Bernerd N. Harding

Our beloved Bernerd (Bernie) Nelson Harding, born on April 30, 1919, a son of the late Herbert and Rhetta (Howell) Harding, passed peacefully on November 3, 2009 at 12:05 p.m., following a year-long battle against prostate cancer. Bernie is preceded in death by his first wife, Priscilla (Burtt) Harding. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Harding, his sister, Grace Smith, his children, Gregg Harding, Keith Harding, Brian Harding, step children, Paula Kelley-Clark, Susan DiSanto, James Kelley, Peter Kelley, Sean Kelley, Janet Kelley-Vail, 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Bernie was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and so much more. He was a pillar of quiet strength to all that knew him. He was always humble and a hero to so many. Many know of his exemplary bravery as captain of the B-24 the �The Feudin Wagon� in the 492nd bomber group of the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was shot down over Germany and was a P.O.W. for 10 months. He seldom brought up his experiences of the war, yet there was always a silent unmistakable strength about him, forged from those same experiences. His time in the Army Air Corps shaped him in a way that almost seems contrary. He was a man filled with love for his fellow man. Tirelessly working to help others until the very end, Bernie showed an uncommon selflessness that serves as a virtue to be embraced by all. Bernie was the type of man that could bring out the best in anybody. He could make anybody feel loved. His gift of love was shown in many ways. He was very active within the community. Bernie was a member of the American Legion as well as serving as a chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Bernie was an active member of the St. Patrick�s Church. His love was not limited to family or community but extended to the land. Starting from an early time, he was a Boy Scout and Explorer Leader, additionally he was a member of Milford Conservation Commission, Milford Board of Adjustment, Pillsbury Home Board of Directors, and the Historical Society. Bernie Harding was also a man of action, not just words. He was a carpenter from 1946-1966, and built several houses in the Milford area. He was also employed by Hendrix Wire & Cable Corporation from 1966-1983. With his carpentry skills he continued to help others. Bernie was a leader in its purest form, he took care of others often putting their needs above his own. This is leadership through servant-hood. He fulfilled God�s purpose and in doing so, led all who knew him to be better people. He will continue to be an unwavering beacon of the ideals mankind should strive for: Soft spoken, Hard working, gentle, kind, compassionate, courageous, peaceful and helpful to all. These are just a few of the virtues that our Bernie exemplified. His life will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a model for a life of purpose and Love. Theodore Roosevelt once said: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; Bernie continues to be one of God�s great achievements, for Bernie dared greatly himself. His love for all is his greatest victory that triumphs over death. We will miss you. Calling hours are Monday, November 9th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 am in St. Patrick�s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial with military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Share Outreach, Inc., 1 Columbus Avenue, Milford, NH 03055.