"It's just overwhelming", says former mayor of Winkler, Martin Harder, regarding book launch support

Former mayor of Winkler, Martin Harder, was overwhelmed by the support shown at his book launch party of "A Scrappy Little Nobody", Thursday night (April 25). Approximately 100 people showed up for the celebration. 

“It’s just overwhelming, the number of people that came out, and the compliments and comments that were being made. You never realize the impact you make in people's lives until you get to an occasion like this.” 

Harder shared meaningful excerpts from his book with the crowd, including emotional stories of a sister’s dedication to love and to prayer, the hardships of losing a wife of 46 years and a humorous story of his first date with now wife, Valerie. 

Harder suggests we all have a story, but unfortunately not all life stories will go down in writing. He went on to say how we often don't have this kind of opportunity in a lifetime, to write a book, and to be able to celebrate it with friends.  

“I am grateful for the opportunity. I am grateful for the many people and the friends we have here today to celebrate together. I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve this community.” 

Originally, Harder started writing with the idea of creating memoirs for his grandkids, so they could understand who he was. With the encouragement of friends and family, he soon realized it was evolving into something bigger, and it was turning into something he could publish. He says the support from family was critical, and they have been by his side from start to finish. 

“When I look at the variations of my life experiences, whether it was within politics, or whether it was in the agriculture business, or whether it was within the church, and family obviously, it’s been vital.” 

An open microphone welcomed many delegates to say a few words, such as former Portage-Lisgar M.P., Candice Bergen, current M.P., Brandon Leslie, former mayor of Winkler Neil Schmidt and current Mayor Henry Siemens. Friends and family also spoke up and shared memories, many that were mentioned in the book. 

"It just feels so good. It’s so humbling to be able to have those people come. True friends. It was so great to have them here.” 

Books can be purchased at friesenpress.com, or at Winkler Shoppers Drugmart and Pfahl’s Drugs. 

Listen to the full interview with Connie Bailey below.

Harder's family came out to show their support.