June 22, 1932 - May 3, 2017
Born in New Westminster, Ernie moved to Nanaimo with his family at a young age, and was well known in the community which was his home base for the rest of his life. He and his brother, Paul, owned and operated Harding and Sons Jewellers on Commercial Street for 25 years.
From the age of 17, Ernie was never without a boat of his own. He was active in the Nanaimo Yacht Club. He taught chart reading in Power Squadron courses for a number of years and was the officer responsible for reporting errors in marine charts.
Ernie was a life-long traveller who made friends wherever he went. After the jewelry store was sold in 1989, Ernie embarked on a three-year cruise around the Pacific on his 42-foot sailboat. Once he returned to Nanaimo, over the years he regularly traveled to Alaska by boat in the summers and south to Palm Springs in his motor-home in the winters. He was a ham radio aficionado, a hobby which allowed him to keep in touch with his many friends around the world and at home. VEODX was his offshore call sign.
Ernie is survived by his son Eric Harding; brother Paul and sister-in-law Gail Harding; and friends Aileen Owen and Harold Kamikawaji. His special canine companion for many years, Dede, predeceased him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. No flowers, by request.
Donations in Ernie’s memory can be made to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation.