny ability to fix automobiles. His family recalls how Harper rebuilt his first engine when he was only 12 years old. For decades, George rebuilt old cars for his friends and family. Harper was so occupied with doing work on other people’s cars that he neglected his own pet project: a 1968 Shelby Mustang.

“We finally convinced him to work on it,” said daughter Sandy Clement. “Friends were a huge part of it, urging him to work on his own car.” George was only able to drive the car once after being diagnosed. Harper’s beloved Mustang, along with about one hundred other vehicles, were featured at a car show that was organized in Harper’s memory.

Like Harper, certain individuals who work in specific industries are more likely to be exposed to asbestos than others. Those at the most risk of asbestos exposure include construction workers, firefighters, automobile mechanics, oil refinery workers, pipe-fitters, steelworkers, shipyard workers and veterans (specifically those who served during WWII).

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.