John Harding

With heavy hearts, the family of John Victor Harding, loving husband, Dad, ‘Grumpy’, and dedicated friend to many, passed away at the age of 80 on Monday, September 16, 2024.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Claude Harding and Ann (Hogan) Harding; brother Peter; in-laws Lee and Joe Gilbert, brothers-in-law, Brian, Karl and Terry, and sister-in-law Ellen. 

John was born in Bolton, UK, on January 9, 1944. He came to Canada at the age of 10 on The Empress of France landing in St. John, New Brunswick. The family settled in Jordan, Ontario, and later Port Credit. He attended high school at Gordon Graydon Memorial where he met his loving wife, Jo, in Grade 10 and they married in 1966. They lived in Cooksville and Applewood Acres where they welcomed Sean and Shelagh before moving to their first house in Oakville in 1970 and retiring from there to Guelph in 2014. 

John began his career as a film editor in commercial advertising at RLP in the mid-60s and subsequently TDF Artists & Film Productions in Toronto until 1978 when he and Jo opened John Harding Editing Limited and he branched out into producing and directing, carrying on business for 36 years.

John’s greatest pride and joy was his family, whom he loved fiercely and unconditionally. His second love was being up north with friends and family at his beloved cottage on 12 Mile Bay where he was known as ‘Duke’. He got tremendous joy from entertaining family and friends of all generations, making sure everyone had a fun time with plentiful food and drink, particularly when hosting his Annual May 24th Fishing weekend. He was passionate about music, especially jazz and ‘Old Blue Eyes’. He had a thirst for knowledge about WWII and aviation history, which led to many wonderful trips with his good friends and fellow enthusiasts to air shows, military museums, and commemorative events throughout, Canada, the US, England, France, and Malta. John and Jo shared a love of travel and had many memorable trips together and with friends over the years. Whatever the occasion, there was always lots of laughter, storytelling, delicious food, and an open bar. 

John will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 59 years, Jo Anne (Gilbert) Harding; son Sean (Pamela Hollingsworth, Kj and Piper), Aidan, Kieran and Lauren of Vancouver; daughter Shelagh (Ken Keesmaat), Emma, Abby, and grand-dog Murphy of Guelph. We will feel your presence in every Georgian Bay sunset. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law Anne Gilbert and Helen Gilbert, nieces Kim, Debi, Chrissy, Shari, Linda and Laura and nephew Christian, and their families.

Our gratitude goes to the many doctors and nurses in Guelph, Kitchener and Toronto, most especially Princess Margaret Palliative Care Unit for their exemplary and compassionate care during his last days. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Karen Devon and Trish Murphy-Kane who helped make our last moments with him so peaceful and meaningful. When asked if he had lived a good life, his response was, simply, “the best.” Who could ask for anything more?

Private cremation has taken place. A Celebration of John’s life will be arranged at a later date.

In John’s memory, donations to the Princess Margaret Hospital Palliative Care Unit would be greatly appreciated.