Bruce Harding

Bruce V. Harding, 69, of Great Falls, a retired optician, died Monday, October 29, 2012 after a long battle with prostate cancer at a local care facility.A gathering of family and friends will be held at Schnider Funeral Home on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Bruce was born in Anchorage, Alaska to Roy and Barbara (Smith) Harding. He grew up and attended schools in Malta. Bruce worked a short time for Buttrey Foods in Chinook and Shelby. He then went to work at Nelson Optical in Havre as an optician for several years before moving to Great Falls.He went to work for Bausch and Lomb for five years before being employed with Dr. Lee, an optometrist for many years.Bruce finished his career working for Dr. Christman at Pearle Vision retiring in 2008 due to ill health.He married Linda Skinner in February of 1972 at Great Falls.He played the drums in several bands and for many years played with Sweetwater. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking.He is survived by his wife, Linda Harding, son Jason (Tiffany) Harding of Great Falls; daughter Kim (Kevin) Romanchuk of Sand Coulee; brother Michael (Joyce) Harding of Great Falls; a special aunt Bobi Baker of Great Falls; two grandchildren, Jordan and Jacob.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom Robinson and Robert Humphries; and a sister Susan Solis.