SIDNEY – Gordon R. Harde, 87, of Sidney, Maine passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta following complications from a brief health battle.

Gordon was born in LaPorte, Ind., on Feb. 21, 1934. He was predeceased by his parents, Axel and Frieda (Wegener) Harde; brother Milton; brother-in-law Donald Peeples and wife Denise; and sisters-in-law Lana Peeples and Donna Zech and husband Bud.

He attended high school in LaPorte, Ind. Following his graduation in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in dedicated service to his country in both active and reserve duty. Following release from active service (1956), Gordon attended the College of Pharmacy at Butler University, Indianapolis. During that period, Gordon found the love of his life, Clara Peeples. They were joined in marriage on December 27, 1958 to begin their journey as forever-soulmates, and they recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary.

After his college graduation in 1960, Gordon began his professional pharmacy career and was employed as a pharmacist for eight years at a small family drug store in South Bend, Ind. In light of his growing family (son Michael and daughter Caryn) and broadening professional horizon, Gordon and Clara relocated to Maine where Gordon began a lengthy tenure with LaVerdiere’s Super Drug Stores. He worked as a pharmacist in many of their stores before being promoted to Director of Pharmaceutical Operations, where he oversaw and guided all aspects of LaVerdiere’s 50-plus location pharmacy division. Following his departure from LaVerdiere’s, Gordon entered the hospital field and continued his work as a pharmacist at Mid Maine Medical Center in Waterville and at Kennebec Valley Medical Center in Augusta. Gordon spent his final professional years working as a pharmacist at the VA Medical Center at Togus where he helped provide pharmacy services to other veterans.

Following his retirement at age 71, Gordon served as a volunteer at Maine Hospice of Waterville and at the Veterans Administration at Togus. Gordon felt it was both a privilege and an honor to provide companionship and peace to his fellow veterans during their final battles. Gordon carved eagle-head wooden canes for all of his hospice friends as an honor, commemoration, and reminder of their selfless contributions to our country.

Gordon was a renowned decoy and decorative bird carver. His works ranged from traditional, simply-carved pieces, to contemporary, intricately detailed decoys that, even at close range, appeared ready to take wing. He won many blue ribbons and Best of Show honors at both regional and national competitions as well as ribbons at the Ward World Championship competition held annually in Ocean City, Maryland. He was also one of the founding members of the Maine Wood Carvers Association and introduced many people to the art of carving. He was accomplished as a flat art painter in acrylic, oil, and watercolor, and he loved all things related to woodworking. While he spent many hours in his workshop, Gordon still found time to enjoy bird watching, kayaking, fishing, hunting, hiking, diving, skiing, family game nights, and managing his and Clara’s property in Sidney.

There was never a dull moment when you were around Gordon. He could keep a group laughing and entertained for hours with his recounts of youthful antics (mostly at the expense of his childhood best friend, Walter). His propensity for witty playfulness as an adult was no less frequent but did have a bit of refinement and polish that came with decades of practice. Gordon was well-known for being a prankster. If a family member or friend noticed him from across the room with that tell-tale twinkle in his eye, they knew that something was brewing. They would all chuckle quietly to themselves as they watched the events unfold while enjoying a bit of temporary relief knowing that they were (apparently) not the focus of his current shenanigans. People naturally gravitated toward Gordon. He showed a genuine interest in the lives of others, and he treated everyone with respect. He was a man of integrity who often said that a person’s worth is not measured by their assets but rather by the character of their soul. He loved his family beyond measure and was infinitely loved in return.

He is survived by his loving wife Clara; son Mike Harde and wife Kara Spragg; daughter Caryn Burwood and husband Tim; granddaughter Jamie Burwood and husband Adam Vachon; grandson Derek Harde and wife Laurence B. Violette; Darlene Norris and husband John; sisters-in-law Carol Jean Harde and Pamela Kozy and husband Raymond; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A spring memorial graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 2 p.m., at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta. Special memories, condolences, and well-wishes for the family can be shared on the funeral home’s website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial contributions in Gordon’s name may be made to: Travis Mills Foundation,747 Western Ave., Suite 1,Manchester, ME 04351 or to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area,304 Main St.,Waterville, ME 04901.

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