McDougald Funeral Home
Richard Edward Harder, "Dick," passed peacefully into eternal life on the morning of August 25, 2021, after a short stay at Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson, SC. Dick was most recently a resident of Garden House in Anderson, SC. Prior to living at Garden House, Dick was a proud homeowner on his beloved Lake Hartwell near the Western Carolina Sailing Club (WCSC).
Dick was born at home on August 22, 1931, in Fairmont, Minnesota; the youngest child of Alma and Ed Harder. Dick grew up in Fairmont where he met the love of his life, Burnus Helen Meyer, fondly known as "Bunny." Dick completed his undergraduate degree at University of Minnesota and a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign. After graduation, he went to work for Dow Chemical in Midland, MI. He retired from BASF after stays in Williamsburg, VA, Mebane, NC, Lake Jackson, TX, and finally Anderson. Dick holds many patents for industrial applications; most notably for Interfacial Surface Generator (ISG) modifications.
Dick was deeply involved in his community throughout his life. He served on the school board in York County, VA, and was an active church member in each of his communities. His zeal for life showed whether he was sailing, fishing, playing golf, playing table tennis, dancing, or woodworking. Dick dominated the Keelboat Fleet of the WCSC for over 20 years in his beloved sailboat, Lucky Lindy. He was known for making onion ring bowls and has one in the State Museum in Columbia, SC. He was also well known for showing pictures of and bragging about his grandchildren (and later great grands!).
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Bunny; his parents, Alma and Ed Harder; his brother, Don Harder; and two sisters, June Henslin and Jo Ann Montgomery.
Dick is survived by his four children: Kathy Poe (Rick) of Charlotte, NC, Karen Faris (Joe) of Rock Hill, SC, Krissi Graham (Chris) of Clinton, AR, and Paul Harder (Nancy-Sue) of Anderson, SC; ten grandchildren: Daniel Faris (Pan), Meredith Martin (Duncan), Leslie Frazier (Evan), Kimberly Leighty (Scott), Melissa Graham, Richard Poe (Jill), Josh Graham (Meghan), Ryan Harder (Audrey), James Harder (Bailey), and Thomas Harder (Samantha); and eight great grandchildren: Gavin Graham, Kate Martin, Ginny Martin, Rebecca Frazier, Denny Leighty, Tripp Poe, Claire Leighty and Gigi Graham. He is also survived by a sister, Wanda Anderson of Mesa, AZ.
The family expresses their gratitude for the love and care shown to Dad by the staff of Garden House, his Home Instead team and Hospice of the Upstate.
The community is invited to pay their respects Thursday, September 2nd and Friday, September 3, 2021, at The McDougald Funeral Home where Dick will lie in state. His life will be celebrated at a private family graveside service at Neely's Creek ARP in Rock Hill, SC.
Memorials may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1809 N. Main St., Anderson, SC 29621.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family by visiting The McDougald Funeral Home website, WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.
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