WILLIAM (BILL) JOHNSTON HARDY

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WILLIAM (BILL) JOHNSTON HARDY June 21, 2013 Born in 1922 in Birtle, MB, Bill was the eldest child of Gertrude (nee Jenkins) and Vivian Hardy. Brother to Vivian Ratcliff of Davenport, Iowa, June Lucero and Patricia Allen, both of Milan, NM. Bill grew up on the prairies during the depression and, like many young men, chose to serve his country by enlisting with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving overseas from the beginning of the Second World War. After the war, Bill returned to Manitoba where he met and married Elinor Jean Guppy. Soon after, they moved to Nova Scotia where their first two children were born. They returned to Winnipeg six years later and had four more children. Bill's career led them to Ottawa, where the family was raised. Passionate about the things he believed in, Bill ran as a candidate for the New Democratic Party in Manitoba in 1962, and in Ontario in 1967. He remained an active member of the New Democratic Party voting in their last Federal leadership race, and election. He taught social responsibility through his actions in the community. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and later as President of the foundation (1964 to 1966), Bill worked tirelessly urging the government to assist the families of those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. Conversation around the family dining table was both energizing and exhausting, as Bill loved a good debate, but he was happiest spending time at the family cottage. Bill died peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. Bill is survived by his daughter Eloise Hardy and husband Rob Lister of Oakville, daughter Michele Hardy and husband David Moffat of Ottawa, and son Charles Hardy and wife Athanasia Strifas of Ottawa. Sadly, Bill was predeceased by his wife Elinor Jean in 2011, their daughter Patricia in 1963, sons Christopher, 1984, and Robin, 1995. He will be missed by his grandchildren Meryl, Micaela, Madison, Jeremy, and Warren, and fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre for their incredible dedication and for the comfort they provided Bill during the time he was a resident. The family also wishes to thank Ashley Yusuf for her warm and generous assistance over the years. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Ottawa. Friends are invited to share their favourite memories and stories of Bill at the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perley Rideau Foundation or the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Condolences/Donations/Tributes at www.mcgarryfamily.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2013