Eric John Harding

Harding, Eric John – 76 of Eastern Passage passed away August 1, 2012 at the Halifax Infirmary QEII, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Born in Little Bay West, Fortune Bay, NF he was the son of the late Frank & Effie (Rose) Harding. Eric spent the majority of his working life on the sea. He was a Chief Steward working with Imperial Oil, Karlsen Shipping and retiring from Secunda Marine in 2000. Dad was very honoured when he received the “Meritorious Certificate” by the Priory of Canada as a crew member of the MV “Terra Nova Sea”. The crew risked their lives to save the lives of the entire crew of 35 from the MV “Pal Wind” on November 9, 1994, during a severe storm with 30 foot seas off Newfoundland’s West Coast. Dad enjoyed fishing, especially smelt fishing, and enjoyed nothing better than cooking meals for friends and neighbours. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Hazel (Cluett); daughters, Darlene (Brian) Ellis, Valerie (Dennis) Smith and Shauna McKenzie (Scott Beaver) and son Kerry (Judy Crawford), grandchildren, Erica, Myles, Mallory, Ian and Devon. Sisters Phoebe Strowbridge and Maude Mullins, brothers Ralph (Jessie), George (Dot), Lloyd (Betty) and many close nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Darrell.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Sunday, August 5th from 2-4 and 7-9 at Mattatall’s Funeral Home, 217 Portland St., Dartmouth. Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 6th at 11AM, St. Alban’s Anglican Church, 345 Pleasant St., Dartmouth with Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. Our heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital and QEII 5.1 & 5.2 for your compassionate care during Dad’s illness. On-line condolences may be viewed or sent to www.mattatallfuneralhome.com