Richard Arnold Harding

WINDHAM—Richard Arnold Harding, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Ledgewood Manor. He was born on December 6, 1932, a son of Eugene G. and Susie (Sanborn) Harding. Richard’s father was killed at a young age, leaving his mother to care for the family. Richard grew up at the beloved “Little House” on Mighty Street in Gorham and attended the Wescott School. Some of his favorite past times from childhood were playing with his cousins, picking berries and going for walks. Richard graduated from Standish High School in 1951. Richard spent his summers working as a butler for wealthy families on Sebago Lake and taking care of the Richville Cemetery. He went on to further his education at the Portland Junior College, graduating in 1953. Upon graduation, he moved to Massachusetts where he worked his way through college, graduating from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. He was drafted into the US Army, and was transported to Frankfort, Germany. Luckily, during his education he learned the German language and could speak fluent German. After his honorable discharge, Richard spent 6 years in the Army Reserves. Richard spent his career working as a florist for over 40 years; he worked for Mary Minott, and later for Vose Smith. Throughout his life, Richard met several actresses, including Bette Davis of Cape Elizabeth, Katherine Hepburn, along with many different politicians. Later in life Richard became an antique dealer, traveling down south, setting his wares up at various flea markets. Richard was very pleased and proud to tell people that his paternal grandmother, Ida (Meserve) Harding was one of Winslow Homer’s favorite models in Pine Point. She was featured in “The Light on the Sea” and “Fisher Girl”. Richard and his sister Beatrice were thrilled to spend a day together at the Portland Museum of Art to view the original paintings. Some more of his favorite past times were the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas; he was famous for his special hand-ground relish dish. He enjoyed picnics with the family (especially with egg salad sandwiches and chocolate milk), and picking black-eyed Susan’s. Richard is survived by his loving sister, Beatrice (Meserve) Fortin of Standish; nephew Alfred A. “Tony” Fortin Jr. and his wife Katrina of Naples; niece, Michelle (Fortin) Berry and husband John of Casco; ten great nieces and nephews, and 12 great great nieces and nephews; as well as many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Stanley Harding; a niece, Cherie (Fortin) Haskell, and nephew, Richard Fortin, and his brother in law, Alfred A. Fortin Sr. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Richard Green for all of his help in caring for Richard as well as the staff at Ledgewood Manor for the wonderful, loving care they provided the last four years. A memorial service will be held on Friday September 21, 2018 at 4pm at the Gorham Chapel of Dolby Blais & Segee, 76 State St., Gorham, ME 04038. A period of visitation will be held at 3pm until the time of service. A reception will follow services at the Richville Library (Route 114) in Standish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richville Cemetery, c/o Richard Green, 50 Cole Hill Rd., Standish, ME 04084.

Richard Arnold Harding

December 6, 1932 - September 11, 2018

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