In his 86th year, surrounded by those he held dear; passed away peacefully at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, British Columbia on March 15, 2005.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary (Dyck), ("I married her for 3 reasons; beauty; beauty; beauty."); daughters Barbara McLean (Jim) of Peterborough, ON; Diane Manning (Bruce) of Toronto, ON., son Don Harder (Cindy) of Langley, BC grandchildren Kelly and Jenna, Victoria and Charles, Kesia and Graeme; great grandchildren Kyle and Lyla; brothers Herb Harder (Marie) and John Harder (Lucy); sisters-in-law Nettie Dyck and Anne Dyck and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is predeceased by brothers Abe, Jake and Pete.
Born in the Ukraine, near the end of World War I, his family escaped the brutality and repression of Europe to seek a better life in Canada.
To provide that better life for his growing fmaly, George gained employment as a farmer, cook and pipe-fitter in Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
Throughout his life, his belief never faltered that, with loyalty, determination and hard work, dreams can come true.
The life he created and the love he shared with Mary and his family and friends he cherished as his greatest blessings. From the fruit lands of Ontario to his beloved White Rock seacoast, he exuded an abiding passion for the beauty of nature.
He will be remembered fondly for his humour, his gentle wit, and boundless well of charm.
He took delight in people and special delight in his love of story tellng.
For George, strangers were only friends he had not yet regaled with his stories.
It was his lifelong belief that a good story was always worth repeating - more than once; each time, like the first time, with a gleam in his heavenly blue eyes.
A Funeral Service was held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre on March 21, at 11:00 a.m.
Visitation will take place March 21, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.
I n lieu fo flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.