Tributes are flowing in from around the world as news has spread of the death of Trentham artist and father Matthew Harding.
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Mr Harding took his own life on February 22, leaving behind his four young children and his partner, Freya.
His friend, Katrina Douglas, described him as a well-known and loved Trentham resident who was active as both a loving and hands-on father and a highly respectable artist.
A modest and approachable man, people meeting him in the streets of Trentham would not have been aware that he was a person of global stature.
He is remembered as an incredibly creative, prolific and successful artist. However, like many artists, he struggled financially in pursuit of his art. Despite the financial hardship, his family lives in a modest home full of love and joy, where they all sleep in one room.
Mr Harding’s work is prominent in Canberra and in Melbourne. Victorians may recognise one of his works as the giant pods which mark the entrance to Melbourne from the Tullamarine Freeway.
Ms Douglas said there were many people who knew him.
“I knew Matt as a fantastic artist, but also as my friend. He had the smiliest eyes. When he smiled, his whole face lit up.
“Matt was funny, kind and such a big supporter of the school. He recently brought all the kids to his workshop where they all made a little sculpture each. He was wonderful like that,” she said.
He loved to sing, with the family always being front and centre at the Trentham Christmas Carols.
His partner, Freya, wants people to remember him as more than an artist, but as a wonderful person who would go out of his way to help anybody.
She has been speaking to the children about their dad, who remember him as funny, kind and making them the best teddy bear pancakes.
Donations to support the family can be made to the “Fund For Freya” online via direct debit as well as at Trentham’s Bendigo Bank branch and the IGA supermarket.
A GoFundMe page, also titled Fund For Freya has also been set up. In the past four days, the page has raised $40,270 of the $100,000 goal.
Mr Harding’s funeral will be held this Thursday at 11am at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Trentham.
His family is planning on planting a memorial garden in his honour, so they can tend, nurture and grow something beautiful from their loss.
They ask people to bring a plant of their choice to the funeral in lieu of flowers.
If you or someone you know is affected by this story, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
