HARDER, Nick - Went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the age of 86.

He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 59 years; daughter Ellen Hubert (Helmut) of Kelowna; three sons: Manfred (Caroline) of Chilliwack, Walter (Laura) of Ladner, Herb (Elaine) of Chilliwack; seven grandchildren: Steve (Meghann) Hubert, Mike (Jaime) Hubert, Jeff (Cherith) Harder, Jeremy (Shareen) Harder, Jennifer Harder, Chris Harder and Cherise Harder; eight great grandchildren; two sisters: Helen Wiebe, Elvira Dyck (John); two sisters-in-law: Helen Harder and Darline Harder.

Nick was born in southern Russia on Oct. 31, 1922, the first son of Heinrich and Erna Harder. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, first to Manitoba, then shortly thereafter to Yarrow, B.C. where they operated a small dairy farm. Though Nick was unable to complete High School (in order to help on the farm), he was an avid reader and eventually owned a large library. After serving in the Medical Corps during WWII, he married Helen Ewert in 1949 with whom he had four children.

In 1955 the family moved to Vancouver where Nick was involved in construction for many years. After the children left home, he and Helen moved to Penticton in 1980 where he continued working with his brother until his retirement in 1982. Their last move was made to Kelowna in 1990, with the last two years of his life being spent at Sun Pointe Nursing Home where he received exceptional care.

Nick loved the Lord, and spent many years actively involved in local churches serving in numerous capacities. He enjoyed the outdoors and often remarked on God's incredible handiwork. The family enjoyed many vacations and outings to various parts of the province and elsewhere, but Nick was particularly fond of the Rockies, especially Radium Hot Springs, where he often tramped the trails up into the mountains with his family.

Although Nick will be missed by his family and friends, we rejoice that he is with Jesus.

There will be a time of visitation on Friday, March 13th at 11:30 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, followed by a burial at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:15 pm. This will be followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home.