Harry Darling

Harry Darling, 83, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on September 22, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 26, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E Ave C, Bismarck.

Harry Morris Darling was born on November 16, 1940, to Richard "Dick" and Edna Darling in Lake Ibsen township, North Dakota. He was raised in a household of four siblings: Duane "Swede", Leslie, Ray, and Larry. 

Harry married Sandra Kay Johnson on December 21, 1963. He earned his bachelor's degree from Minot State University and his master's from North Dakota State University. He was a passionate educator, teaching in Tioga for five years and serving as principal in Glendive, Montana, for 29 years. In his later years, he continued his dedication to education as a substitute teacher in Bismarck and Mandan.

Harry was a lifelong learner and a dedicated community member. He was involved in various organizations, including Faith Lutheran Church, the School Administrators of Montana, the Northwest Association of Elementary and Middle School Principal Association and was a lifelong member of the National Association of Education. Harry’s focus and drive for excellence contributed to Washington School in Glendive, Montana being recognized as a Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence, as one of the finest schools in the nation as well as being recognition by the John F. Kennedy foundation for its liberal arts program. 

A gifted story and joke-teller, Harry was always the life of the party. His greatest joy was being with family and friends. Harry had his pilot license. Together, Harry and Sandra traveled to about 80 countries. He was an avid sports fan and played on a state amateur basketball team. He enjoyed wearing green in support of the NDSU Bison and would keep you updated on their season over a friendly game of cards. He and Sandra loved to spend the cold North Dakota winters in Arizona where treasured friendships have been forged over the years as well as Leah’s horse property. Harry also held a real estate license for 42 years. 

He served on numerous boards and clubs, including the Lions Club, Dawson County Booster Club, Dawson College Foundation, and Zion Lutheran Church Foundation. He volunteered at St. Alexius in Bismarck for several years as well as Glendive Medical Center. He had lifelong friends who he kept in touch with his coffee groups and the YMCA.

Harry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra; daughter, Leah of Scottsdale, AZ; son, Donovan of Bismarck; brother, Ray and Marlys of Leeds; sister-in-law, Elaine Howard of Bismarck; grandchildren Zachary and Allison Darling of Bismarck and their mother, Andrea Darling; and many other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Duane, Leslie, and Larry. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to a charity or educational cause of your choice.