Harold Kolding, 57: Granby Memorial HS Tech Teacher

From Carmon Community Funeral Homes

Harold “Hal” Henning Kolding, Jr., 57, passed away in his Canton home on Saturday, November 15, 2014 with his wife, Betty (Gregory) Kolding, and daughter, Hayley Kolding, by his side.

Hal, a natural storyteller, often spoke of growing up in West Hartford, where he and his friends rode their mountain bikes at the reservoir and tinkered with whatever vehicles they could get their hands on. Later in life, Hal combined that love of tinkering with his natural instincts for leadership to become a high school technology education teacher.

Hal graduated from Hall High School in 1976 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Central Connecticut State University. Hal was a cherished mentor to students at Weaver and Bulkeley High Schools in Hartford, and for the past 7 years at Granby Memorial High School. Not only did he teach photography, construction, desktop publishing and woodshop, but he also lent his patient ear and sound, compassionate advice to those who needed it. Outside of work, Hal was a lover of all animals, a lifetime motorcyclist, an avid student of history, and most importantly, an incredibly loving and beloved husband and father.

He shared 21 joyful years of marriage with Betty, the love of his life, and has been a constant inspiration to their daughter, Hayley. Hal also leaves behind his mother, Gail (White) Kolding and aunt, Kathy White of West Hartford; his brother in spirit, Eric Evenson; and his brothers-in-law and their families: John Gregory of Marlborough and partner Wanda Campbell, and Jim Gregory, wife Cynthia Coia, and daughter Katherine Gregory of West Hartford and many long time friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Harold H. Kolding, of West Hartford and uncle, John (Jack) White. Hal’s family would like to thank the staff of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center and the McLean Home Care & Hospice for their care and support.

Calling hours will be Saturday, November 29, 2014, from 2-4 PM at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, followed by a 4 PM memorial service in celebration of Hal’s life. Donations in Hal’s honor may be made to the ASPCA or to the Hal Kolding Memorial Scholarship Fund which will be awarded annually to a Granby Memorial High School senior who has shown talent and wishes to pursue a career in a technological field. Scholarship donations may be made out and mailed to “GMHS”, 315 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035. - See more at: http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Harold-Hal-Kolding/Canton-CT/1453276#sthash.MZntShsb.dpuf