Daryl Jason Harder

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Daryl Harder on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 44. Daryl passed peacefully at home. 

Daryl will be forever remembered and deeply loved by his sons, Nolan and Riley; his mother Carol and father Lennie (Lavonne); his sisters, Lisa (Mark), Tenille (Dave), Stephanie (Jon), Cheryl (Fred), & Jordan; his brothers David, Darcy (Tristeen), Dwayne (Jaide), Sean, Brendan and Tyler. He will also be fondly remembered by his many cousins, aunties and uncles, nieces and nephews, extended family members, and a wide circle of dear friends whose lives he touched with his vibrant spirit and his kind and very large heart. 

Born in Enderby BC, Daryl developed a strong work ethic and a love for life early on. He was inhumanly strong and would drop anything he had going on to help others. Whether it was building, moving massive stones, or simply being an ear for someone’s troubles, he showed up—regardless of his own. He wore his heart on his sleeve. A brother to all. One of his favourite sayings was, “ A brother from another mother.”

In 1999 Daryl started working on log homes as a log peeler. Which highly increased his strength. He continued this avenue of work for many years. He was part of many projects. His favourite being a 20,000 square foot home bound for China. It had an indoor tennis court as well as an indoor pool. He was extremely committed to work and worked  very hard every single day.

In 2002 & 2009 his sons Nolan and Riley came into this world and those boys became Daryl’s absolute pride and joy. Daryl talked about them daily with so much love and pride in all their accomplishments. Above all else, he was a father and loved his sons more than anything. 

Daryl had the most incredible charisma. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and usually have them smiling if not laughing within minutes. He was so passionate about making people happy. It was one of his most incredible attributes. Daryl really was larger than life in so many ways. This beauty of a human faced every challenge with a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. He had a love for rapping music, nunchucks, taking pictures, vacuuming and in past years a few cold beers. You could often see him vacuuming while rapping. And he was forever getting his family and friends to pose for pictures. His comical character was endlessly endearing. 

On Good Friday, April 15, 2022, Daryl gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized two days later on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. From that point onwards Jesus became the centre of his life, and the changes were visible to everyone around him. You knew he loved Jesus with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and even though he wasn't perfect, he would pick himself up and keep walking with Jesus, he didn't give up. And the reward for Daryl's devotion, is that when he passed from this life, Jesus welcomed him into heaven, where he is now experiencing infinite love, joy and peace that cannot be matched on earth.

Daryl will remain forever in our hearts. A true hero to all who knew him. Our jolly caveman. May he rest in peace. 

Celebration of life to be held on February 6th at 1pm at Bower funeral home in salmon arm BC. 

Camping memorial will be held the weekend of June 5th. Location to be determined. Interment of his ashes will be held in Enderby on the morning of June 5th. Preceding the camping memorial. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations via email money transfer to Nolanwjgharder@gmail.com to cover funeral costs and to further both of his son’s future educations. 

Daryl’s love, laughter, and spirit will live on in our hearts forever.