Loper, Bert, 1869-1949

Bert Loper was known as "The Grand Old Man of the Colorado" and was one of the best know early river runners.

From the description of Albert (Bert) Loper and Rachel Jamison Loper papers. 1893-1975. (University of Utah). WorldCat record id: 213416361

Born in Bowling Green, Pike County, Missouri; boatman on San Juan and Colorado Rivers and Colorado gold prospector.

From the description of Colorado River boatman and gold prospector 1907? (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 44936513

Bert Loper (1869-1949) was the second son of an absent father and a dying mother. In order to make a living for himself, he tried panning for gold along the San Juan River in Colorado and worked at the mines of Silverton, Ouray, and Rico. In 1893 after the mines closed he returned to his uncle's ranch in Montezuma County, Colorado. While checking out a placer mine along the San Juan River, Loper developed an interest in boating that would span the rest of his life. He would become known as an experienced boatman, one who traveled along the entire Green and Colorado River system. In 1949 Loper would pass away in a boating accident on the Colorado River at the age of 80.

From the description of Letter and diaries of Bert Loper, 1893-1946, bulk (1907-1939). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122386517