George A. Harding

 George A. Harding, a true son of the mountains, was born on November 22, 1949, in the rugged terrain of Anaconda, Montana, to his parents, Jay Harding Sr. and Dorothy Barzee. With the spirit of the mountains running through his veins, George’s life was a testament to the wild and free.

In his journey through life, George found his greatest adventure in love when he married Marsha. Together, they nurtured a family that was as diverse as the sprawling Montana landscape. Their union blessed them with a son, George Harding Jr., and many stepchildren - Helen Harding, Angel and Steve Duncan, Candice Shuck, and Jeffery Shuck. The family tree of the Hardings grew wide and strong, firmly rooted in love and care.

George was a man of valor and honor. In 1970, he embarked on a new chapter by joining the Army, displaying his unwavering commitment to duty and his country. But it was in the quiet moments that he found his solace. George was a true outdoorsman, finding his peace in the wilderness. He roamed the mountains, finding joy in the thrill of hunting and the serenity of fishing, often passing down his passion for nature to those he loved.

As we bid farewell to George, we remember that he is reunited in the great beyond with his beloved parents, Jay and Dorothy, sister Linda Riding and brother Raymond Harding. Though his physical presence has left this earth, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

George is survived by his loving wife, Marsha, and their children, George Harding Jr. and Helen Harding. He also leaves a legacy of stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish his memory.

In addition to his family, George is survived by his siblings, who shared in the bonds of family, just as the mountains stood tall and unwavering. His siblings, Jay (Terri) Harding, Lila (Stan) Rollins, Gloria (John) Kessel, Donna (Don) Schafer, Brenda (Fred) Buck, Barbara (Scott) Wheeler, were a source of strength and support throughout his life’s journey.

In the end, George’s life was a testament to the spirit of the mountains he so cherished - rugged, enduring, and filled with love for the land and those he held dear. He will forever remain a legend in the hearts of those who knew him, a mountain man with a soul as vast and enduring as the Montana wilderness.

As we mourn his passing, let us remember the words of John Muir, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” George has answered that call, finding eternal peace among the peaks he loved so much. May his spirit forever roam the mountains he held dear, and may his memory live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 13, from 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be Thursday, September 14, at 2 pm. All services at the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Chester.

If unable to attend, Click on following link to watch live service:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83785748103?pwd=YXFmR3VMWjZseXJPK0xWeGFOY1VDQT09