John MichaelHARDINGJohn passed away very peacefully, surrounded by his family and full of love on 17 August 2026. He is now reunited with his beloved Marlene in Heaven.
John Michael Harding was born at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 in Bristol, to John Thomas Harding (Jack) and Ivy (née Smith). He married the love of his life, Marlene, and together they shared an extraordinary 66 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary shortly before Marlene's passing in January. John and Marlene were inseparable partners in life, family and business.
Together they created the 1960s Three Horseshoes Pub phenomenon in Bristol's Old Market, largely thanks to John's keen ear for picking emerging musical talent before they became stars. In 1969, John and Marlene embarked on a new adventure, emigrating to Perth with their two young sons, Mark and Nathan. During the pioneering 1970s, they travelled across Western Australia commissioning hotels into Swan Hotels, before returning to the UK to be closer to family, where they ran the family packaging business. Settling back in Perth from the 90s, they ran their successful food service business (Guys). In later years, John continued to work alongside and support Marlene and the family in the tourism industry with Discover Australia Holidays and HolidayMax.
A true gentleman. John lived a remarkably selfless life, always thinking of others. A lifelong lover of sport, he was a gifted soccer player who, as a young man, turned down the opportunity to play professionally so that he could prioritise his growing family.
He worked tirelessly to pass on his values, wisdom and the fruits of his work to future generations, leaving a legacy that will endure. And through it all, John never lost his playful sense of humour and his ability to bring laughter to those around him. He was a dedicated father, doting grandfather and loving brother of Keith and Jacqueline. Despite his advancing dementia, he was overjoyed to meet and cuddle his newest baby grandson just three weeks before he left us to join Marlene. John and Marlene were apart for just seven months. Their epic love story transcended a lifetime together and now continues in Heaven.
Good night and God bless from Mark, Nathan, Michelle, Nick, Harry, Blair & baby Henry.
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