Harold Guard

After 104 years of a life well lived, Hal passed away peacefully at his home in Palisade with family and dog “Bunny” by his side.

Harold was born in Aurora, Nebraska to Roy and Clara Guard and was the oldest son of 5 children. He graduated from HS in 1936, Hastings College in 1942 and medical school at the University of Nebraska in 1945. He served in the Army medical corps from 1946-1954. Just 2 months before he was sent to the Pacific Theatre he married nursing student Joan Wisman, to whom he was devotedly married for 53 years. After his service in Guam, he was sent to Frankfurt, Germany where he was Chief of Pediatrics at the 97th General Hospital. After the war he was stationed at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver.

Dr. Guard was a widely respected pediatrician in Denver for 50 years and volunteered for the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. He and Joan raised 4 children together and after she passed in November of 2003, he moved to Palisade to help his son farm their peach orchard.

Harold cared for many people in his life. He was a faithful member of the Methodist church and was the oldest living Eagle scout in Colorado. He was always learning and enjoyed reading, birdwatching and was happiest spending time with family and riding around on his mower in the orchard.

Harold is survived by his children, Cory Whitmore of Santa Fe, Neil Guard (Diane) of Palisade, Jeff Guard (Tracy) of Denver and Adrienne Bethancourt (Randy) of Houma, LA, 3 grandchildren and many loving relatives and friends who will miss him immensely.

The family wishes to thank Nightingales Home Care, HopeWest and the Veteran’s Administration for their wonderful care.

At his request, there will be a memorial in the orchard near Palisade when the peaches are in bloom. He will be interred with his wife at Ft. Logan Cemetery in Denver.

Donations can be made to HopeWest Hospice, Palisade United Methodist Church or your local Scout troop.