Jason Lewis Harding

Jason Lewis Harding was born on September 26, 1976 to Richard Louis Harding and Linda Joy (Hanson) Harding in Rapid City, South Dakota. At the age of two, Jason and his family moved to Mesa, Arizona where he began to share with the world his greatest of gifts, friendship. Those fortunate enough to have known Jason since childhood have the unique privilege of saying they had Jason in their lives for almost 44 years. At 15, Jason moved to Jonesboro, Georgia. During this time, he developed a passion for playing bass guitar and for cooking. These passions would follow him throughout the rest of his adult life as Jason would approach each opportunity to cook or play music for family and friends the way an artist would approach their craft. Jason loved music. From Elvis, to Marvin Gaye to Karate to Michael Jackson and everything in between. As a child of nine years old, Jason donned the silver glove, black jacket and dark shades of Michael Jackson as he brought the house down for family members, moonwalking and dancing with mastered precision to Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” As an adult, Jason’s dance moves would evolve into a respect for music with a critical ear for listening. Many a time, friends and family would find themselves in the comfort of Jason’s home as he would gently place the stylus to vinyl, filling the room with the crackle and explosion of warm music. Jason played in numerous bands which toured throughout the United States. His grooves and the tones of his electric and standup bass can be heard on various albums as his fingers would work to find just the right notes to compliment any musical passage. Jason also worked for some of the best restaurants, becoming more and more proficient with his culinary skills although he was a true natural as a chef. Fabulous meals like cioppino and fresh tacos in San Diego to smoked brisket and birria tacos in Colorado were shared at Jason’s table. For those fortunate to have had Jason prepare a home cooked meal, know that twinkle in his eye and smile on his lips when he got it "just right" for YOU. In early 2005 Jason moved to San Diego, CA where he started taking college courses. After several years, he made the decision to move back home to South Dakota where he wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement. During this time, Jason enrolled at Black Hills University in Spearfish, SD to finish his degree. He graduated on May 10, 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Studies. Shortly after graduating, Jason came to live in Canon City, Colorado when he was given the special opportunity to continue the legacy of his beloved Aunt Arlene, The 16th Street Café. As the owner, Jason put his heart and soul into the café continuing its unique and special place in Canon. He made friends with countless customers, both “regulars” and folks from all over the United States. People came not only for the great food, but to share an exchange of witty conversation with Jason. While growing up and throughout his adult life, Jason never stood still. He played soccer, swam with the swim team, was a member of the boy scouts, shredded as a skateboarder, carved slopes snowboarding, surfed the ocean and even flew through the air skydiving. At a young age, Jason played Tee-ball. The smell of a well-oiled glove and the "crack" of the bat striking the ball evolved into a love for baseball which he played throughout his adult life where he played on numerous baseball teams in San Diego, California. It would not be uncommon to see Jason with scuffed up knees and shins as he always dove for home plate. Not only did Jason love to play baseball, but he wanted to share his knowledge and experience with others as a coach, mentoring and coaching little league baseball teams in Spearfish, South Dakota and Canon City, Colorado. Jason loved fishing and while living in Georgia, he enjoyed frequent trips to Lake Jodeco, to fish for bass. Jason would go on to own his own boat and would tell stories of how he was excited to arrive on the lake in the early morning with his pup, Dig, when the waters were calm and the sun was beginning to rise. Jason sure had a real love for his community. He was often seen playing music in a combo at various stores downtown in Canon City on First Friday and lent a helping hand with caterings for family get-togethers and special events. Jason married Diana Clouthier on April 29, 2021 and was a kind and thoughtful father figure to her children, Meisha and Alex. He enjoyed attending their sports and dancing events and was proud of their accomplishments. Katerina, Diana's oldest daughter, kindly described Jason as a "funny, charismatic and talented guy." We can honor Jason by singing, laughing and caring for each other because that is what he loved to do and how he lived. He had a kind word for anyone who crossed his path and as ever, his love for music, food, fishing and even a hot poker game made lasting friendships with people everywhere. His ability to make people feel comfortable and his great personality was a hallmark of his unassuming, outgoing style and huge, judgment free heart. Jason was an artist, a pure light and will be remembered forever. As of Jason’s passing, condolences have poured in from all over the United States with people reaching out and sharing what a difference Jason made in their lives. Jason is survived by his wife, Diana, his mother, Linda Harding and Ron Payne, his brother, Elliott Harding, grandmother, Betty Harding, Sister-In-Law, Debi Harding and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Jason was preceded in death by his grandfather, Louis Harding, grandmother, Annabelle Gustafson, father, Richard Harding and his aunt, Arlene Hanson.

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