GORDON FREDERICK HARDING

This tribute is to celebrate the life of Gordon Frederick Harding, a friend, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and a great-great grandfather of a blended family that was built with his deceased wife and partner of 55+ years Ruth Bernice Harding (néeInkster). 

Gordon was born in 1933 in Winnipeg and lived a long life to age 91, just like his mother Alice who was passed at age 99. Gordon was the youngest in a family of 1 brother Edward (who lived in Vancouver BC) and 5 sisters, Joyce, Beattie, Hazel, Joan (all who lived in the Winnipeg area), and Vivian (who lived in Churubusco, IN).

Gordon lived and went to school in Winnipeg, and as we learned in later years when they were married, Ruth remembered Gordon from those years and from that time in school, but we were never sure if he remembered. Interesting how people come together in life...just meant to be!

Gordon’s family were a large part of his life. His children John, Sheila, and Gordon are in Winnipeg, and Arlene (who came to the family through Ruth) is in Nanaimo BC. There are numerous grandchildren (Karolyn, Jodie, Johnny, Tanya, Shannon, Melissa, Gordon from Winnipeg, and Leyland, Christina, and David from Nanaimo). Family includes great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Multi generational!

Gordon had a long career and retired from Headingly Correctional Centre. He was a Guard as well as a driver of the jail bus, known as the “green hornet”. In those days, Gordon was called the “Bull Moose” and has a head shot with that moniker. When not working at the jail, he would do construction related projects for others. Always hardworking, he rarely said no and always gave a hand to help others. He eventually became a resident “handyman” in Winnipeg Beach and there again, he would drive a green work truck with his name across the side advertising his business.  

For many years while working, Gordon and Ruth had property at Lundar Beach, MB where spring, summers, and early fall were spent building up the land, starting with an older trailer and eventually building a cedar log cabin. Friends and family were always a welcomed part of Lundar, and when you came down, Gordon would recruit you to help with projects. He was a great friend and had numerous long-term relationships over the years. Lots of great memories were made there. It was a really special place and will never be forgotten. In retirement, Gordon and Ruth would go on to build their dream home at Winnipeg Beach and spent many years there before returning to live in Winnipeg in the mid 2000's. Living in St. James brought him back to many friends, and Gordon and Ruth continued to live in St. James until their passings.

Gordon loved to travel, and throughout the years he and Ruth travelled in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Mesa, Arizona became their “Snow Birds” destination, and the West Coast of BC (Vancouver and Vancouver Island) became the “West Coast Family” destination. There were thousands of miles put on the vehicles over the years. Regularly, they would do a circle route from Wpg, to Mesa, to Nanaimo and Vancouver, and then back to Wpg. In the early years, black velvet paintings and sombreros made their way from Mexico back to Winnipeg.

A couple of dogs added life for Gordon. Mr. Horns, the English Bulldog, came along in the 1970s, and was a big part of life for many years, and Tres, a poodlelike dog came to their household in Winnipeg Beach. He held a special place in Gordon’s heart.

As friends and family know, Gordon had a life-changing accident in 1999 which led to him having long term health issues and challenges to walking which required the need to use a wheelchair most of the last 26 years. He was relentless in his quest to be independent, would always work through the challenges that came along with his circumstances, and continued to travel to the West Coast through many of those years. He found ways to keep busy when he and Ruth lived at Kiwanis, whether that be gardening, making tinmen and wood toys, delivering menus for the complex, and befriending others. His electric wheelchair was his wheels, and he would go everywhere (and at fast speeds), if weather permitted. No fear!!! That was him. He left the fear to others 😊 Ruth was there to support and encourage him through those years of change and rehabilitation. She was his number one cheerleader and through it all, they worked together and built their life in a new way. 

Other things that Gordon loved were Westerns, whether it was books or movies. Louie Lamour was his favorite author, and we are sure he read all his books one or more times. Any time a Western was on, he would watch. He really enjoyed his TV time. Gordon loved food, and always looked forward to going out…Tony Roma’s, Mongo’s Grill, Good Earth, and then there was ice cream….

Finally, it has to be said that Gordon Harding was persistent in living life and living his best life, never giving up, and demonstrating strength in all he did.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Prime program at Deer Lodge Centre for supporting Gordon to continue to live independently after the passing of Ruth in 2023. In addition, thank you to the numerous caregivers who supported him to live his best life.

Gordon will be missed by so many people. He left a void which is hard to fill. 

Rest in peace. 

We love you.

Gordon’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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