Esther Epp Harder

Esther was an active, productive researcher of the history of Yarrow and Chilliwack, where she lived most of her life. Her article, “Rites Dying, Death, and Burial,” lead off the Yarrow Research Committee’s essay collection, Village of Unsettled Yearnings.

Among the many tributes posted to Esther’s facebook page after her passing, Allison Kaye wrote,

“I met Esther in our work on the Board of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives. She had a deep knowledge of Yarrow, Greendale, and the founding families in those communities. Esther was a kind and gentle soul. She will be missed. Rest In Peace lovely Esther.”

Carmie Devling wrote,
Esther was so very special. She was the "glue" for our CSSS class of 57, keeping us connected. She spent countless hours volunteering at the Chilliwack Museum and contributed to the history of Yarrow. She was a quiet, wonderful example of how we should live our lives.

Lilian Macauley wrote,
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. She was my sis-in-law, married to my brother Alvin. Living in Texas, it was difficult for us to visit, but I think she will get a crown in glory for her loving care of Alvin when he was disabled. I did not know she was so ill, but know she was well taken care of by her family during her illness.

Esther worked as a medical office assistant in Vedder Crossing. After retiring, she shared these skills at the University College of the Fraser Valley, and later taught computer courses at its Elder College.

Esther was the co-author and co-editor of the “Yarrow’s Pioneers and Settlers” web site with Edwin Lenzmann and Elmer Wiens, with whom she exchanged many emails during 15 years of the site’s conception and construction.

Her poem provides the theme of our web site.

Dandelions are as
            prolific in Yarrow as
            the Yarrow flower ....
but the seeds of the Dandelion,
just as the people who were born,
or lived, or just passed through Yarrow,
proliferate everywhere, settle and take root,
popping up as flowers where one least expects them.
                                    Esther Epp Harder

Esther, the eldest daughter of Elizabeth and George Epp, grew up in Yarrow. In 1959 the Epp family moved to Greendale, where Esther and Alvin Harder lived with their children after they were married. She attended Elementary School in Yarrow, and Junior and Senior High School in Chilliwack.

We enjoyed working with Esther and will miss her contributions and expertise.

By Edwin Lenzmann and Elmer Wiens.

Photo of Esther and Alvin by Elmer Wiens