Tribute

It is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to Walter Harder, our beloved dad and opa. Walter’s journey on this earth ended early in the morning on Sunday, September 10, 2017 due to steadily deteriorating health conditions.

Walter was born in the heart of winter in Slavgorod, Siberia, Russia to Jacob and Katie Harder. During the persecution and anarchy of the Russian Revolution, somehow Walter’s family managed to escape Russia in June of 1929.  The generosity of the Canadian government at that time welcomed this refugee family for which Walter was always so thankful.

Walter married the love of his life, Betty, on June 9, 1956, and together they raised their family on a small farm on South Sumas Road in Greendale. Walter’s hard work ethic and frugality were forged during the extreme poverty he experienced during the great depression of the 1930’s.  He worked hard at many things during his life, some of these included manual labor in the hop fields, white-washing dairy barns, raising raspberries and livestock, and working as the shipper at the Medical Equipment Depot at the Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack for thirty-four years until his retirement.

Everyone who knew Walter would have been affected in some way by his crazy sense of humor, and his love of music. Walter was a very independent thinker and was an example to many for his self-discipline and dedication to his church and the Christian life.  He loved singing in the church choir for most of his adult life.

We will all miss seeing Walter cruising the streets of Greendale and Sardis on his old bicycle and listening to his ‘one-lines’. His favorite pew in church has since been occupied but the memories of Walter’s colorful life will linger for many years to come.  Rest well Walter.

Walter was pre-deceased by his father Jacob, his mother Katie, his wife Betty (Elizabeth). He leaves behind his brother Peter (Katie), brother Alvin (Esther), sister Lilian (Roger) and his sister Alice.  Also left to mourn are his daughter Shirley (Owen), son Mike, son Doug (Jennifer), grandchildren Natasha (Jeff), Michelle (Tyler), Brett, Sage, Jillian (Steve), Jacob, as well as several great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at Greendale Cemetery, 44651 Watson Road in Sardis, B.C. on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11:00 am. A time of informal socializing and refreshments immediately following the funeral at Doug and Jennifer’s hobby farm at 43180 South Sumas Road in Greendale.  Everyone is welcome, plenty of parking.