Christopher A. Harden
Christopher A. Harden, age 46, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly at his beloved camp in West Virginia on Thursday, May 17, 2012.
He was born November 2, 1965, in Ashtabula, the son of Gladstone “Gabby” and Nancy (Olin) Harden. He attended and graduated from Edgewood Sr. High School in 1984 and Kent State University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Christopher had been employed with Venture Plastic in Newton Falls, Ohio as a quality engineer until he became disabled.
Chris loved life and the family’s camp on the Potomac River in W.Va. He especially loved the camp at hunting season with his dad and the hunting crew. He was so excitied to finally get the pole barn that his dad had promised to him when he was extremely ill after one of his many surgeries eight years ago. Chris also enjoyed cooking, listening to all genres of music, traveling, riding his low-rider Harley, spending time with family at the holidays, especially at Christmas time as he would be the most “generous Santa” celebrating with champagne and lottery tickets.
He also enjoyed Washington D.C. to the point that he was a knowledgeable tour guide and loved history, especially the Civil War and government. Prior to his illness, he was an avid golfer and had played many famous courses around the country. Chris was a huge Steelers fan, to the dismay of his family, and also loved Ohio State football and Indiana basketball. He was loved by everyone and lived life to its fullest.
Chris was a member of the Conneaut Moose Lodge #471 and was an active member in the Democrat party. He was a member of the Human Rights Commission and was also active for the last two years in raising money for the American Heart Association in memory of his brother.
He is survived by his life partner, Michael Hess of Harrisburg, Pa.; his parents, Gabby and Nancy Harden of North Kingsville; Mike’s parents, Barry and Judy Shafer of McConnellsburg, Pa.; sister, Cynthia (Jerry) Harden-Hevner of North Kingsville; Mike’s sisters, Kimberly (Ryan) Richards of McConnellsburg, Pa., and Wendy (Andrew) Ciancia of Los Angeles, Calif.; sister-in-law, Sheri Harden; nieces, Kimberly (Chris) Harris, Stacia Harden, Tianna Young and Teila Gagat; nephews, Eric Stewart, Stephin Harden and Kristofer Harden; great-niece and nephew Tristain and Braylon Harris, all of Ashtabula; aunts, Judy Breedlove and Patricia “Auntie Em” Hunter, both of North Kingsville; uncle, Delmar (Monica) Harden of Jefferson; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John Harden on March 26, 2010; grandparents, Robert and Betty Olin and Bernie and Pearl Harden; and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held, Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at New Leaf United Methodist Church, corner of Madison and Buffalo Sts., Conneaut, with Rev. David Hines, of Kingsville First Baptist Church, officiating. Friends may call at the Thompson-Smith Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Orleans Crossroads, Great Cacapon, WV 25422.
A memorial service will be held, Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Orleans Crossroads, Great Cacapon, W.Va. Inurnment of ashes will follow at the church cemetery.
Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompson-smithfuneralhome.com
paid obituary
