Athletics Victoria is deeply saddened by the passing of long time Official and Life Member Ivan Harding. Ivan was a member of Doncaster Athletic Club and played an extraordinary role in shaping the Club into what it is today. Ivan was President at Doncaster for 11 years from 1983 – 1992, and then again from 1997 – 1999. He also served on the club general committee until 2011 and in other roles at Doncaster Athletics Club for decades. Prior to this he was involved in Doncaster Little Athletics dating back to the 1970’s.
Ivan was involved in many and varied roles for the club and athletics in Victoria over both summer and winter seasons. These included track referee, announcer, starters’ marshal, event marshal and timekeeper; there wasn’t much Ivan couldn’t or didn’t do.
His officiating pinnacle was a role on the track throughout the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but he was also happy to assist in various State Championships both here in Victoria and also intestate, as well as State and National school competitions.
Ivan was awarded Life Membership of DAC in 1993 and Life Membership of Athletics Victoria in 2009.
Ivan’s humour, warmth, care, and love for the sport of track and field are what he will be remembered for by the many he crossed paths with.
His legacy lives on in the sport today through the Harding name, as his son Murray (also a DAC Life Member) is a coach, and his granddaughters are elite junior athletes. Doncaster Athletic Club also honours Ivan’s immense contributions with the annual Ivan Harding 800m Handicap event.
Athletics Victoria and the entire athletics community extend our deepest condolences to Murray, Nick, Jenny and the extended Harding family and friends.
Funeral
Monday 13th February 10am
Heritage Funerals
733 Boronia Road
Wantirna
Wake/Post service celebration of Ivan’s life
Wantirna Hill Club (next door to Heritage Funerals)
715 Boronia Road
Wantirna
Livestream
https://www.belindajanevideo.com/client-video/ivan-harding/
Link will open at 9.45am and close once the funeral has finished.