Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jack HARNDEN Obituary
HARNDEN, Jack
Jack Harnden left us on Saturday, August 10, 2013 after a valiant fight with lymphoma. First diagnosed in 2001, Jack underwent treatments leading to a long remission, but a recurrence last year required him to take the field again. Born on November 27, 1944, he was 68 years old.
Originally from Long Beach, Jack and his wife, Karen, sold their sailboat, left the beach and moved to El Dorado County in 1975, where they built a home on acreage in Shingle Springs. Along with their two sons, Bret and Justin, they enjoyed raising chickens, pigs, rabbits and steers as part of their work in 4-H. Jack also tended fruit trees, vegetables and hops. And everyone agrees, he brewed some awesome ale.
Although he held a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.A. in Human Behavior, Jack taught everything from Social Studies to Peer Counseling to Physical Education. He was also a faculty member of the Glasser Institute and worked as a counselor, consultant and trainer with various agencies in the greater Sacramento area. But Jack's true passion was athletics, especially football. He called defense at Ponderosa High School during the championship years of 1975 to 1979 when he left to become the first head coach at Oak Ridge High School. Except for a few seasons at Sacramento City College, Jack continued to coach football at Oak Ridge until his retirement in 2003. In 1995, Jack started the Oak Ridge Rugby Club (which later became Mother Lode Rugby), and still coached rugby for several years after he retired. He took his teams on tour in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand so they could experience the instant camaraderie all rugby players share. In recent years, he loved morning racquetball and Friday night slow-pitch, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Harnden, and is survived by a large extended family. This includes Karen, his wife of 44 years, sons Bret (Alison) Harnden and Justin Harnden, granddaughters Katelyn and Kacie Harnden, sisters Vicki Harnden and Tina Porter, step mother, Lyn Harnden, nephew Mark (Michelle) Eomurian, niece Julie (Jesse) Crawford and great nieces, Bailie and Paige Crawford.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, August 24 at 11:30 a.m. at Lakehills Covenant Church in El Dorado Hills. Donations in his memory can be made to Oak Ridge Football or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack HARNDEN
Mitchel Phillips
August 11, 2022
Jack was my stepbrother who I admired Greatly not for his accomplishments in life but for how he lived his life full of zest and love. with much love RIP brother.
margo maletta
April 19, 2018
I Margo Miller new Jack when I went to Hamilton Junior High His sister Vicki Wishes to all of his family Karen we sang in Choir together we met prior to going to Jordan
Eddie Webber
August 10, 2014
I DID not know Jack well but I was good good friends with his brother Jimmy who was killed in Vietnam in 1967. We lived on Gundry Street in North Long Beach.
September 18, 2013
A LIFE LONG FRIEND AND NORTH TOWN BROTHER YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS
REMBERING ALL THE GREAT TIMES TERRY AND VICKI
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Linda Campbell
September 1, 2013
Jack spent his life serving others. I am so thankful for the 45+ years that I have known him. One life well-lived is a wondrous thing. My heart goes out to Karen and family in this time of sorrow and loss. In deepest sympathy.......
Beth Lehne Williams
August 29, 2013
Jack was a rare find in a teacher and has influenced many over the years. Fond memories of him linger. May you rest in peace and thank you for being such an inspiration. Class of 1972 Long Beach Jordan High.
John Robinson
August 27, 2013
God Speed Jack, you were my Teacher, Mentor, Friend and most importantly a wonderful inspiration for my life. Many of us from the class of 1972 raised our glasses in Toast to a Wonderful Man last Saturday night. Karen, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeannie Keisler - Liwanag
August 27, 2013
There are a handful of Teachers that forever stay in our memories. Jack was one of those teachers at Jordan High in Long Beach. He developed an unique talent of knowing his students individually. Most teachers see a group of students, Jack saw individuals. He addressed issues that students engaged in which made learning much more pleasant.
I know there are many people who will forever keep his memory in their hearts.
Johanna Land
August 27, 2013
Jack was one of my teachers at Jordan High School (Class of '72) and he was, by far, the best teacher I ever had in all my years of education. He truly listened to what I had to say, never talked down to me, and he challenged me and my opinions every day. I honed my critical thinking skills in his classes thanks to his high expectations of me. He never underestimated me and I often felt he knew me better than I knew myself at that stage of my young life. Most importantly, he taught me to see the world beyond the small town of Long Beach. He was still highly spoken of just last summer at our 40th reunion. It's not often that you meet someone who makes that kind of lasting impression on your life. I am so grateful - and lucky - to have known him.
Bob Luke
August 25, 2013
karen I am sorry for your loss; it is really nice to see all his old friends and his students and players say how much Jack meant to them..A true Northtowner will be missed.
Carolyn Grable
August 24, 2013
I was fortunate to TA for Mr. Harnden, and I am incredibly thankful for that experience. He was one of the best men I have had the privilege of meeting.
August 24, 2013
renegade............we miss you
Ashley Bruce
August 24, 2013
I think everyone who ever went to Oak Ridge pretty much, knew and loved Coach Harnden. Walking down the halls all you had to hear was one word from him and you knew exactly who he was. He was an awesome football coach, rugby coach, teacher and just an all around rad guy. Coach Harnden, you will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you along your journey. We will never forget those days you shared with us growing up trying to figure out life, covered in mud at rugby practice. Thank you for the memories. Justin, I am sorry for the loss of your dad. May God give you and your family peace through all you are going through at this time.
Ashley Bruce (Hoehne)
john cordova
August 23, 2013
You were an inspiration to my son. His days as one of your rugby players reshaped his life and made him a better person. Thank you. If there is a rugby team in heaven I am sure you will coach it or play...
Betty Martin
August 23, 2013
My thoughts and love are with you, Karen, and your entire family.
Betty Martin
August 23, 2013
Is has been so moving reading all these tributes to Jack. From knowing him as a fun-loving, gregarious teenager in high school and now discovering what an amazing man he became is heartwarming. The testimonies to his character, philosophy of life, positive attitude and respect for his students, players, friends and family confirm his life held great meaning and purpose.
Sandy Evans-Lacey
August 22, 2013
My condolences to Karen and family. Jack was a great guy, and he will be missed.
Phil & Diana Maingot
August 22, 2013
Thanks for being a friend for 50+ years. We'll miss getting together and enjoying your company and reminiscing about all the good old times. You will be missed.
Rebecca Geiler
August 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Christina (Anderson) Peacock
August 21, 2013
When I heard the news, I knew the world had lost a great man, father, mentor and coach. I was lucky enough to be a part of the first woman's Rugby team at Oak Ridge (class of '98) and to have Coach Harnden teach us girls how the game was to be played. Everyone thought we were all crazy to want to play the sport, but when you saw the love Coach had for the game, you just knew you were part of something great! He taught us to love the game before we played. And I still take that example with everything I do in life. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Bret and Justin! May you rest in peace, Coach Harnden! God Bless!
Ralph Epperson
August 21, 2013
Jack was my friend in Junior High and High School did not know he lived so close to me. You truly earned it Jack
RIP
Sharon Andrew
August 21, 2013
Thoughts and prayers with the Harnden Family.
Steve Guthrie
August 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss! Coach Harnden was a great coach, teacher, and friend of mine. Football, Class of '81! May the Lord bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Sandi Pinney Conniff
August 21, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to Karen and family.
Jack was always a wonderful person. I so enjoyed talking with him at our previous reunion. My favorite and longest standing memory is that Jack was the fastest kid at Grant School. I think that was 5th grade and I have no idea why I remember that, but it obviously made a lasting impression. I know Jack will be so missed by so many and it is with great sadness that we say goodbye!
Karen Schiffbauer
August 21, 2013
Karen and family,
I'm so sorry and sad. Growing up with Denni and his family will always be in my heart. Wish I could be up there but Wanda and Terry will give my hugs.
August 21, 2013
Karen and family,
What can I say. Growing up with Denni and the whole family will be in my heart forever. Wish I could be up there, but Wanda and Terry will give you my hugs.
Hope to see you soon.
Love to you
Karen Schiffbauer Walker
Cameron Larkins
August 20, 2013
Jack was a man that taught by allowance, rather than wasting time on hyperbole or cliche. He told the truth. He taught me the value of effort over victory, reason over emotion, and accomplishment over pride. Coach Harden was a rare breed that supplied me with the tools to be a better man.
Aaron Marlette
August 20, 2013
Jack was a great man and will be missed. Had the opportunity to play for and coach with him at Oak Ridge. Thoughts and prayers to Karen, Bret and Justin.
Georjean Deubel-Hidalgo
August 19, 2013
He always made me laugh. He was a great man and even better teacher. He will be missed. RIP Coach Harnden!
Sandi Solis
August 19, 2013
RIP Jack, you will be missed. My prayers go out to Karen And family.
Matt Klein
August 19, 2013
Coach Harnden was a soft-spoken man, cool as a cucumber when the chips were down, but knew how to bring out the best in us boys.
old picture of Charbelle
mitchel & karen Phillips
August 19, 2013
I was blessed to have an extended family,Jack to me was energy always on the go and enjoying every second.like so many stated his adventure and story telling,his smile and demeanor blessed us all rip brother u will be loved forever.
August 19, 2013
Karen, I always looked forward to seeing both you and Jack coming in the office. I always enjoyed hearing about the travels, activities, and the children. Jack was always so upbeat and I loved his laugh. It was a pleasure to know him. Our office and l will miss him.
Leslie
Suzi Evans-Brewster
August 18, 2013
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jack was a great influence on many lives.
Renee Sloane (Fowler)
August 18, 2013
Coach Harnden.....Oak Ridge class of 1993. I remember I hated running the track in P.E., he told me it's a good place to day dream....I'll never forget that.
Wendi Johannes (Truax)
August 18, 2013
I learned so much from him in my peer counseling class that has stuck with me & has been useful in my life!! I did a marathon & triathlon with Team in Training- I dedicate those feats to you Mr. Harnden!
Cyndi Scarr
August 18, 2013
Jack influenced me to be strong and believe in myself. He was a great listener and I am forever grateful for the knowledge he shared and his presence in my life as our paths crossed throughout the years. A friend you could always pick up with like no time had passed.
Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to call me.
Love,
Cyndi Scarr.
Celeste Hewitt (Lantieri)
August 18, 2013
It's funny, I was just talking about him a few days ago. I was giving him credit for lighting the path towards my life journey of Psychology and Behavioral Therapy. His lessons in peer-counseling, stuck with me... longer than I like to admit (class of '87). My thoughts are with the Harnden Family. He was a wonderful man, and inspiring teacher.
Thomas Brown
August 18, 2013
Saying good-bye to my friend Jack is not easy...he influenced my family in so many ways and we are all the better for it. He helped to open doors for all of us and was there with love, support, and encouragement. We are blessed to have had him in our lives.
Jack "coached" so many people during his life; athletes, students, troubled youth, contemporaries, friends and family - he did so with undying love and respect. He lived to see people excel in their endeavors; he knew better than most that winning was a product of commitment, hard work, love of the game or life, and above all - having fun. Although he guided many teams to success on the field and many championship seasons, his true reward was seeing the players work together, to the best of their ability, with passion and love of the effort, mature as individuals, and work as a team - having fun together. Winning was a product of this. Jack's love and pride for his players and teams, the joy they experienced, was more important than any trophy won. He was a passionate man, which made him who he was. He loved his family and they each were always a key part of his adventure and joy.
Jack was my brewing partner, and with much care and joy, we made wonderful brews together. We coached Rugby together after he mentored me while my son played for him, and to this day our Rugby Family endures. Jack was a very loyal man.
I loved Jack as a brother, and will miss him very much. Yet I know it was time for him to move on and that he will create beauty wherever his energy flows.
To Karen and his entire family, you are all loved and we are here for you, always.
Trisha Schmalz-Gallaway
August 18, 2013
It would be difficult to find someone who has walked the halls of Oak Ridge who doesn't know who Coach Harnden is. For those of us who had him as a teacher, coach or mentor, we truly were the lucky ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Harnden family. Justin, your dad was a man who made an impact on anyone who was lucky enough to know him, we are the ones who carry on his legacy.
Trisha Schmalz-Gallaway (Class of 98)
Craig Ross
August 18, 2013
Coach helped us all find our way through some challenging times and helped us all become who we are today. We will never forget all that we shared on and off the field - ORHS Class of '85
Linda McDonald
August 18, 2013
Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. I have such fond memories of Jack, his wonderful laugh and sense of humor. Peace.
Zane Fralick
August 18, 2013
As a student of Oak Ridge (1989 grad), I had the honor and privilege of knowing and being taught by this fine man. I was a peer counselor and he an instructor and program coordinator. His methodology of dealing with conflict resolution I still use today. I find it to be brilliant in dealing with people in my law enforcement job today. Mr. Harden was a warm man and his contribution to Oak Ridge athletics was outstanding. You will be sorely missed my friend.
Spencer Parsons
August 18, 2013
Mr. Harnden was a great influence to have during those years. I was lucky enough to cross paths with such a commited and honorable individual.
Mike Anderson
August 18, 2013
I played football for Coach Harnden in 1992-1993. He was a positive influence on me and I greatly appreciate all that he taught me. His passion for coaching was evident. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Mike Anderson (Oak Ridge High School)
Brian Woodruff
August 17, 2013
Just want to say that we appreciate all that you did for us at Oak Ridge High School. You will be missed but not forgotten, your dedication to us as kids was unbelievable....thank you.
Justin Kronenberg
August 17, 2013
Rest in peace, Coach. You shared your passion for life, introduced a bunch of young men and women to the world's greatest sport (rugby) and inspired generations of young Americans. Thanks for letting so many of us into your world, so early in our lives. You'll be missed.
aaron bilyeu
August 17, 2013
i was so sorry to hear of his passing. he was a great man. the world's a better place for having him in it... r.i.p. god bless...
Alison Brewer
August 17, 2013
It's funny how you may not hear a person's name for a really long time, like 20 years, and when you see it, you know instantly who that was.
I was a student at Oak Ridge and graduated in 1993 and had Mr. Harnden as a PE teacher. I think he was my teacher when I found out that I loved archery. I guess that's why deep down, I never really forgot who he was.
Anyhow, my thoughts and heart go out to the family. I am sorry for your loss.
Joanne Magin
August 17, 2013
Jack touched so many lives in so many ways! Such a positive influence. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Magin family. Our thoughts and prayers with the Harnden family.
Bryan Greenwalt
August 17, 2013
One of the most amazing men ever. The influence he had on men that had the opportunity to play under him for over four decades in indescribable. You'll be missed coach, but never forgotten! My thoughts and prayers to his sons and family members...
"Don't Be Sorry- Be Right"
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
Make a Donation
in Jack HARNDEN's name
Memorial Events
for Jack HARNDEN
How to support Jack's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jack HARNDEN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
