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Michael Harden Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Harden
Marianne Wenger
October 13, 2022
Rest in Peace, Mike Harden. A good man gone way too soon. 12 years ago today. You are missed!
February 13, 2011
Sorry for the loss of a great big bother. Im sure hes with his mother who was one of the reason he was such a great person.
Debbie Reaves Los Angeles,CA
Brady McClung
December 4, 2010
I just finished reading the copy of "Road Songs" that Annie gave me the weekend after your passing. I was a very frequent guest, one of many, during my high school years. Aaron and Annie were the first friends I made when I came to Olentangy HS. Between 1990-1994 Your home was constantly invaded by Annie's MANY friends at all hours of the day and night. I think you knew me best as that loud, foul mouthed, Turrets-like kid that you had to tell Annie on several occasions to put a muzzle on when we were playing Nintendo. I am still amazed at how you and Debra were able to tolerate the constant Gen. X bombardment. When Annie decided to cover her bedroom walls with random quotes inviting all that entered to contribute you were intrigued where as most parents would've viewed it as vandalism and consumed themselves with the process of what it will take to erase and purify. Instead, you put on your sociology cap and quietly viewed our work. You didn't necessarily encourage or shape the outcome. You just viewed and interpreted without suggestions or feedback in order to preserve the integrity.
I'm no longer that 15 year old cursing house guest. I'm now a 35 year old that still curses primarily for dramatic effect, looking back trying to interpret hindsight and speculation. What I see is your legacy. Not your accomplished literary legacy but your family legacy. Starting with your two sons Aaron and Eric. Aaron is the best artist I've ever known also the only person I know that made it through CCAD's strenuous program. Eric is so in tune with himself and his medium leading to a genuine talented/gifted/insightful writer. Your boys have your "coolness" and edge from their own learned talents and experiences they've learned from you without you having to play the teacher/mentor roll. Just being you, a genuine observer of life without bias always reversing rolls. I'm not certain but your pride must have swelled when you think of your beautiful daughter Annie. Please rest peacefully knowing that you have provided Annie with wisdom, strength, and sense of identity. Annie is basically an adopted sister in my own family. We cherish her and will always love her , even if she's a frickin Steelers fan. My mom adores her and was also a huge Mike Harden fan. I thank you for Annie, Eric, and Aaron. Annie shares your genuine, no-nonsense views. I know that if I ever make it to 50 years old that I would be able to converse with Annie as if we were 15 years old without missing a beat no matter how much time has passed. Thank you and Debra for showing a young man that quality and self expression is NOT a myth or fad.
debbie aldridge
November 4, 2010
Rest in Peace Mike. Now you can be with your mom in heaven.I know mike thru Phyllis moore his aunt.
Patrick Harden
October 31, 2010
I managed to meet michael in 2004 while working temp air maintenance in Cleveland. Was hoping to get back to Ohio and see him again for a reunion with the rest of our family. I am proud to have him as my cousin and share with my family here in Arizona about him. God speed Michael. Your Uncle Lester's son, Patrick
Christine Tunanidis
October 26, 2010
I met Mike years ago, when he ran a "world's worst boss" essay contest & I won.The prize was a copy of one of his books & a restaurant gift certificate, & when, several months after my essay ran in The Dispatch, I was still not in possession of the prize, I called the phone number Mike listed at the end of his column, back in the days before email. He not only made sure I got my prize, he went out of his way to deliver it personally. He possessed an aura I cannot describe. When I saw his last column, I meant to send an email to say "you probably don't remember me, but . . . " & forward a prayer for his recovery. Life got in the way and I never got around to that email. Mike, your time here on earth was too short, but though you are gone, your words & good deeds will live forever.
Darlene Green
October 26, 2010
We'll miss you Mike. Rest in peace.
Peggy Johnson
October 24, 2010
I've always enjoyed Mike's columns and books. I met him at a writer's retreat where he took a lot of time and effort to give us all encouragement and suggestions to improve. He was a master!
Sherry Peters
October 23, 2010
Debra & Family, you're in my thoughts & prayers. With Sympathy, may you find comfort in this time of sorrow.
Because you love, Mike will ALWAYS be close in your HEART. He will be missed.
an old friend of the family
October 22, 2010
Although I never met you, I feel like I know you just from reading your columns for many years. Many years ago I was friends with a couple of your brothers, and had the pleasure of meeting your mother and father. My mother also read your columns religiously. I offer my condolances to your family and very sorry for such a great loss.
October 22, 2010
R.I.P Mr. Harden. Thank you for everything. Tonya Shepherd
October 19, 2010
Dear Debra,
We are heartbroken and deeply sadden over the news of Mike's passing. God got a great one. We hope you can find peace in how many people Mike touched in his life through his lasting words. Love, Carol and Derek Kinzer
Roger & Kathy(Sis Toops) Moore
October 19, 2010
Mary Kay, Sherry, Joe, Steve and Dan, I can only sent our prayers to you. I know that he was the big brother you loved. As part of the extended family years ago I will miss him also. He was so kind in writing about my father when he passed and about some of my other family members. God be with you all.
Darlene Wiggs-Harp
October 19, 2010
I am thankful to have known and read many of the books and articles that Mike wrote. I attended his writing workshops and we laughed about our memories as former students of Miss Booth. Mike will be missed by all of his fans.
Tim Smith
October 18, 2010
i only met Mike a couple times, but i grew up with his younger brothers. i enjoyed reading him very much. he will be missed i send my condolences to all his family
A fan
October 18, 2010
I truly miss your columns already. I have been a big fan of yours for decades. I didn't realize you were ill until I read your last column. It touched my heart as so many of your stories did. You are the greatest! God bless.
President Jim Gilbert Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9
October 18, 2010
On behalf of the men and woman of Central Ohio law enforcement whome I represent, Thank you! You were always writing about and keeping the memory of fallen officers in the public eye. You supported honoring them with memorial dedications and writing about dedication to duty they exemplified. You will be missed by many!
Michqua Alcott-Allen
October 18, 2010
I will always have wonderful memories of Mike's writing ...His sense of humor was my favorite! Thank you Mike... for many years of laughter :)...God Bless!
Scott Creighton
October 18, 2010
My name is Scott and I'm the former manager and bartender at The Shrunken Head here in Columbus. Mike became somewhat of a regular at our open mic nights. We never spoke much, but always exchanged pleasantries when he came up to the bar for an order. Though the words were brief and few, he was always very nice to all of the staff and we always enjoyed seeing him whether he was playing or just taking in the local talent. He always called me "Tony" I guess because I have dark features and look Italian though I'm not. I never bothered to correct him, because I had a feeling that I was going to be "Tony" regardless, and that arrangement worked just fine for us two. Deepest sympathies to Mike's family, and to Mike, it was my pleasure to know you and be your bartender.
Your pal,
Tony
John Scott
October 17, 2010
I knew Mike since elementary school - - Highland Avenue Elementary on the Hilltop. We went through several years there together before he moved to West Jeff. But our paths crossed many times over the next several decades. I worked at Lazarus doing graphics art work and would run into him from time to time. Then when Lazarus moved the offices to Cincinnati I started working at Columbia Gas and would run into Mike and have lunch over by the Dispatch there on 3rd. He always remembered me and we would talk about the fun times in elementary school. Throughout the years his columns have been a true inspiration to me and to so many others. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
John Scott
Helen Schneider
October 17, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to Mike's family.
We only met him once when he came to Larue to see a small country restaurant where volunteer musicians played one night a week. He was a friend over coffee, starting with the Citizen-Journal. We laughed at his letters from Aunt Gracie and cried when he wrote about his dogs dying. He was an unmatched writer and a light to everyone in Columbus. Rest in Peace.
Carole Simmons
October 17, 2010
What a joy it was to see the wonder of this world through Mike's eyes. I shall miss his observations and column.
Norma Ullrich
October 17, 2010
You were one of a kind. A great columnist with humor that will never be equaled. I saved your last report from OSU Hospital, about 11:00 A.M check out time, not knowing that it would be your last.
You will be missed. God be with you, Mike. My profound sympathy to your loved ones.
Roger Warren
October 17, 2010
Mr. Harden, you have left all of us entirely too soon. We were blessed to have the many wonderful articles you carefully crafted for us each Sunday which gave us your exceptional view of humanity. We will miss you.
Jean (Jeanie the Little Clown) Schwinne
October 17, 2010
My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mike's family. I was fortunate enough to know him through both of his wives. I was working at Blue Cross of Central Ohio at the time. Both of his wives also worked there, at different times.
One day, Mike's first wife Suzanne came in and said Mike wanted to do a story about me. I guess being a dwarf with achondroplasia is of interest to other people, although I didn't get it at the time. Mike made my life at the time sound very interesting. Mike was the first person to write about me. It was awesome!
Since then, although I have always kept my day job, I also became a clown part-time and then sometimes other people would want to write about me< but Mike was the first who saw something in me that he thought other people might enjoy knowing. God bless you, Mike!
Craig Lathem
October 17, 2010
When the dispatch bought the old Citizan Journal, they ask readers what sections and columnist to keep. Most said Mike Harden and Mike Royko. Damn, I'm going to miss his stories. Good by forever Aunt Gracie!
Jack Wackernagle
October 17, 2010
I will miss that little boy that I knew when we all lived on the hilltop and everything was ahead of us. We are richer for knowing him. Gods speed Mike.
Don Barnes
October 16, 2010
GOD must have needed a great writer,humorist,columnist and kind, gentle soul to add to his staff. He got one of the best, REST in PEACE dear friend.
Shelly Young
October 16, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all of Mike's family. I was fortunate enough to get to know him when I owned 'Stache and Little Brother's nightclub on High Street years ago. Mike and his band of characters played and the next day I would find that he had written the most hysterical column about playing in a band! He was the most gifted writer - just the right combination of heartfelt storytelling and humor. He will be missed by so many. I will always be grateful for his farewell to Willie Pooch. Mike always got it right. God bless Mike and God bless his family.
Shelly Young
Wayne Carl
October 16, 2010
Wayne Carl and Lucy Mendheim
October 16, 2010
I know without a doubt that Mike is now in the presence of the Answer to all of his earthly questions and wranglings. His out-loud love of messy people, insulting food, simple music and delicious language was a gift of inspiration and blessing on my life. Soon and very soon, Mike.....
Beckie Boger ( Centerburg, Ohio)
Amy (Gooding) Clifton
October 16, 2010
Aaron and Annie... sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers and thoughts to you and the rest of the family! I know the memories will always keep you close to him!
October 16, 2010
Please know how thankful we were to have shared Mike's life and stories, they will remain in our memories forever. He was a creative writer with a great sense of humor and a deep feeling for humanity. Thoughts and Prayers are with his family.
S. Bruno (Columbus, OH)
October 16, 2010
Reading a Mike Harden column always left us with a "feel good" afterglow. We especially loved his spoof on songs. Columbus has lost one of a kind. Rest in peace good friend. Bill and Mickey Schneider, now of Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Ruth & Jim Neil
October 16, 2010
I am going to miss my best friend very much.
Ruth & Jim Neil
October 16, 2010
I have lost my very best friend and will miss him so much.
Jerry Revish
October 16, 2010
Mike was a dear friend and colleague to me. I remember the excitement of him coming into our newsroom to do his On the Road series. His talent was towering and we all learned from him. I will truly miss him.
A Fan
October 16, 2010
RIP Mike, and thank you for all the great stories you shared with us over the years. You will be missed greatly. Thoughts and prayers to your family
Joan Matyskella
October 16, 2010
He was a wonderful writer, my family and I were great fans. He was part of the fabric of Central Ohio and will be missed.
Arnett
October 16, 2010
Mike, we were fellow musicians, journalists and authors. I was a better musician and you a better journalist, but only because we had to do it six days a week for decades. We shared fence painting at Darby Dan Farms, country, folk, rhythm and blues songs and our love for Willie Pooch.
Last evening at St. John's Evangelical Church, we did a second line to When The Saints Go Marching In. I hope you enjoyed it, even though you left the party too soon. You are loved, as well as you family.
October 16, 2010
A few years ago, I called and left a message for Mike because a beloved member of the West Jefferson community had passed away (Glen Webb). As you all know, Mike graduated from WJHS. He called me back within a few minutes. He and I reminisced about Webb and he assured me that he was going to speak to others and get enough material to write a tribute for the Dispatch. Well, a few days later, sure enough, there was a wonderful, eloquent article that brought tears to the eyes of anyone who read it. Mike did a wonderful job, through his writing, to show why a little town was going to miss this one man who made a difference in their community for so long. Well, Mike, this whole community of central Ohio is going to miss you because you made a difference in everyone's lives through your words.
- Someone else who grew up in West Jefferson
Zach Ward
October 16, 2010
Annie & Family - So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May the love of those around you and the fond memories help you through the days ahead. We'll be thinking of you.
Ron Lanthron
October 16, 2010
My utmost heartfelt condolence to Mike's
Family. I pray for our loving GOD to be
with you all, and uplift you with His
loving love. I will personally miss you
Mike. You were truly a rare breed, and
true Warrior with heart. Semper Fi Mike.
Ron Lanthron
Al Mirolo
October 16, 2010
To Mike's immediate family:
Please accept my humble condolences and sincere sympathies on your loss. Mike was a wonderful and compassionate writer who shared his gift with Columbus and the world. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Becky Meister
October 16, 2010
Central Ohio just won't be the same either. Our deepest sympathies to Debra and all of the family. Mike had a way with words we will miss tremendously. When I think of Mike I think of his friendship, knowledge, storytelling, singing, love for family and friends, love for the Buckeyes, cakes, cooking, the list goes on! The good news is we have many memories to cherish. May the memories bring you comfort and peace. Love Becky & Bob.
Claudia Reed
October 16, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about his death.
October 16, 2010
Love Always,
Aunt Gracie
October 16, 2010
Methane just won't be the same!
Love,
All the folks who live in Methane
Linda Walters
October 16, 2010
I was a classmate of Mike (the class of 1964) at West Jefferson H.S. He was our class president. Even in his high school years, his talent of writing was obvious. I'm so glad that our class got our act together and enjoyed our 45th reunion last October. Almost everyone was in attendance. Mike brought in his latest book, patiently autographed each copy, and gave all of us one. The last time I saw him was at a special birthday gathering a few months later. I sat with Mike and his wife Debra, and even though I didn't think he must be feeling very well, I had no clue that he had cancer. How I wish we all had known! He was a dear friend, and our class will greatly miss him. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
October 16, 2010
What a wonderful dispatch writer there ever was. The years my mom enjoyed reading his articles is why I chose to start reading them these days because I can see why she loved them so much. I couldn't wait for the next Sunday newspaper to come to my door and the Metro was the first section I would pick up to read his article. What shocking news upon hearing of his death. He will be missed by all his favorite readers. Brenda J. Stapleton, Columbus, OH
October 16, 2010
We praise God for the life and service of our veteran. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord as a grateful nation mourns.
Michele N. Sandridge, Chaplain
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Ohio
Susie Gloeckner
October 16, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy to the family, of Mike Harden. The community has lost a wonderful journalist and he will be missed.
Susie Gloeckner, Columbus, OH
October 16, 2010
While I only knew him for a brief time during our radiation treatments together at The James, it was by all means an absolute pleasure to have known him, and we'll surely meet again! Ron Pyles (Wapakoneta, OH)
Michele Moore
October 16, 2010
I will pray for the family and their loss. We all will miss Mike and his humor, kindness and honesty each day. He came to our preschool and read to the children years ago and became a friend. He later did an article on the ABATE club we belong to about Toys for Tots and the bikers donations. He was an amazing man and he will be missed. RIP Mike and God bless his family with peace.
Rich Stein
October 16, 2010
Mike's many columns provided humor and a wonderful insight into the human condition. His community service contributions were numerous and will be greatly missed. May his family find consolation in his gift as a writer and his many hours of service to his fellow man. He will be greatly missed by his extended family of readers and those he helped with his good works. May he rest in peace.
L Newman
October 16, 2010
I loved reading Mike Harden's columns in the Dispatch and will miss his wry humor. To his daughter Annie: How I envy you a Dad who would sit and play Scrabble! I hope you treasure those memories always. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Becky L Kourkounakis
October 16, 2010
My condolences on the loss of Mike Harden. Such a wonderful person & a talented writer. He will be missed. RIP.
October 16, 2010
Thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for alll the humor of life.
Blue Star Mothers
Buckeye Military Moms, Ch9
Worthington/Cols. OH
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