Longtime DRHBA member Barry Harding, owner of Hardco Construction passed away on August 21, 2020 after an intense one-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Barry passed away very peacefully - quietly in his sleep- at home, as was his wish. His courage, determination and sheer strength of will during his final days were awe-inspiring. He was a beloved husband to Nellika Richardson (nee Coppelmans), loving father to Marshall Harding (Amanda) and Allison Harding, and brother to Larry Harding, Sherri-Lyn (Wayne), and Rob Harding (Jennifer).

Barry founded Hardco Construction (Water and Sewer Main) with his brother Larry Harding on February 25th, 1987. His business was his work, his passion and his hobby. He was never happier than when he could find a better, faster, more effective way to make things happen. Eleven years later Hardco was recognized with a Business Achievement Award from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce for a fast growing company of over 50 employees - although at that time Hardco employed over 100 employees.

It was important to Barry to support his community. He sponsored local minor sports teams: soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and hockey as well as The Durham Winter Games. Hardco supplied Santa's Float in the Rotary Club's Christmas Parade as well as supporting fund raisers for various health initiatives including Cancer Research and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. Barry loved being active, and was never one to sit still.

An incredible athlete, Barry raced Motor Cross competitively with a Professional License across Eastern Canada and the US between the ages 20 to 25 with his best friend Brian Ward. In his 30's Barry transitioned his motor cross skills to long distance mountain bike racing here in the Durham Region. In 1997 Barry took 1st place in the 44km Dagmar Chico Season Finale in the 35-and-over Category with a time of 2hrs and 15min and spontaneously ran in the Toronto Marathon and clocked a time that would qualify him to run the Boston Marathon. He was an avid water skier, boater, swimmer and lover of rock and roll music - a fun-loving, yet humble and kind man, he will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Barry was predeceased by his mother, Doris, and father, George Harding and his sister-in-law Cindy Harding.

An outdoor Visitation/Celebration will be held Wednesday Aug 26th, 2020 at Mount Lawn Cemetery from 12pm-5pm, 21 Garrard Rd Whitby, L1N 3K4. Please register your preferred hour of attendance with the funeral home at 905-443-3376. The Funeral will be by invitation only but will be available online through Live Streaming on Thursday, August 27th, 2020.

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