Douglas A Harding Gardner, MA Obituary, Death; The Athol community is mourning the loss of Douglas A. Harding, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus following a brief illness. He was 64 years old.
Born on July 25, 1961, in Gardner, Massachusetts, Doug was the son of Joan (Algier) (Harding) McMackin of Templeton and the late Stuart Harding. He is also survived by his stepfather, William McMackin of Templeton.
Doug was a longtime groundskeeper at Ellinwood Country Club, where his dedication, strong work ethic, and love for the outdoors were evident to all who worked alongside him. He cherished time spent outdoors, whether through gardening, fishing, golfing, or working the land. In his earlier years, Doug enjoyed unicycling, water skiing, and hiking.
Family was central to Doug’s life. He is survived by his son, Sean Harding, and daughter-in-law, Samantha, of Winchendon; his two grandchildren, Harley and Jace Harding; his brothers, Robert Harding and fiancée Beverly of Oklahoma, and Richard Harding and wife Nancy of New Jersey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, his brother Kenneth Harding, and his grandparents, Kathleen “Grannie” Harding, Malcolm Kenneth Harding, and Julia and Rufus Algier.
Graveside services will be held this spring at Pine Grove Cemetery on Patriots Road. Service details will be announced at a later date.
Doug Harding will be remembered for his dedication to family, his love of nature, and the quiet strength and kindness he shared with everyone around him. His legacy lives on through his loved ones and the community he touched.