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Robert Harding Obituary
Robert Steven Harding passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2024 after a valiant struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Powel Byrd Harding, his devoted sons, William Byrd (Amanda) of Katonah, NY and Nicholas Powel (Samantha) of Bethesda, MD; five unique grandchildren Henry, Campbell, Emma, Lillian and James. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Christopher Reed, his parents, Henry Francis and Dale Smith Harding of Bethesda, MD.
He was truly lucky to join the Smithsonian Institution in his dream job right after graduating from college. His career spanned 36 years, with him rising to the position of Deputy Director of the Archives Center at the National Museum of American History. After he retired, he and Powel settled in his beloved Browntown, VA and built their dream home on the property he purchased in the early '70s.
As a graduate of St. Albans School in Washington, DC he continued to be active in alumni affairs as his class Secretary for many years. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League, writing an oral history of Hal Meredith on their behalf. He was a member of the original Browntown History Committee, writing a research section for a future book. An avid fly fisherman and gardener he loved being in the country. With a love of constant learning, he had many varied interests spanning science, music, history, technology, photography and poetry.
A quiet and creative man, he was lucky to make countless friends in this community. He will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to Samuels Public Library or Blue Ridge Hospice are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Harding
Joanne Cherefko
August 24, 2025
It has been a year since you left us, Rob. I think of you often and how our mutual love of poetry, photography, and music enriched our friendship. The beautiful memorial service program has been on my office book shelf ever since September 16, 2024, and your book of poetry, Edge of Memory, rests in its place on our living room cocktail table. Please keep a loving eye on Powel as she travels to Europe.
David Haberstich
September 9, 2024
Dear Powel and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. We were close colleagues in the Archives Center and lunch buddies for many years. I deeply regret not keeping in touch and seeing him in the years since his retirement. I wish I had visited you all at some point. I wish you the best in this difficult time.
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Vince Williams
September 6, 2024
Rob and I were friends and schoolmates at American University, back in the Swingin' Sixties. We subsequently lost touch, and it was only by a chance coffeeshop encounter between his dear wife Powel and me, that we were able to reconnect and discover that we were practically neighbors. I am so glad that we did, and will treasure my friendship with Rob always. He was a true gentleman.
John A Fleckner
September 4, 2024
I extend my sympathies to Powel and all of Rob's family and friends. Rob and I worked together for many years at the National Museum of American History and he was a valued colleague and friend. Rob helped me to understand the Museum when I first arrived from Wisconsin in 1982 and together we built the Archives Center largely from scratch. I know that all of Rob's former colleagues at the Archives Center join me in remembering a treasured friend.
henry Schoellkopf
August 28, 2024
On his his birthday at the Inn at Little Washington in 2022. He was a brother to me and one of the kindest friends I ever had.
Joanne Cherefko
August 27, 2024
Rob’s sincerity, kindness, and easy going manner immediately drew many of us to him. I felt a kinship with Rob because of our mutual love of music, poetry, and photography. During my visit with Rob a few months ago, we discussed some songs that I had discovered and some blues songs that Rob thought I would like. Compared to Rob’s love of music, mine was confined to fewer genres, but we both agreed about our love of the classics. I will miss my friend, and I will read his signed book of poetry/photography, The Edge of Memory, over and over to keep him in my heart.
Patti Russell
August 27, 2024
Rob was as customer of mine at Rite Aid pharmacy he had a wonderful smile and always so upbeat . Condolence to his family at this time RIP
Vicki Rudacille Davison
August 26, 2024
Powel and family, my deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved husband and father, Robert. God be with you all in the days and weeks ahead.
Willem Polak
August 26, 2024
It is difficult to think of a "nicer" classmate and friend than Rob. His warm smile existed even as he struggled in these last weeks of his wonderful life, with great support from Powell and others. Friendship and memories of Rob will last forever. Browntown was lucky to have Rob as a resident and Rob loved being in the farmlands. Will always miss him as a wonderful "fabric" of STA class, 1963.
Peter Dove
August 26, 2024
Rob was truly a renaissance man and a lovely pal, full of friendship and dry humor. The picture herein displays his willingness to teach a city mouse how to use a chain saw whilst clearing his land on Gooney Loop - an excuse to collect his friends for a little bit if work, lots music, a few beers and lots of camaraderie. Our last visit was filled with love, a couple of chuckles and some lemonade. How lucky we were to bask in the warmth of his friendship. Godspeed, Rob!
George Damon
August 26, 2024
May his smile, positive energy and engagement in life live on in each of us he touched. We are fortunate to have him as a classmate and friend to so many. I celebrate a life fully lived.
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