Robert Douglas "Doug" Harder

On the night of Saturday June 10th, 2023, Robert Douglas Harder (age 85) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, CO. Despite various health challenges in his final months, Doug’s courage, faith in God, and deep love for his wife Carolyn and family kept him going, meeting each obstacle with a sense of humor and a smile.

Doug was born in Houston, TX on September 2^nd, 1937 to parents, Thurman Howland “Skeeter” Harder and Nelle Margarite Curtis Harder. As a child, Doug’s family moved around often, as his father was an engineer in the oil industry. The Harders called many states home, including Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, before eventually planting their roots in Englewood, Colorado. Doug graduated from Englewood High School in 1955, where he met his beautiful wife, Carolyn Anne Schmid. The two were married on August 9, 1963 and raised four children together: Zachary, Kristen, Jennifer, and Michael.

Doug was known by many for his vibrant knack for storytelling, along with his contagious love of sports, particularly golf. He found joy playing, coaching, and watching his kids and grandkids thrive through competition. He never missed a game, always cheered them on, and made sure to let them know how proud he was of them. Professionally, Doug had a long, successful career in the mortgage industry as a sales executive. He volunteered as an Arapahoe Sertoma member and served on the board at Christ Lutheran Church - Denver LCMS for over 50 years. A friend to everyone he met, Doug loved helping people. He was always willing to lend a hand and cared deeply for those around him. To Doug, helping others wasn’t something you do every now and then when it’s convenient, it was a way of life and a quality he has admirably passed on to his loved ones.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents Skeeter and Nelle Harder, sister Lynne Harder Davis, and sister-in-law Patricia Harder. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, four children Zachary, Kristen (Rob), Jennifer (Joel), and Michael (Heather), and brother David. Doug leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his sweet, furry companion Arturo the Chihuahua who all miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the Cardiac ICU staff at Swedish Hospital for their compassionate care and advocacy for Doug in his final days, along with their loving guidance for the family as difficult decisions were made.

A celebration of life will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Centennial, CO on Saturday July 8, 2023 at 1:00pm with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Arapahoe Sertoma club at PO Box 38, Englewood, CO 80151 or Christ Lutheran Church – Denver LCMS, 2695 S. Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80210 in Doug’s honor.

Please share memories of Doug and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook.