|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HARDY, Kenneth R. - Resident of Saratoga on Sunday, February 20th, 2022, Kenneth R. Hardy, loving husband, and father, passed away at the age of 92. Ken was born July 30th, 1929 to Reginald Ernest and Adelia Elvera Hardy. Better known by his childhood nickname "Bud", he grew up alongside his twin sister, Lois, in Saskatoon, Canada. He was strong, kind, and generous – but above all he was authentic. Kenneth sought to find the light in everyone. He maintained that an individual's character has little to do with what they believe, but how they strive to improve the well-being of not just themselves, but those around them. This was his golden rule, and he lived his life accordingly. Ken received many academic and research honors. He played the flute and piccolo beautifully, and was an accomplished tennis player. Yet, the degrees and accolades pale in comparison to the person he was. At age 10, Kenneth was said to be the youngest piccolo player in Saskatchewan and was a member of the of the Saskatoon Flute Band. His love for meteorology came from building and flying glider planes. After graduating from University of Saskatoon, Ken was chosen as a member of the Navy Bandsman on the HMCS MAGNIFICENT. On his return he enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan to further his education –where he graduated with honors in 1952. Ken was selected for the job of Officer-In-Charge of the Weather Office in Resolute, Northwest Territories. 13 months later he was assigned to the Central Analysis office in Montreal. In June of 1956 he spotted Helga at the Cote de Neige Tennis Club – they were married in Saskatoon a year later. Kenneth and Helga later immigrated to the US, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1963. He spent the next 40 years working as a meteorologist for the government and private companies. They lived in Acton, Massachusetts for 27 years raising their 2 children –Sabina and Kevin. They hosted many lively dinner parties and epic costume parties together. Ken's orchard was his pride and joy – often producing so much fruit that he began canning them. Some of you may remember his pickled peaches. In 1990 they moved west to Palo Alto –where they enjoyed their new lifestyle in California. In February of 2005, they became residents of the Saratoga Retirement Community. They lived there happily together until Helga passed in 2011. Ken continued to live his life to the fullest, marrying Rosalie Choy in 2013. Together, they had many happy years traveling, hiking, and exploring together. For Ken, every day was a new adventure. Ken is survived by his children and grandchildren, Sarah and Anna –who lovingly remember him as their "Grand-Paw". When the sun warms your skin, or when you hear birds chirping, take that moment of quiet peace to remember Ken and what he left us with. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. (The San Jose Mercury News 13 Mar 2022)
Ships served in:
|
