Robert Dean Harding

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 26, 1944 to parents Richard and Mary Harding, he was the third of four children and soon moved to Lewisburg, Ohio, and later to Dayton, Ohio, where he spent his formative years.

Bob lived a full and accomplished life. He graduated from the University of Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration but pursued his passion for aviation and joined the United States Air Force during the height of the Vietnam War. Always one to tell a joke and perform his signature magic tricks, he was given the call sign “Magic” and flew classified reconnaissance missions out of Danang, Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bob retired from the USAF as a decorated Captain in 1974.

He next embarked on a long aviation career first flying Learjets and then flying commercially with United Airlines, where he was employed for 26 years until his retirement as a Captain on the 777. Unwilling to put down his wings, he continued a career in aviation for the remainder of his life flying for Jet Airways and as a flight instructor for Boeing.

In addition to his passion for aircraft, Bob adored the game of golf, his 1973 Corvette Stingray, Jazz music, fine scotch and a well-crafted martini, and the company of his many close friends.

His greatest role, however, was that of husband, father and grandfather. Bob married his true love, Barbara, in Los Angeles, California on December 2, 1978. They started their family in Southern California, but were drawn to the beauty of Evergreen, Colorado, where they raised their children and lived for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara; his sons, Michael and Adam (wife Jenna); his daughter, Emily; his grandson, Mack; his brothers, Richard and Doug; his sister, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews who brought him great joy.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 10AM on Monday, December 9, 2019 at Olinger Crown Hill Pavilion of Reflection, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Interment with military honors will be held at 1:30PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area "B", 4401 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado.

Donations may be made in memory of Robert “Bob” Harding at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network online at www.pancan.org or checks may be mailed to:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

1500 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 200

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at www.CrownHillFuneral.com