Obituary of Raymond (Ray) Harder

June 2, 1947 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

November 29, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with both great sadness and wonderful memories that the family of Ray Harder wishes to announce his passing in Calgary, AB, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. His gentle heart gave out at the age of 75 years.

Ray was born in Saskatoon, SK, to Peter and Dora Harder, and grew up in the town of Hepburn near Saskatoon, where his dad was the principal of the Hepburn school. Ray enjoyed his years in Hepburn with his brother and two sisters. Among his favorite memories in Hepburn, were gopher hunting, skating, bike riding, his dog, playing baseball, and taking the Sunflower Express train up and down the railroad track. He considered himself blessed to have grown up in a loving home where Christian values were instilled in him at a young age.  

Ray loved anything to do with family. An invitation to any family event, or a week at the lake was always accepted without hesitation, and with great enthusiasm. He enjoyed every moment with his family members, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts.  He always loved a good home-cooked meal! Ray will be remembered for his tender heart and his gentle, loving laughter. He loved to tease his nieces and nephews, and they loved it as well.  

Ray lived in several Canadian cities, such as Toronto and Edmonton, but settled in Calgary and enjoyed living there for many years. He had a long and successful career in sales at Calgary Motor Products, where he made some lifelong friends.  

Ray was an avid reader, and in particular, he had a love for history.  His home was filled with books, and he loved to learn right up until the last day of his life. Interestingly, the book he appeared to be reading on the day that he passed away was entitled “Heaven”. He was also a great fan of music. If asked what his favorite genre of music was, he would reply that every kind of music was his favorite. He had many interests and loved learning about them all. In the last few years of his life, Ray grew to know and love his Savior Jesus Christ in a new way that he had never experienced before. He had a passion that others would come to know the incredible and compassionate love of God too. Ray will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ray is survived by his youngest sister Debra (Marty Staples) of Vanscoy, SK and her family, sister-in-law Nora (Glen) of Medicine Hat, AB, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, as well as many extended family members. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Dora Harder; his older sister Voleda and her husband Ed Kliewer, his brother Glen Harder, and his stepmother Elsie (Sawatzky) Harder.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Prairie Sky Cemetery (12800 100 Street SE, Calgary, AB). Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ray’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Harvest Hills Alliance Church (10099 Harvest Hills Blvd. N.W., Calgary, AB, T3K 4W9).

In living memory of Ray Harder, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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