Harry Walter Ankerbrand

Harry Walter Ankerbrand, age 85, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on September 23, 2023. Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Harry William and Margaret Elizabeth (Chronister) Ankerbrand. Growing up in the lumber business, Harry trained as a machinist and then went to work with his father at Ankerbrand Lumber Company in Chambersburg. He later moved the family to Maryland and worked for J. Gibson McIlvain, where he set up the mill operations and later worked in outside sales. 

He was a talented woodworker and built the home where he and Sondra lived in Bel Air for 45 years. Harry spent countless hours at the Harford County Woodshop, a place he was grateful to the county for providing. Many pieces of his beautiful handmade furniture are proudly displayed in the homes of his children and grandchildren. 

While he had a strong work ethic, he also loved bowling, volleyball, cards, and rarely turned down a chance to play golf, often at Winters Run Golf Club. He also enjoyed road trips to watch NASCAR races, particularly at his favorite tracks in Talladega and Michigan.

He loved his family and was proud of his grandchildren, whom he enjoyed teasing with numerous retellings of his signature corny “Pappy jokes”. A devoted husband, he and Sondra knew each other all their lives. He died 4 days before their 65th wedding anniversary.

Harry is survived by his wife Sondra Bolan Ankerbrand; daughter, Ginger D. Ankerbrand (Lawrence Tempchin); son, Kenneth R. Ankerbrand (Suzanne Miller); grandchildren, Samantha Tempchin (Andrew Schliep), Joseph Tempchin, and Krystal Ankerbrand (Kevin Thompson).

In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his siblings, George W. Ankerbrand, Helen Bishop, Ida Mae Byers, Margaret Louise Basinger, Shelby Hull and Ray L. Ankerbrand.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Upper Chesapeake Hospital Foundation, 520 Upper Chesapeake Drive, Suite 405, Bel Air, MD 21014 or Harford County Parks and Recreation Woodshop, 702 N. Tollgate Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.