HARDING, Clifford William Harding

In Loving Memory of Clifford William Harding

On May 9, 2026, Clifford William Harding Junior finished his journey here on earth at the age of 80. The beloved husband of Wendy, Cliff was a dedicated family man whose legacy is carried on by those he raised and mentored. He served as a father, a father figure to his nephew, and a guardian to many foster children over the years. He will be remembered for his creativity, craftsmanship, his love of classic Cars, and the practical wisdom he offered to everyone who sought his help.

Born in Toronto to Avis Kathleen Wright and Clifford William Harding Sr., Cliff moved to Port Bolster at the age of 8/9. While he was born in the city, the move to the country redefined him; he never looked back toward the city, choosing instead to build his life and his legacy first within the close-knit communities of the Georgina area and then settling in Minden Haliburton Hills. His introduction to the trade began at a young age in his father’s garage; though it was a challenging chapter marked by hardship, he emerged from it with a tireless work ethic. He eventually channeled that experience into his own ventures, where his innate creativity and ingenious spirit flourished.

Cliff was a man who could build, create, or solve anything he set his mind to. He possessed the rare mind of an entrepreneur, always looking for the next venture and never afraid to build a business from the ground up. His hands were rarely still, and his mind was always several steps ahead, dreaming up ways to make things run better or more efficiently.

Cliff’s life was defined by the deep roots he shared with his family. He held cherished memories of growing up alongside his siblings—Cathy (the later Bill), Diana (Allen), David (Leanne), June (Mike), Ruth (Alex), and Paul (Jean). From the foundational adventures of their youth in Port Bolster to the simple, lasting joy of summers spent at Green River camp, these shared experiences formed a touchstone he returned to throughout his life.

The most important moment of Cliff’s life is when he met his future wife, Wendy at the Port Bolster drive-in where she worked when they were 16. He invited her to sit with him and they never looked back. They were happily married for over 60 years. Together they raised a family, started an autobody business, built a log cabin by hand, ran a tow truck company, founded Helping Hands foster care, and more. Cliff and Wendy faced life’s challenges together with determination, optimism, and a good sense of humor. They looked out for one another and worked as a team even when things got tough.

Cliff will be remembered for being giving and helpful. He was always willing to help someone else in need. Even well into his seventies he was doing snow removal for folks that needed it and volunteering at the Minden food bank.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Wendy. He will be deeply missed by his siblings, Tia, Craig, and several generations of nieces and nephews. Cliff was a well-known face in Minden, and he will be remembered fondly by his many friends and neighbors. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

A Celebration of Cliff’s Life will be held at the Wintergreen Maple Products, 3325 Gelert Rd., Minden on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Donations to the Minden Community Food Centre would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged through the Gordon A. Monk Funeral Home Ltd., P.O. Box 427, Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0.

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Events
Visitation
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wintergreen Maple Products and Pancake Barn
3325 Gelert Road
Minden, ON K0M 2K0
Celebration of Cliff’s Life