Lester Warren Harding, age 90, passed away July 9, 2016. Born in Biddeford, Maine, April 3, 1926, he left high school to serve in WWII, 1944-46, working up to chief cook in the Merchant Marines on vessels “John C Spencer”, “Cringle Reefer”, “Benjamin Huntington”, “Pan Amoco”, “Frederick Bouchard” and hospital ships, “Marigold” and “Thistle”. He received medals for serving in 3 war zones: Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean-Middle East. He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Harding) Goodwin and her husband Gordon, granddaughter Wendy Goodwin, grandson Daniel Goodwin and wife Heather, granddaughter Andrea Van Inwegen and husband Jason all of Marion, MA; grandsons Roland Bullock and wife Missy, Shane Bullock and Ryan Bullock of California; great grandchildren, Joshua and Phoebe Van Inwegen, Jack and Grace Goodwin and Madison and Haylee Divelbiss; his brother, David White and Marsha, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. His devotion to his family was unwavering. “Uncle Les” was loved by all. Always ready to lend a hand to family, neighbors and friends was his signature. With a 5 a.m. start, he had tireless energy and a work ethic many admired. A project was always worth doing right, never letting up until it was completed. His positive attitude and jokester personality lifted our spirits anytime he came into a room. He was predeceased by his parents Lester and Flora May (Pauline Ellis) Harding, Sr., wife Anita Josephine (Cote) Harding, daughter Leslie Ann (Harding) Bullock, son Warren James Harding and granddaughter Bernadette Harding; his brothers Norman (Karl) and James Harding, Edward White and devoted dog and companion Puggie. In his youth, he worked double shifts in the mills of Biddeford and Saco, ME. He later worked for Royal Typewriter, Landers Frary & Clark and retired from Colts Manufacturing after over 30 years. Along with many co-workers, as Shop Chairman, he proudly walked the picket line for 4 ½ years ending in a successful Colts strike, to be rehired serving as its first Board Member representing the employees. He was also a gifted stone mason whose work will always be admired. No one would doubt his loyalty as a Red Sox fan through and through. Also, his love and devotion for birds and animals great and small is well known by all. Loved riding his Harley Davidson during the 50’s. He took pride in having an impeccably well-groomed lawn. Christmas cards were always a highlight for him to send and receive. He insisted his cards say, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” with a photo of Lester and his faithful dog Puggie. Visitation will be on Friday, July 15th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. Funeral will be Saturday, July 16th, 9:15 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Fidelco Guide Dogs, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002 www.fidelco.org . Please visit Lester’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.