Glenn Harding

Harding, Glenn

August 26, 1937 to November 30, 2019

    The world just got a little less funny and amazing.  Glenn Harding passed away quietly in his sleep on Saturday, November 30 at the age of 82. 

    He is lovingly and eternally connected to his lovely wife Loyia; children Robert (Bonnie) Harding, Denise (Tyler) Mandin, Michael (Jaime) Harding, Janet (David) Thurgood, Carma (Rob) Leishman; parents William (Bill) and Jennie Harding; siblings Blaine (Martha) Harding, Joan (George) Taylor, Jim Harding, David (Gail) Harding, Keith (Kathy) Harding, Brenda Peoples; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  He was predeceased by those indicated in italics above.

    It is impossible to sum up Glenn’s life in just a few words.  He was filled with humour, talent, intelligence, gumption, generosity, deep spirituality, selflessness, and love so powerful it was almost palpable.

    Glenn was born in Taber and spent his life working on the family farm on Horsefly Road where he later raised his own family. The lessons he learned in hard work and resourcefulness from his own father and mother were later passed on to his children as he taught them everything required by farm life: engineering, building, carpentry, mechanics, electrical, plumbing, animal husbandry, agriculture, and economy.  He had a great love of the land and of the animals in his care, and he was a wise and faithful steward over both.

    From an early age, Glenn had a brilliant mind and a quick wit.  He could always be counted on to come up with a hilarious comment for any situation.  The mischievous twinkle in his eye never dimmed as he grew older, and his teasing was so masterful that he was sometimes even blamed for rascally behaviour that wasn’t even his – not often though as he was usually the guilty party.  He was good at math and science and could study problems out in his mind to find the best solution.  He also had a great love of music and could play the guitar by ear.

    Glenn met Loyia at a dance in Waterton and knew that she was the girl he was going to marry.  They were married in 1961, and stuck close to each other through everything life could throw at them.  He loved his family more than life.  At the end of Loyia’s life, he cared for her and stayed with her night and day to hold her hand.  They had a love that transcends time, and we take great comfort in the fact that they are now reunited for eternity.

    Glenn was a faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As a young adult, he served a mission in South Africa, and later in life served several missions with Loyia in LDS Employment Resources.  He gave service his whole life – lifting, teaching, comforting.  He was filled with humility, kindness, and love, and everyone was drawn to his light.  He was totally honest, and generous beyond measure.  He would rather take pain and suffering upon himself than see it inflicted on others.  His testimony and faith in Jesus Christ is inspiring, as are the many miracles that kept him alive through rheumatic fever, motorbike and farming accidents, and even being hit by a train.  He was protected by the Lord several times in ways that defy explanation, and he has impacted and enhanced many lives as a result.  We are better (and funnier) for having known him.

    A Funeral Service for Glenn will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre (4709 50 Avenue, Taber, AB).  Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Stake Centre on Friday, December 6 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and again prior to the service on Saturday, December 7 at 9:45 A.M.  Interment will take place following the service at the Taber Cemetery.

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