Richard Harder Obituary

HARDER
Col. Richard Harder
Longtime San Antonio resident Col. Richard Harder passed away Dec. 17 after a brief illness. He was 82. A native of Kansas, Col. Harder joined the Army Reserve after working five years as an elementary school teacher in Topeka, KS, and as a hospital administrator at the Menninger Hospital in Topeka. After volunteering for active duty in 1961, Col. Harder's distinguished military career as a hospital administrator included tours of duty in Munich, Germany; Junction City, KS; Okinawa, Vietnam, Washington, D.C. and Fort Sam Houston. He was a graduate of the School of Healthcare Administration at Fort Sam Houston, where he also taught. Col. Harder recalled his work with the 12th Evac Hospital in Vietnam with great pride. "We were trying to take care of casualties and that was very worthwhile," he said. After retirement in San Antonio, Col. Harder worked at Alamo Heights Methodist Church and volunteered at Brooke Army Medical Center. In his last days, he expressed regret that he would not be present for the opening of the new Brooke Army Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou. Survivors include his brother, Dr. Robert C. Harder of Topeka, KS; three sons: Rick, Ron and Rex; a daughter, Cindy Finberg; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday Dec. 21 at Alamo Heights Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alamo Heights Methodist Church and the Army Medical Museum at Fort Sam Houston.

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Published by San Antonio Express-News on Dec. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Harder

11 Entries

January 6, 2010

To the Harder family:

I am alive today thanks to the people like Col. Harder from 12th Evac Hospital, who saved my life in 1968 in Vietnam. I came to know him at a 12th Evac reunion several years ago and we kept in touch. I consider him a role model and must try to live my life more like him. He was the very best sort of person only the US can produce. Tim Manigan, Townsend, MA

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

January 5, 2010

Dear Harder Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.

Although I did not have the honor and pleasure of knowing him, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.

His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Bill Billingsley

December 22, 2009

I attended the Baylor program while COL Harder was the Program Director, and I have never met a more honorable man. He cared about each of his students, sometimes calling them at odd hours to check on how their residencies were going. He was a great leader and mentor to us all, and the Army Medical Department is better for his being there.

Richard Bentley

December 22, 2009

I met Col Harder at the Army Medical Museum at Fort Sam while I was looking at the 12th Evac display he had set up. I was a member of the 12th in 1968. He connected me with others that were there at the time I was, which was great. He was truly a people person, and it was a privelege to have met him.

Joseph Wall

December 21, 2009

I was privileged to know Colonel Harder on active duty and in retirement. His mentorship over the years was instrumental in producing scores of leaders in military healthcare, and making significant contributions to caring for soldiers and their families. We will miss him dearly.
Joseph C. Wall, Lieutenant Colonel, USA (retired.), Olympia, WA

Barbara and Merris Brady

December 21, 2009

Richard and Robert Harder are special "P.K.'s." They have been a part of the parsonage family for 70+ years. Richard was always an A+, #1 guy. He will be greatly missed by his family and even those of us who are now "long distance."

Tony Westrich

December 21, 2009

I enjoyed my times with Dick at the Men's breakfast Thurs mornings and on Sunday mornings. This good man will be missed.

Joyce Fletcher Menard

December 21, 2009

Richard Harder was remembered at the Holy Eucharist at the Episcopal Church in Jensen Beach FL on 20 Dec 2009. Why? Because prayers of thanksgiving is the best thing I do when those I love die. He mentored me and encouraged me from my 1st day in the Army - Baylor Master's prgram in Health Care Administration at Fort Sam. He stayed in touch every since. The Army-Baylor Class of 84-86 was the last class he welcomed into the program to help us learn to be 'healthcare statesmen' and he taught us so much more and we were blessed because of his life. He left more than 3 sons - He left us. Good by Papa Bear we'll miss you!

Gloria Williams

December 20, 2009

It was my great privilege and joy to know Dick for almost twenty years through Toastmasters. He was a friend, and I will miss him.

Brian Foley

December 20, 2009

Col Harder was an outstanding Army Medical Service Corps leader and a great mentor. His memory will be carried on in the memory of the Army Medical Service Corps.

Peter Gueldner

December 20, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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