Eric Michael Harder

Eric M. Harder, MD passed away on April 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Eric was born to Dagny Marie and Lester Charles Harder in Chicago, Illinois on July 24, 1947. Eric spent his childhood in Elmwood Park and Glen Elyn Illinois where he learned to love science, music, and Latin.

Eric had a long and distinguished career in medicine, graduating from the University of Illinois, then Washington University Medical school in St. Louis. He was thrilled to match to the University of Minnesota for his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology. He then moved to Long Beach where he served in the Navy for 2 years. Eric knew he wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest where he could sail, hike, and enjoy the mountains. He started as the second gastroenterologist at the Polyclinic in Seattle and continued there for 35 years.

Eric loved his children, taking them to the ski slopes, making pine wood derby cars for the YMCA Y Guides, and reading to them every night. He was known for assisting his kids with their unique car designs and assembling a track in the living/dining room to practice before the big day. His kids’ cars took first through third prize every year.

Eric was known for his cartoon drawings, unique humor, and his vegetable gardening. Removing the bushes from the raised beds, he was able to provide his family with wonderful tomatoes, herbs, beans, and corn!

Eric was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Leslie Rickard Harder and their children, Kaj David, Kristjana Marie, and Erika Leslie Harder. He is also survived by his brother Glenn Charles Harder and his wife, Mary Haseltine of Weston, MA and nephews, Reed and Leif Harder.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.