John F. Harding

Long Beach resident John F. Harding, 81, died in Ilwaco, Washington on December 6, 2008. Born in Weiser, Idaho on February 18, 1927, he was the son of Samuel and Thelma (Hansen) Harding. At age 5 he moved with his family to Portland, Oregon, residing in the northeast part of town. John attended Alameda elementary and Grant High School prior to graduating from Jefferson High School. John served with the U.S. Marine Corps at the end of World War II. Returning to Portland, he attended Vanport College which later became Portland State University. John was employed as a sales representative for Master Builders for 31 years. During his career he earned 5 master marketer awards. He was respected and admired by those in the ready mix business in the state of Oregon with whom he was associated with. With retirement, John moved to the Long Beach Peninsula 20 years ago. Locally he was involved with the Jazz and Oyster Festival for a number of years. He was a charter member of Beaverton Elks and also a member of Long Beach Elks. John enjoyed the challenge of mathematics, assembling model airplanes, fishing, golf, and spending time with friends old and new at local coffee shops. Conversations with a free-wheeling exchange of opinions and minds, no matter the subject, were also a significant a part of John's life. John married Cherry Michel on August 28, 1979 and she survives, residing in Long Beach. Also surviving are daughter Phyllis Harding, son Michael Harding, step-children Terri Michel and Scott Michel; brother Bruce Harding and Jackie. John had requested no service he held. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society or the American Arthritis Foundation in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.