Obituary of John Harder

Harder, John A. – After a life filled with love, action and adventure, John went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.  He passed away peacefully at Hospice Niagara in his 85th year.  Beloved husband and soul mate of Lucy (Neufeld) for over 60 years and much loved father of Vic Harder, Debbie Janzen (Henry) and Joannie Penner (Brian).  Predeceased by his infant daughter Kathy in 1963.  Cherished grandpa of Adrienne Janzen (Scott Richardson), Chris Janzen, Thomas Janzen, Ellery Rauwerda (Mark), and Austin Penner.  Loving opa of Emmeline and Oliver Richardson.  John was predeceased by his parents Abram and Elizabeth Harder and brothers Abe, Jake, Pete, George, and Herb.  He will be missed by his sisters-in-law Marie Harder and Irma Epp, brother-in-law Henry Berg, and many nieces and nephews.

John was born in Manitoba and moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake with his parents at the age of 10.  As a teenager John, with his friend Eric Goerz, formed the Lincoln County Peach Pickers, a bluegrass band that performed with the Main Street Jamboree in Hamilton and on CBC radio on Saturday nights.  He became an auto mechanic and for over 30 years operated Newark Motors in the old town with his partner Henry VanAtte.  Later in life he made a necessary career change, becoming a realtor, mostly with Royal LePage.  After retiring, one of John’s favourite volunteer activities was driving for the Red Cross, which he did for 17 years.  He was a people person, and his kind and generous spirit was appreciated by all who knew him.  He lived life to the fullest and will be tremendously missed by his family and friends.  A heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. Catharines General Hospital and Hospice Niagara for the excellent care John received during his illness.

Visitation is on Monday, December 18, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Niagara United Mennonite Church, Hwy. 55, Niagara-on-the-Lake.  A Celebration of John’s life will take place at the church on Tuesday, December 19, at 10:30a.m.  Interment will precede the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations to M.C.C. or Hospice Niagara would be appreciated by the family.