Michael William "Poppy" Harding

Michael William Harding "Poppy" November 19, 1940 - January 8, 2009 Michael Harding of Seal Beach was born in England and a graduate of Sandhurst Military Academy. He was a member of the Queen's Horse Guard and an Army officer and tank commander for 30 years in many Middle and Far East countries. Beloved husband of Debby (Shey) Harding, father of Amanda Newstead, Jonathan (Sally) Harding, Meg Littlefield, Sue (Jeff) Dvonch, Joe (Sa mantha) Ferraro and brother of Patricia Burke (Roger). Adored grandfather of Lauren and Katie Dvonch, Sarah Jane and Samantha Newstead, James Gaffney and Jake, James and Jessica Harding. Great grandfather of Logan. Michael's lovely nieces include Elizabeth Burke, Catherine (Peter) Scholes, and Maria. Michael was a true Renaissance man who was a Jeopardy fanatic, did cryptic crossword puzzles and was a world history buff. He also loved jokes, his rose garden and his family and was proud to be a U.S. Citizen since 1999. Michael was an honest, gentle, kind and thoughtful human being with a terrific laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. He died at the age of 68 from prostate cancer after an 11 year fight with the disease. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dick Wigod (Myrna) and Dr. Mario Curti for keeping him well (and in good humor) for so many years. Also, special thanks to sister-in-law, Peggy McClure, dear friends, Susan and Lee Hill and his caregivers, Jonathan and Willie who were an integral part of his care in the l ast months. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 800, L.A., 90045 OR Merry Glen Home, 2917 N. Cincinnati St., Spokane, WA, 99207.