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Philip Harder Obituary


PHILIP EUGENE HARDER
December 2, 1931 ~ February 24, 2017

Phil died on February 24 at Legacy Emanuel's Trauma ICU. He suffered an accidental fall on February 14 and had major complications.

He will be remembered as a gentile, caring man with a big heart. He never met a person he could not relate.

Phil was born in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and after graduating from high school joined the Navy to become a medic. He served in Korea during the final years of that war. He loved watching MASH because it brought back memories.
As an ordained minister, Phil served at the Fern Prairie United Methodist Church, Camas, WA after retiring from Portland State University as Campus Minister.
He believed citizen involvement in community made that community a better place so he became active in the Camas Neighborhood Association and later became president. When the youth of Camas needed a place to skateboard, he volunteered to be fundraising chair for building a skate park. He was often seen around city hall asking questions and getting to know the people who worked there.
He and his wife, Anita, moved to Fairway Village, Vancouver. Again he became active. He served as President of the Men's Golf Club, Chair of the Democratic Forum and sang in the Village Chorus. He loved the opportunity to participate in musical events.
The celebration of Phil's life will be held on April 2 at 2:00 p.m., St. John's Presbyterian Church in Camas.
His family will gather for a private burial in the summer at Skyline Memorial Gardens, Portland, OR.
Please visit Phil's online memorial and guest books at www.skylinememorialgardens.com and www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 17, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Philip Harder

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Phil -- a quiet man of so many accomplishments. Who knew how many people he touched., He is missed.

Gil Stahl

April 24, 2017

Anita - You may remember me from K Falls 1976 when Phil performed the memorial service for my mother. He was an inspiration to me and especially others on the high school track team. I recently retired from 20 yrs of private practice in Va as a Hematology Oncology physician preceded with 20 yrs as a Navy Dr., retiring in 1973. I consider him as a major influence my life. I wish you well. Randy Howard

Randy Howard

April 4, 2017

I met Phil when he attended Saint John's Presbyterian Church in Camas. We had just moved into a new neighborhood - he helped inspire me to reach out to our new neighbors with a local questionnaire for phone numbers and voluntary family info. Phil was just doing the same sort of reaching out in his neighborhood at the time. Very friendly and wise man...

Richard Anderson

April 2, 2017

I only knew Phil briefly in his role as a distance-running coach in Klamath Falls more than 50 years ago. Even so, I echo the comments about his kindness, caring, and passion for philosophical discourse. I wish there had been more men like Phil Harder in my life.

Robert Scholl

April 2, 2017

Dear Phil, Thanks for taking a chance on us in 1980. Just to let you know, it all worked out . . .
I've written the note in my head a thousand times but never quite made the time to find an address (maybe someone at PSU could forward it?) and send it out.
Phil performed our marriage ceremony in 1980. Because of jobs and school, we were living in Houston and Berkeley, flying into Portland for a few days, to get married, before moving to Philadelphia. Our own churches, Catholic and Episcopal, would not allow us to marry without completing a formal preparation course. Phil made time for several counseling sessions and performed our lovely ceremony. Nearly thirty-seven years later, with two grown children and a move back to the Pacific Northwest, Phil remains a happy part of our family story. I'm not really sure why I Googled his name this week but I am sad to learn that I waited too long to send that note.
To Anita and all his friends and family, we are so sorry for the loss of a kind and compassionate man. For all of us, please don't wait too long to tell people how much you appreciate them.

Julie and Michael Smith

April 2, 2017

I met Phil only 20 years ago while he was working on organizing the Camas Neighborhood Association. He was a man that you instantly took a liking to. And all of us that worked on this project respected Phil and all his insights.
When my husband, Paul Fearn, had his office downtown, Phil would often come and visit. He was an inspiration to many that stopped by.
I haven't seen Phil in several years, but have thought of him often. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and he will surely be missed by many.
Paul and I both send our condolences to his family. RIP Phil.

Andrea Chasse

March 20, 2017

Phil was such a gentle and generous man. I volunteered with him as he helped the United Camas Association of Neighborhoods get organized and stay organized when it was needed. Phil was always so calm and an inspiration to many people.

Linda Dietzman

March 18, 2017

When I started as a freshman at Willamette University, I had no idea the profound affect a single person could have on my life. A gentle, caring and spiritual educator; Phil and his family set me on a path to journey through life. It did not matter how rocky the path, Phil's spiritual guidance has been part of my life. Phil's open heart and compassion are but one testament to a person who touched so many lives. His love of students, friends and family will live forever in our hearts.

Marsha Sherman

March 17, 2017

I remember Mr. Harder very well, while he was in Klamath Falls. He was the best track coach I ever had to pleasure of working for. An absolutely great guy, that I really looked up to. So sad to hear he has moved on. RIP Mr. Harder, and my deepest condolences to your family.

Ernie Badger

March 17, 2017

Phil's presence in my life began 50 years ago as we both were aspiring seminary students invited to visit national offices of the United Methodist Church. I treasure his passions for learning, reading, and justice. Phil's reading list always included cutting edge authors, especially those committed to exploring theology and care for the earth.
We shared a lifetime of ministry on college campuses, with many colleagues and former students cherishing his presence at Willamette, Southern Oregon, and Portland State universities. I recall with admiration Phil's service as President of the National Campus Ministry Association, an organization of which he was a member for many years. When I retired as Chaplain at the University of Puget Sound I was deeply touched by Phil coming to speak at this event. Always a man of grace, Phil also exhibited a delightful, quirky sense of humor. I express my deep regrets to Anita and family. He loved you all deeply. It seems most fitting that he was enjoying himself again at the Seaside beach at the end of his life. His connection with the sea and the earth was lived out fully! Nancy and I look forward to being with you to celebrate his life, a good one indeed! God bless you as we give thanks for Phil.

Jim Davis

March 15, 2017

I thought Mr Harder to have been an excellent sports coach and teacher at Klamath Union High School. Thank you.

Harold Strickland

March 15, 2017

Here is to a kind soul who will be dearly missed

Kathy Oliver

March 14, 2017

I didn't mean to leave message with out my name, The message ending" God's Peace my Friends is from Gregg Smith, Corvallis Oregon

Gregg Smith

March 12, 2017

I met Phil at Willamette University when he was serving as Chaplain there during the turbulent late 1960's early 1970's. He was a calming, positive counselor when I needed his help to navigate the conflicts and decisions of my college years and early adulthood. Hopefully, I expressed my thanks to him then as I have done again in my prayers for him and his family.

Robbie Steeves

March 12, 2017

Phil was a positive influence for me at a time in my life when I really needed it. Kerry and I were close during my senior year of high school and freshman year at SOU. Those two years were a wonderful time in my life. Phil was a source of wisdom and kindness to a young man who had little direction. I owe much to him and Kerry for their love, fun and guidence. God's Peace my Friends

March 12, 2017

I worked for 12 years with Phil at the Portland Campus Christian Ministry (K House). Those were good years and I have fond memories of Phil and his deep concern for the victims of war and oppression. Bon voyage, Phil. My thoughts and prayers to Anita and the rest of the family.

Fr. Ted Frison

March 12, 2017

Phil was a counselor and mentor at SOU when I met him in the early 70s; his classes and individual sessions with students and members of the congregation at the UMC in Ashland, provided help through the often troubled waters of that time. Though I have not interacted with Phil for details decades; I have fond memories of him and his family. My sincere condolences to both Kerry and John Harder. Sincerely, Fran Taylor

March 11, 2017

We are saddened by your loss but realize Phil is now in a better place.

Tom & Mary Linder

March 11, 2017

Phil was a beloved colleague and friend going back nearly fifty years. We talked theology,philosophy, and shared our struggles in raising children and dealing with life issues. His was a life well lived and much appreciated. Tom Tucker

Tom Tucker

March 6, 2017

Phil was one of the sweetest men I know. I am saddened at his passing but know that he lived a full life. "He got his money's worth". Hugs to Anita.

Kathy Oliver

March 6, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Apr

2

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

St. John's Presbyterian church

Camas, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland

4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229

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