DOVER - Michael F. Harker passed away on Friday, March 25, 2016 with his wife at his side. Michael was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey on April 29, 1947, the son of Doris Virginia Harker. He spent his childhood and teen years in Freehold, New Jersey. Michael was drawn to horses at an early age, and enjoyed working with them over the years. As a young man he particularly liked grand circuit horse racing and the travel that came with it. Throughout his life, he loved boating and camping. As a young boy in Freehold he would canoe on the Rancocas River, and for a small fee he would offer to take passengers on a tour of the river. In later years, he would canoe on Emerald Lake in New Hampshire, where he enjoyed the natural beauty and serenity offered by the lake. He also enjoyed power boating and camping at Lake George and several other New York lakes. Mike always had an adventurous soul and loved to travel both near and far. His favorite life-long strategy for traveling was to head in any direction just to discover what was out there. He visited 47 of the 50 states with his wife. After moving to Delaware Mike wrote several short stories, and was surprised when they were immediately published in the popular horse magazine, HUB RAIL. Encouraged by his success, he occasionally contributed articles about harness racing to the Delaware State News and to the Harrington Journal. He authored a very memorable article that paid tribute to veterans and to Memorial Day. Everything he wrote came from his heart and could sometimes bring tears to your eyes. Mike had a bit of the entertainer in him. While employed at Delaware Technical and Community College in Dover he donned the costume of Santa Claus, giving great pleasure to those children who had the good fortune of meeting him. He also taught several horse-related courses in the Continuing Education Division. Later he worked at Wesley College in Dover where he enjoyed playing many competitive softball games with his co-workers after hours. He liked TV, particularly episodes about the Civil War, the military, and ancient history. He also liked the championship sports events of NASCAR, major league football, and world-series baseball. He appreciated many types of music, and was particularly fond of soft rock, ballads and love songs from the 60's and 70's. Mike adored each of the six very special dogs that he and his wife raised. They all responded to his gentle and caring ways by giving him their unconditional love and trust. He is sadly missed by his devoted collie, Kara. Michael was predeceased by his mother, Doris Virginia Harker, formerly of Freehold, New Jersey; his maternal grandparents, Franklin Harker, Sr. and Eva Eldora Wessaw; his father-in-law, Stephen Borsh and wife of his father-in-law, Olive Borsh; and his nephews, Michael Arnone and Bruce Arnone. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Theresa Ann Harker, and leaves with her so many cherished memories of the time they had together. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth W. Price and wife Jo Ann of Freehold, New Jersey; his sister, Elizabeth Ann Filizof of Tennessee; his brother, Norman R. Price and wife Deborah Ann of Lyles, Tennessee; his brother, Richard A. Price; his sister-in-law, Elaine Arnone of Mahwah, New Jersey, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in June. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.