Obituary of Gary Harder

Gary Harder was born in Calgary, Alberta. He never knew his parents and spent all his childhood and teen years in either foster homes or in group homes. Gary lived for a while in Moose Jaw and eventually made his way to Regina. In Regina, Gary lived in apartments,  basement suits, group homes, rented rooms and eventually at Elmview Extendicare where he passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021 – 5 days short of his 71^st birthday. The decorations were already up in his room because he loved to celebrate his birthday.

 

It didn’t actually matter too much where Gary lived, most of his time was spent either at the Cornwall food court, or more likely out on the road on his bike pulling a couple of trailers full of pop cans and bottles. He was gifted – he knew when recycle day was in every neighbourhood and he scoured the city. He also knew what bus and where to transfer in order to get from anywhere to anywhere in Regina – too bad he couldn’t keep track of his bus pass though.

 

Gary was an interwoven part of the community of Celebration Church for over 30 years. If there was communion being served – he was there – but usually last in line. If there was a pot luck – he was there – but usually first in line. He was a creature of habit just like the rest of us.

 

Gary was a friend that needed the support, patience and good will of a whole community in order to thrive. And those of us that had the opportunity to learn the true meaning of Matthew 25:40 will be forever changed. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” We learned that amid the frustrations and inconveniences of serving others came the truest aspects of peace, hope, joy and love.

 

Rest in peace Gary. Enjoy the eternal coffee pot, the quiet fishing hole, the great feast and the home prepared just for you.