Larry Dietrich Harder

With sadness we announce Larry Harder passed away on June 11, 2026 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 83 years.

He leaves behind his wife Elaine Harder (nee Legault) of Portage la Prairie, daughter Debbie Lyttle (Kirk) of Foxwarren, Manitoba, son Rodney Harder of Holland, Manitoba, daughter-in-law Jodi Harder-Boyle (Blaine) of Portage la Prairie and daughter-in-law Tiffany Harder of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He also leaves his grandchildren - Cassidy (Darryl), Chaley (Payton), Tanner, Kiandra (Ethan), Dayson, Carver, Braden (Tricia), Anna (Alex) and great grandchildren - Adley, Bryley, Layne and Tommy. Along with his siblings - Linda McGarrol of Morris, Manitoba, Sean Harder (Jessica) of Langley, BC and Leslie Harder of Rosenfeld, Manitoba, several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Larry was predeceased by his son Quentin, parents Erdman and Kornelia Harder, sister Norma, brother Norman, mother and father-in-law Florence and Oscar Legault and brothers-in-law Arcel, Orville and Raymond Legault and Alan McGarrol.

Larry was born in Altona, Manitoba on March 20,1943. He attended school in Rosenfeld, Manitoba. He met Elaine Legault on a blind date and they married a year later in 1967. They started their family with Quentin in 1970, Debbie followed in 1972 and Rodney in 1973. Larry’s family was the most important thing in his life. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Larry’s greatest sorrow in his life was losing his son Quentin to a tragic accident in 2010.

Larry began his career with the Department of Highways in 1960 and he remained there until his retirement in 1998. After retirement he obtained his class 1 license, which he was very proud of. He then worked part time with Verwey Farms, which was not really a job for it was work he truly enjoyed. Another significant achievement of Larry’s was getting his pilot’s license in 1976. He was a member of Portage Flying Club for many years and owned three different planes during his time there.

Larry enjoyed many outdoor activities like fishing, camping and waterskiing. Some of his most cherished memories were spent with friends and family at Jackson’s Lake.

After retirement Larry and Elaine travelled extensively. They developed a great love for Cuba, which was their favourite destination and where they made many lifelong friendships. Larry also had a strong bond with his coffee buddies. They could be found frequenting local coffee shops and sharing stories.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and friends who supported Larry with compassion in his final days.

“A Limb has fallen from the family tree

That says grieve not for me

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song,

The good life I lived when I was strong.”

Funeral service with be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Portage la Prairie, with a reception to follow. Private interment will be held at a later date in St. Margaret’s Cemetery High Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or The Kidney Foundation of Manitoba.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com