In memory of

Edward Francis Harding

August 14, 1942 -  September 4, 2025

It is with great love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Edward “Ed” Francis Harding, of Scarborough, Ontario, on September 4, 2025. Ed will be forever remembered by his beloved wife of 22 years, Belle, his cherished children Martin (Denise), Shiho, and Hiromi (Romer), and his adored grandchildren Sydney (Alex), Sam (Allison), Romina, and Roman. He also leaves behind his dear brother Michael, sisters Anne Marie and Mary Pat, many loving nieces and nephews, and his treasured “furry children” Coco, Suki, and Tutu.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, John David Harding and Mary Rosella Lee, as well as his brothers John, Gerrard and Martin.

Born in Toronto on August 14, 1942, Ed lived a life defined by resilience, service, and love. After overcoming his own struggles with addiction, he found lasting sobriety for more than 50 years, a personal triumph that became the cornerstone of his life’s purpose. From 1981 until his retirement in 2020, Ed dedicated his career to Renascent, where he guided, mentored, and sponsored countless individuals on their own recovery journeys. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment helped change and save lives.

Ed will be fondly remembered for his passion for helping others, his lifelong love of golf, his legendary sweet tooth, and, above all, his devotion to Belle, the love of his life.

A funeral service to honour Ed’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Road, Toronto (Scarborough), followed by a lunch reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Renascent Foundation at renascent.ca/donate-today or by phone at 416-847-6444. Contributions will continue Ed’s life’s work by helping individuals access life-changing addiction treatment.

Ed’s life was one of courage, compassion, and love. His impact will be felt forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Viewing
10-11am

Funeral service
11am-12pm

Lunch reception
12:00-2:00pm

Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road
Toronto (Scarborough)

Guestbook 

(5 of 27)

Tania Archer (Friend)

Entered September 6, 2025 from Toronto

Soda Why Fast Eddy, Soda Why ❤️

Liz Batson (recovery)

Entered September 6, 2025 from Toronto

Thank you for staying sober and sharing hope and compassion to many others. I am so grateful for our conversations, your love and support over the years.
And forever Pine Hills .. resting in peace.
Dear Ed. You will be missed but your legacy of giving back with continue.
with love
Liz B

Kevin Tucker (Fellow Friend of Bill and Bob)

Entered September 6, 2025 from Scarborough ON

Ed will be surely missed. He had the admiration of many including myself. He helped countless number of people and he will be deeply missed and also remembered. God speed. Rest in Peace Ed.

From Kevin - Alumni of Renascent Oct 91

John Marshall (Former patient and co worker.)

Entered September 6, 2025 from Nanaimo

My deepest condolences to Ed’s family. He is fondly remembered from when I was a patient in 1990 and then an Alumni volunteer for years after that. Ed also brought me onto the staff first as weekend counselor and the staff at the old drop in as well as cooking at the old women’s house as fill in. Ed taught me so much about working with patients. Much respect and gratitude for his part in my 36 years of sobriety and my work in helping others. Rest now your work is done.

The Clune Family (Family friend)

Entered September 7, 2025 from Toronto

Belle and Family,

Ed was a giant of a man—both in spirit and in his service to so many people, likely hundreds of thousands over the years.
Our family feels incredibly fortunate to have been among those blessed by his immense generosity and care.

We know in our hearts that Ed is still working—he has simply changed his address to heaven.

We are endlessly grateful, and although our hearts are heavy because he is no longer here with us in body, his spirit remains strong and close to us.

May God watch over all of you during this time.

With love and gratitude,
Anne Marie, Tom, Isabel, Rich, Koa, Brianna, Matt, Winnie, Goldie (coming soon!), Ellie, Ben, Milly, and Finn Clune

Photos 

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