August 13, 1954 – July 12, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Harding of North Saanich, British Columbia, on July 12, 2025, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with aggressive ALS.
Born on August 13, 1954, in Orillia, Ontario, Dave was the beloved son of the late Richard and Audrey Harding. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Virginia Harding, and his cherished daughter, Elyse Harding. Dave also leaves behind his adored step-children Drew and Laura Clifton, Sasha and Adam Dann, Josh White and Ashleigh White, as well as his adored grandchildren, Kaiden and Asher Dann, and Jemimah and Eleanor Clifton.
Dave lived a life filled with adventure, hard work, and, above all, laughter. He had an unmatched gift for making people laugh, whether through his quick wit, a playful story, or his mischievous sense of humor. He had endless great stories and was a natural storyteller, captivating friends and family with tales that were as entertaining as they were heartfelt.
He carried fond memories of his childhood in Orillia, growing up surrounded by his large extended family and many cousins with whom he shared a special bond. Those early years, full of play, adventure, and family gatherings, shaped the warmth and humour that would define him for the rest of his life.
A retired police officer and former RCMP scuba diver, Dave served with dedication and courage before following his entrepreneurial spirit into creating and growing numerous successful businesses. Away from work, he loved sailing, motorcycles, cooking for his family, entertaining friends, and with great pride tending to his yard with his leaf blower.
The family wishes to extend a heartful thank you to all the staff at Royal Jubilee and Saanich Peninsula Hospitals for their exceptional care, kindness and support.
Though ALS took him far too soon, Dave’s humor, warmth, and generosity will live on in the countless stories and laughs he left behind. Donations in Dave’s memory to the ALS Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated.
The family has requested that no unauthorized or reproduction of this obituary is to be made.
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16 Comments To "David “Dave” Harding"
#1 Comment By Tom Granton On August 18, 2025 @ 10:24 am
Virginia and family, please accept my condolences. A small story that I remember. When he started with Waterloo Regional Police, I was his training officer working the midnight shift. Times were quieter back then. We were both tired and the sun was due to rise. We found an empty parking lot and leaned back in our seats for a quick cat nip. Sunglasses on, in case anyone walked by. Well, we woke up, the sunglasses crooked on our noses and the parking lot full of cars from people arriving for work. Yepper, we fooled everyone thinking that we were sleeping. The little drool from the corner of our mouths may have been a giveaway. So many stories. So many laughs. So many memories. And just part of ‘my’ adventures. Dave has a lasting memory with many fellow offers from Waterloo
#2 Comment By Virginia L. Harding On October 24, 2025 @ 7:01 am
Thank you for sharing. It’s heart warming to read about his connections with fellow police people. It means a lot to myself and our family.
#3 Comment By Daniel Schmalz On August 19, 2025 @ 8:36 am
My sincere condolences to Harding Family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Dave Waterloo Regional Service
Great guy and lots of fun RIP 🙏 my Brother in Policing
#4 Comment By David Marshall On August 19, 2025 @ 8:40 am
Dave was a great friend and fellow police officer. He was always filled with great business ideas from real estate to chicken (WINGNUTS). He will be missed. Dave & Carol Marshall ( Waterloo ).
#5 Comment By Melody Joan McLaren On August 19, 2025 @ 8:44 am
My condolences to the family.
#6 Comment By Paddy O’Kane On August 19, 2025 @ 10:13 am
Dave, what a fun guy you were I’ll always remember the times we worked together, you and Bill Hussey the laughter with you two was ongoing, Rest in Peace Dave, when I think of you a smile comes to my face
#7 Comment By Heidi Tavares On August 19, 2025 @ 10:18 am
Dave was on patrol in Waterloo when I started in dispatch wrps. I used to love going to the Kent after afternoon shift. Dave and John Young would keep everyone in stitches retelling stories or calls
( slightly embellished and very animated). It was the best remedy for stress you could have. Everyone was part of our pl2 family. Thank you for those beautiful memories which I still think of time to time. My deepest sympathy to Dave’s family. Heaven has a new jokester.
#8 Comment By Steve Hibbard On August 19, 2025 @ 10:27 am
So sorry for your loss. I had not seen Dave in years, but I remember bet working with him at WRPS. He had a great sense of humour.
#9 Comment By Brenda Keffer On August 19, 2025 @ 2:33 pm
To Dave’s Family: I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Dave and I were hired together at Waterloo Regional. We went to training together. He always made everyone around him laugh. I am happy to hear he had a great family around him, which was his biggest wish. RIP brother.
#10 Comment By Liz jones On August 19, 2025 @ 3:26 pm
Dave had the best humour and was very kind I remember one night he had a call for a homeless male at the church. Next thing I know Dave has him in the cruiser and drives him to Kentucky fried chicken (at the request of the male) after Dave paid for his supper he found him a warm place to eat it.. that was Dave.
#11 Comment By gary askin On August 19, 2025 @ 4:28 pm
Truly a great guy to work with.
Funny, smart and compassionate it was a pleasure knowing him.
RIP Dave. Condolences to Daves family.
#12 Comment By DJ MCNAB On August 19, 2025 @ 6:07 pm
I had the great pleasure of working with Dave many years ago when we were both in uniform with the WRPF and we attended the OPC together. I always remembered his positive attitude and wonderful sense of humour.
#13 Comment By Don Scott On August 20, 2025 @ 9:08 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave and I worked together on Platoon 1 in Waterloo for a number of years. Not only was he a fun person to be around, but I also considered him a mentor. He showed me that there was always a human and compassionate side to policing. I also considered Dave a friend. He volunteered to M/C my wedding. To this day family and friends that were there still talk about how entertaining he was.
Rest in Peace Brother.
#14 Comment By Karen Miller On August 20, 2025 @ 9:22 am
Although it’s been many years since I talked to Dave. I remember his smile and wonderful sense of humour. My condolences go out to his family. A tragic loss.
#15 Comment By Deb voll On August 27, 2025 @ 7:59 am
While Dave worked at WRPS….he truly was a STAR!!!! When he was shining..he gave us…Joy!!! We often wondered where he went…..l am so glad he found happiness….family… And made a good life in BC …. Harding Family ….l am sure his star ⭐ is still shining.. Deb v
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#16 Comment By Lisa Mayer (Austin) On November 14, 2025 @ 6:10 pm
Very sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. I was new to wrps at the time and we were on the same platoon. He won me over with his incredible sense of humor and wit. I never knew for over 30 years what happened to him. I’m glad he found the love of his life and created a life with his beautiful family. Sad to see he’s gone so soon. My condolences to the Harding family.