Date of Birth: May 23, 1946
Date of Death: September 19, 2017
Beloved husband of Noreen Hardy, passed away the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a year long battle with cancer.
Ron was born on May 23, 1946 in Melville, a son to Henry and Florence (nee Roberts) Hardy. He was raised on the family farm north of Melville with his parents and older brother, Maurice. Ron received his elementary education at Oakhill School near his home, he then attended Melville High School where he completed his education.
During his high school years, Ron started his first job of driving school bus for Bunny Halyk. In 1966, Ron began his 35-year career with the CN working on the running crew.
On April 25, 1970 Ron was united in marriage to Noreen Outhwaite at St. Alphonsus Church in Rocanville. They were blessed with a son, Kevin and a daughter, Tricia. While working on the CN and raising his family, Ron kept close ties to the family farm by helping his brother Maurice on the farm. In 1993, Ron and Noreen moved from town to their farm north of Melville.
After retiring from the CN, Ron started raising cattle, he kept the cattle for 10 years as he “needed something to do!” Ron was never happier then when he was busy on the farm. He woke each morning with a smile on his face, eager to start the day. Ron most often could be found working in the yard, helping Kevin with farming or completing one of Janine’s tasks. Ron was happy, when after many frustrating attempts, he finally got Janine to cut the grass the proper way.
In between his to-do lists, he still found time to make the trip to Swift Current to help Tricia with her spring and fall clean-up – with no time to waste.
From an early age, Ron learned the importance of hard work — this ethic was instilled in both of his children.
Ron enjoyed the outdoors, quading, hunting and fishing, but definitely not golfing. In earlier years, each winter, he could be found on the ski slopes with his children.
Ron’s greatest joy came in September 2015, when he became a grandfather to Adley. Ron was able to hold his second grandchild, Everett, who was born in March. Ron would have been equally overjoyed with Everett’s arrival if his health would have allowed. Although Ron only had a short time with his grandchildren, he loved nothing more than to spend time with them and spoil them.
Ron always made time to welcome friends and family, if you stopped in you would often hear, “come in, have a drink, stay for supper.”
Ron’s sense of humour, warm and caring heart will be deeply missed by all.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Florence; his father-in-law, Stephen Outhwaite.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Noreen; children, Kevin (Janine) Hardy, their children, Adley and Everett; Tricia Hardy; brother, Maurice (Linda) Hardy; mother-in-law, Henrietta Outhwaite; sister-in-law, Frances (Lawrence) Natomagan and their children; brother-in-law, Douglas Outhwaite; numerous cousins; and his special grand puppy, Jorja, who spent countless hours curled up on the bed with him.
Prayer services were held on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 at 7 p.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville with Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa, OMI, officiating.
The funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa, OMI. as the celebrant. Interment followed at St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery.
His family thanks Kim Rutzki and Dr. Lawale for their support and guidance throughout Ron’s illness. The family also wishes to thank family and friends for their phone calls, visits, prayers and mass offerings. These acts of kindness will always be remembered.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
