Robert “Bob” Willis Harnden entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. His departure into the presence of the Lord came unexpectedly, but was absent of any prolonged sickness or suffering.

Bob was born in Colorado on July 5, 1929. Awaiting him in heaven is wife Mary Lou Harnden, his parents Leo and Velma Harnden and his siblings Viola Harnden, Clarence Harnden and Lillian Alexander.

He is survived by his sons and their wives: Brad and Kathie Harnden of Arizona, Robert “Marty” and Tina Harnden of Manteca, and Doug and Jennifer Harnden of Manteca. He was blessed with seven grandchildren; Matthew, Jessica (Lou), Emily, Robert (Priscilla), Rebecca (Kyle), Chris (Gaby) and Nicole (Brad). In addition, Bob has eight great grandchildren, Alyssah, Alannah, Nathan, Lilly, Uli, Vinny, Kristella and Savannah. Bob is survived by two siblings, Donald Harnden (Barbara) and Dorothy Huse, both of Modesto, CA.

Bob was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict (ca. 1950’s).

Bob spent 25 years working in the retail lumber industry for Diamond International as a yard foreman in Stockton, CA. After his retirement from Diamond Lumber, he used his entrepreneurial skills to start a one-man demolition/debris removal business for another 20 years. Also, throughout his adult life Bob and his wife, Mary Lou farmed a small acreage of almond trees in Manteca.  

Bob possessed a charitable and generous personality. He was always ready to assist someone who needed help. He enjoyed helping family members and others with various kinds of home improvement projects.

The sharing of life’s stories was one of the many characteristics along with his humorous personality that will be remembered of Bob. Family was always important to him and during these later years Bob was very active in his great-grandchildren’s lives by attending school and sports events.  Bob lived a long and full life and he will be greatly missed.

The P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harnden family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Northgate Community Church, 650 Northgate Drive, Manteca, CA.  To send condolences to the family please visit our website at www.plfryandson.com.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013