John Hibbard Harding, 82, a former National Life President, of Montpelier, Vermont, and Fountain Hills, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at home.
John was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to E. Reginald Harding and Emily (Hibbard) Harding.
After he graduated from Princeton in 1958 with a degree in sociology, he began his successful career as an actuary at New York Life in Manhattan, New York. He moved to Vermont in 1962, when he started with National Life of Vermont. At National Life, John held a series of increasingly important roles culminating in his appointment as president and chief operating officer of the company, as well as president of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Actuaries.
Known for his intelligence and wit, John enjoyed singing and, over the years, was a member of a barbershop quartet and sang in a local opera company. After retirement, he was drawn to the geography and culture of Arizona. He was also a nature enthusiast, with particular fondness for the loons on Sabin Pond and the Hammond River, and his loyal dogs, Koenig, Desiree and Molly.
John is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Joan E. Harding; his five children Robert Harding and his wife, Adrienne, Brooke Harding, Ashley Harding, David Drake and his wife, Amy, and Phillip Drake and his wife, Beverlee; his sister, Hilary Harding; and five grandchildren.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT, in lieu of flowers.
Special thanks to Central Vermont Home Heath & Hospice for their care.