Jacob 'Jake' C. Harder

Jacob "Jake" C. Harder passed away April 13, 2020.

Jake was a well-known and respected cattle rancher who concentrated his efforts on improving the Hereford and Angus breeds to give the consumer a higher quality product.

In 1987, First National Bank of Spokane awarded him the grand champion award for a load of yearling steers. A true conservationist, in 1997, he received the wildlife farm of the year award from Adams County Conservation District and, in 1984, he received Ducks Unlimited award for his conservation practices.

In 1981, he was awarded the conservation Farmer of the Year award.

Community service was important to Jake. He served on the first Adams County Board of Equalization and served several terms on Adams County Sheriffs Civil Services Committee. He served eight terms as a Fire District No. 1 commissioner.

He was a member of the National Cattleman's Association, a member of the Washington Cattleman's Association, and served a term on the executive committee.

Jake was a local member of the Lions Club. He also was one of the building architects in the restoration of the Legion Hall and the building of the amphitheater.

He was one of the founding fathers of the Rodeo Association and served a term as president. Jake the poet - he often wrote amazing poems about his friends - was an artist. He enjoyed creating things out of metal. The life-size metal sculpture of the cowboy on display in Ritzville was created by Jake "The story teller."

Jake leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Joan. He is also survived by children, J.C., Paige (Louise) and Cameron (Chari); grandchild, Renae; and great-grandchildren Dean Clark and Etta May Harder.

Jake loved people. So, it is only fitting that we have a memorial for him sometime later on.

To leave online condolences for the Harder family, please visit our website at http://www.danekasfh.com.