Robert L. Harding, Jr,. faced the chaos of the modern world with a timeless wisdom. “It is what it is,” he would say whenever difficulties arose in his life. Let’s be clear–this was not some statement of defeat; rather he spoke from the strong position of releasing the things he could not control. He was a powerful man because he saved his energy for what really mattered–and what mattered most were his wife, Mary, the only woman he ever loved; two sons, Bobby and Justin, who followed his example in marrying Shelley and Shawna, extraordinary women themselves; Angela, whom he embraced as a daughter; his eight grandchildren who inherited his gentle, good humor; and his many friends and co-workers.
You should know that Robert was a man of the people. He was equally comfortable with those he encountered for the first time at the river as he was with those in AA meetings with whom he stood shoulder to shoulder for more than 40 years. You should also know he was a man of God. Attending Alcoholics Anonymous changed the course of what was once a self-destructive journey and, through his daily meditation and surrender, he developed what he called “an understanding with God”. He learned to change the things he could control and let go of those he could not.
Robert was also a man who embraced work. This was the Harding way. If you knew him, you witnessed how he served others with so many accumulated skills: he repaired automobiles, built a garage, poured cement, replaced faulty plumbing, and planted gardens. There was nothing he could not do because there was nothing he could not learn. And everything he learned to do eventually benefited someone he loved. He roofed his mother’s house. He replaced the axles in his brother’s car. And he probably could have fixed his beloved Huskers if only they had asked.
In 1998 Robert and Mary built a house next to his dad and mom, and for the next 24 years they cared for the older couple with such generosity and kindness that it undoubtedly prolonged their lives. Neither Dad nor Mom Harding ever had to go to a nursing home, and Robert and Mary’s attentive love was the reason why.
There will be many tears for Robert’s passing–as there should be for someone who made life better for everyone who encountered him. When a strong man is no longer strong, we mourn. When a man with wisdom no longer can speak, we are the poorer for it. When a cold mouthful of water becomes the best event in a once active man’s day, we count the loss as our own. Robert has completed his understanding with the Almighty. For us it is what it is–but for him it is forever glorious. There are no more difficulties in heaven.
So if you would take something from his time on Earth, be reasonably happy in this life, living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, taking this sinful world as it is, and accepting that anyone can be transformed and everyone has worth. That was Robert’s way.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Christ Place Church, 1111 Old Cheney Rd., Lincoln. Viewing will be from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., May 11, 2023, at Christ Place Church. Informal attire is preferred. Memorials may be directed to the family for further designation.
Mary and family, I am sorry for your loss. May Bob enjoy the peace and joy of eternal life!
I knew Robert and Mary through my Aunt Patty and Uncle Marv. Robert always had a smile on his face and was always cool. I am glad to have known him. I am sure it’s quite a reunion in heaven.
My sincere condolences for the the whole family. I first met Roy while working for Bony Hoffman on his garbage route, I can now look back to see where Bob got his kindness, his smile and his sincere friendship, even if it was only a wave from that Mack truck front loader at any time of the day. (And it was usually in the wee hours as all of Lincoln was sleeping). Later when I bought the route that Bob and Mary lived on, he still stayed loyal to my company as a customer. Thank you Bob, and also Mary. I feel both said, and happy that he is gone, yet as like Bob Iam also a believer and one day I will see his smile and wave again. Iam guessing there are countless other people who maybe didn’t know his name, but by golly they knew that wave from the driver seat of his Front load truck. God’s blessing to the whole family
May he rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.
What a wonderful tribute! I am certain that he knows how much he will be missed and knows how much everyone loved him! I never had the pleasure to meet him but I know he is watching over all of you and he will influence your decision and thoughts forever. God bless all of you! Tight hugs and love!
I worked with Bob everyday for over 13 years. And every day he made me laugh. Or he was there consoling me with my issues. He saw me through the death of my mother, my brother, my sister, my breast cancer, my hip surgery, my daughters cancer scare and dealing with my lupus. And he would always ask me if I needed anything. And he would always say if you do I’m here and I mean it. He would ask me what do you need? Do you need some money? Do you need a ride? It just never ended. He pretty much help me furnish my new apartment lol. He made a difference in my life and he will surely be missed. And like Dorothy said in The wizard of Oz ” it’s not how much you love but how much you are loved by others “. And he was loved by many. Rest in peace Bob.
My thoughts ,prayers and hugs go out to Angela and family in a difficult time. May God comfort you.
We spent so many happy, fun times with Robert, Mary, and their kids. Robert was a man you could depend on. Many campfire talks we had that our children, and grandchildren will carry with them forever. Thank you Robert for being such an important person in our lives. We will miss you so very, very much.
A man with great wisdom, with great skills and patience, for teaching new people the way of the working world. Who would answer your questions and make you feel important, and appreciated. Whose stories of motorcycle rides, down bye the river, Rv trips that would put a smile on anyone’s face. A man that became a second father to many of people, who he counseled, gave advice, or just was there to listen, a man that would make you laugh to help brighten a gloomy day. This man was truly a gift and amazing freind. Someone more reliable, more relatable, and more willing to be there for ya, at work , after work. Someone you could call and talk to about life lessons or just for advice. Bob your teaching of what it is to be a good person in life have touched many of coworkers of the years. The stories of your family and kids made us feel like we were part of your life. May you forever rest high in the mountains and down bye rivers from above . You will be missed bye more people then anyone will ever realize.
Bob was a true friend in grad school at UNL. I will never forget all the fond memories of our waterskiing summer, his boat was great but I think we ruined it by the end of that summer. We went almost every day! Thank you Bob and may you rest in peace and God bless your family. Love you man
You have the wrong Bob he never went to collage
Sorry for your loss,
Memories are the greatest now he is your guardian Angel. Will be by your side always.
Sending condolences to the Harding family from Neemann Refuse.
What a beautiful description of this man’s life and legacy. It is a celebration of his life in it’s own right.
Sounds like anyone who met him was blessed.
My condolences for your loss.
Uncle Robert, while your physical presence will always be missed, your infectious ways will never leave my memories. From the first moment I entered the family, you always made me feel like a part of the family. You always made everyone feel loved and special. We may be miss you on this earth but Heaven just gained a gem of a guy. Love ya, Uncle Robert!
Wished we could’ve known Robert. However, after reading this loving Memory Message…we do feel touched by his loving soul. Blessings of strength to all…
You will be missed Bob love you ….
Love you
Cheri Ferris/ Ely
Love you Brother peace be with you. Amen
Prayers and hugs for the family. So very sorry for your loss.
I have known Bob for 37 years, I met him when I was 5 years old. I have always respected Bob and he was like a father to me. He showed me what dedication and hard work was. Above all, he thought me that there is nothing more important than family. Anyone who knew him, knows he was always willing to help someone out, no matter what! We will all miss you, rest easy Bob….. you deserve it!
You will be missed Bob
Thank you for time and friendship! Your friend Wendell
Thank you all for you kind and loving words. We miss him everyday. The Hardings