Posted by Jack Schannep on January 10, 2002:

HARDING, Major Thomas Charles ''Skip'', Jr., USA Ret., 68, born September 23, 1933 in Winthrop, Massachusetts, died at Summit Hospital in Tucson, AZ and went home to his Heavenly Father January 4, 2002. Preceded in death were his parents, Thomas Charles Harding, Sr. and Helen Baxter Densmore Harding. Survived by his wife of 45 years, Georgia Ann Baldwin Harding; and four children, Douglas Allen Harding (Robyn Monique Schrager) of St. Louis, MO; and Scott Michael Harding; Lorene Cheryl Dameff (Robert Michael Dameff); Charles Thomas Harding (Dedra DianeAltuna); 10 grandchildren, Christian Jordan Dameff, Lindsay Alexis Dameff, Taylor Brice Dameff, Savannah Ashley Rose Dameff, Ethan Hunter Dameff, Kaitlyn Loretta Harding, Maclaren Thomas Harding, Willem Manuel Harding, Mariah Nicole Harding and Domenick Cioti Harding, all of Tucson. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert Athol Harding of Renton, WA; Clyde Edward Harding of Somerset, PA; Nancy Gail Lutes (Richard Lutes) of Wiscasset, ME; and Norman Paul Harding (Lynn Hamel) of Newton, NH; and many nieces and nephews; and last but not least, his beloved Shiba Inu, Mitzi. Major Harding graduated form Winthrop High School, Winthrop, MA. He attended the United States Military Prep School, Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, NY. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point, NY, class of 1956. He also had an MBA from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. He had a distinguished military career. He attended flight school in San Marcos, TX and Ft. Rucker, AL. He also served in Nuremberg and Schwabach, Germany, Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Knox, KY and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. Major Harding was an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Arizona from 1965 to 1969. He also served two tours in Vietnam in 1964/65 and 1969/70. He was the recipient of many military awards including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge, to mention just a few. After his retirement from the Army, Major Harding worked for the City of Tucson as a Budget Analyst. In 1996 he retired from his City of Tucson position and he and his wife became full time RVers, traveling all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they frequently volunteered in various State and National Parks. Major Harding was a member of The Association of Graduates USMA West Point and the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Arizona. He was also a member of the AZ State Genealogical Society and was very active in researching family history. ''Skip'', as his family and friends knew him, will be sadly missed for his intellect, humor and his generous and compassionate heart. He was an avid reader and enjoyed both the opera and classical music. His recent passion was traveling, seeing new places, meeting new friends and tracking down unknown relatives through his genealogy pursuits. ''Skip'' was one of God's unique individuals, quiet and studious but always willing to lend a helping hand. He dearly loved and was loved by all his family and many, many friends. ''Skip'' and his wife, Georgia, were members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Benson, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of the Lourdes Parish, 386 East Fifth St., Benson, AZ 85602; or the ALS Association, 5040 East Shea Blvd., Suite 151, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 8, 2002 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Rosary at 6:00 p.m.. The family invites friends to their home following visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Our Lady of the Lourdes Church, Benson, AZ.

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