DR. JAMES HARDY

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DR. JAMES HARDY Dr. James Hardy passed away quietly in his sleep, surrounded by family, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon on Monday, February 11, 2008 at the age of 86. He was born at Yorkton, Saskatchewan on June 30, 1921 to Robert and Margaret Hardy (Kessack). He is survived by his three children, Jim (Audrey), Tom (Williene) and Arlene (Jim); five grandchildren, Krista (Ashley), Ryan (Lesley), Charity, Samantha (Brad) and Jamie; his two sisters, Peggy of Winnipeg and June (David) of Edmonton, and his special friend Jean. Dad was raised at Sprague in southeastern Manitoba and received his early education at the Hardy School. It was at Sprague that Dad developed his love of the outdoors. He shared many stories of his adventures with his friend Andrew. He and Andrew enlisted in the army in 1941 and served in England, Sicily and Italy. Dad was an avid boxer and continued to competitively box while he was in the army. After the war, Dad attended the University of Manitoba where he received his BA, BPed, BEd and MEd. On March 31, 1948 he married Jeanette Black of Winnipeg and they moved to The Pas. Dad taught school in The Pas, Winnipeg and England before re-enlisting in the military in 1956. He served in the R.C.A.F. at St. Jean, Quebec and Winnipeg. He retired from the R.C.A.F. in 1968 with the rank of Captain. Dad completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of Toronto and spent the next 18 years as a professor at Brandon University in the Faculty of Education. Dad retired from Brandon University in 1986 and enjoyed 22 years of retirement with family and friends. He was happiest spending time at Sprague and Royal Lake with family. Dad loved to travel. He explored the world with his friend Jean and shared many of these stories with family and friends. Dad's family and grandchildren were very important to him and he took great pride in their accomplishments. In keeping with Dad's wishes, there will be no service and his ashes will be spread at Royal Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Life is more about the journey than the destination. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, Brandon, (204) 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2008