Nigel Harling

Nigel Harling of Pembroke, MA passed away on April 29, 2023 after a nearly two year struggle with mesothelioma cancer.

Nigel was born on February 7,1944 in London.  He was raised in post war England traveling by bicycle to school then motorbike to Woolwich Polytechnic (now The University of Greenwich) where he met his wife Anne Soubry in the chemistry lab. They were married May 1, 1971.

His interest in analytical science led him to work with several companies in the London area and then to Servomex in Sussex. He was eventually given the opportunity to move to the United States and work with Servomex in Rochester, New York.  Nigel and Anne started a family and continued their love of travel moving, again with Servomex, to Boston, MA.  The last few years of his career were spent with The Emerson Co in Ohio. Nigel and Anne have made and carried wonderful friendships with them over the years. Nigel even brought his father's pet tortoises from England on all of the moves!  

Nigel continued enjoying chemistry and physics into his retirement working on his theory of " the role of oxygen in the development of the planet". He liked tinkering with his accumulated collection of scientific instruments and electronics and could fix almost anything.  He enjoyed being outdoors and developed a love of gardening, especially of cacti and plants with large leaves. He took care to keep the bird feeders full and the squirrels away. He was an active member of and enjoyed the friendships gained from The Massachusetts Audubon, The Duxbury Senior Mens' Group, The Dull Men of Pembroke, and The Gurnet Lighthouse group. He attended many senior center activities and classes over the years.

At home he liked to listen to music, especially rock and roll from the 50's/60's.   He always listened to the oldies on WATD, and would watch PBS TV.  He will be remembered as THE informal photographer. He took pictures at every event and most of you reading this have had your picture taken whether ready or not!  He is remembered fondly as always being friendly and helpful and having a positive impact during interactions with others.   

He was extremely proud of his family and one of his favorite things to do was meet for beach and cranberry bog walks. 

He leaves behind his wife Anne, Son Stephen, his wife Teresa, grandchildren Isabella, Shealyn, Alannah, and Sebastian of Pembroke, MA, Daughter Sarah, and her fiancé Joseph Lang of Brewster, MA, Sister-in-law Gillian, her husband Geoffrey Cooper of Sussex England and their family. He also leaves behind a brother Vernon, cousins, and long time friends in England.

He will be missed by many and the family thanks Dana Farber for their genuine care and expertise.

A memorial tea will be held on Sunday May 21, 2023 at Duxbury Senior Center from 2pm-4pm.

10 Mayflower Street

Duxbury, MA 02332 

Donations may be made in Nigal's memory to Project Gurnet, Bug Lights Inc.   P.O. Box 2167 Duxbury, MA 02331

Arrangements by Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 W. Washington St., (Corner Rte. 58), Hanson, MA

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