Harold Hardy passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2015 after a long illness, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 20, 1928 to Henry and Mary Hardy, Clay City, Illinois. He celebrated his 87th birthday six weeks previously. In 1950, he joined the Army during the Korean Conflict and served in the Counter Intelligence Corps, stationed primarily in southern Alabama. In 1951, he married Joanne Smith. During this year, living just off base, he and Joanne learned that one of their favorite things was traveling. Throughout their marriage they traveled the world. After he was discharged, he and Joanne moved to Phoenix, Arizona. In 1958, he went to work for Bonanza Airlines, a small regional carrier. He was transferred to the Thermal Airport (Jacqueline Cochran), and within six weeks transferred to the Palm Springs Airport, which was then, a barrack building left from General Patton’s maneuvers. Bonanza combined with two other carriers to become Air West, then Hughes Air West that merged with Republic, which was purchased by Northwest Airlines. Still stationed at the Palm Springs Airport, Harold worked for them all. He felt privileged to live his adult life in the desert he loved and watch the little village of Palm Springs he first knew in 1958, grow into a great resort. It was where his two children were raised – Terri (Ken) Shok , La Quinta and Timothy (Kathleen) Hardy, Cathedral City. Later there were six grandchildren, Shawn (Erica) Hardy, New York City, Shannon Hardy and Steven Hardy, Cathedral City, CA., Eric Shok, USAF, now in Afghanistan, Kevin Shok, Irvine and Renee Shok, La Quinta. As the grandchildren were growing up, he and Joanne took each of their grandchildren on one of their trips. Joanne, his wife of 64 years, his two children and all grandchildren survive him, as do many nieces and nephews. His parents and one sister, Marjorie Sanders, preceded him in death. Harold’s life was faith centered, a devout Christian, who served as a Deacon in the Palm Springs Community Church for a number of years, and later the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. He loved to play golf, travel, and tell family stories to his grandchildren. Services will be held at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA on October 9, at 11:00 a.m. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and attentiveness to Harold through his illness. In lieu of flowers it is suggested donations be made to Gentiva Hospice, 36947 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211.
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Published in The Desert Sun on Oct. 7, 2015