Obituary - David Alan Harada

David Alan Harada, 71, passed away at his home Saturday, December 9, 2023.

David was born February 7, 1952, in Havre, Montana to William "Dido" and Misao (Kume) Harada. At an early age, he started working in the family restaurant, Dido's Café, and inherited his love for cooking and work ethic.

David was raised in Havre, graduating from Havre High School in 1970. After high school, his employment included working for the Burlington Northern Railroad and owning and operating the Windshield Doctor business.

March 30, 1978, he and Janine Slonaker rode off on his motorcycle to Idaho and eloped. They spent their early years camping, hunting and fishing. Janine and David were part of Operation Blessing Living Water, where they sponsored drinking wells in third world countries. David gave to many charitable organizations and felt that giving was always better than receiving.

The couple had three children, Nichole, Natalie and Nathaniel. His children were his greatest pride and joy. In the early years, David was very involved with his kids, whether attending their concerts or coaching their sports. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son, Nathaniel.

More recent hobbies included watching football, NASCAR and Amazon Prime. Anytime you saw David, he was guaranteed to have a Coca-Cola in his hand. He was strong-willed, but also had a goofy sense of humor. In recent years, David enjoyed traveling to Helena to spend time with his children and granddaughter. He adored his grandchildren and his promotion from Dad to "Bampa" was his best life accomplishment.

David was preceded in death by his loving wife, of 37 years, Janine Harada in 2015, and his parents, Dido and Misao Harada.

When David lost Janine to cancer, he never recovered. The loss of both our parents will leave an unfathomable void in our lives, but we find comfort knowing they are reunited again in Heaven.

David is survived by his daughters, Nichole (T) Artis and Natalie (Zach) Rathbun; son, Nathaniel Harada; three granddaughters, Harper Artis and Indie and Nala Rathbun; brother, Art (Sara) Harada; sisters, Kimi (Mark) Neiman and Kari Harada; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

At the request of David, there will be no funeral. Private family graveside services were held this week.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home was entrusted with services and arrangements.

Condolences may be left for the family on David's online memorial page at https://www.hollandbonine.com .