Obituary of Colin Charles Wilbert HARDY

HARDY - COLIN CHARLES WILBERT Colin passed away peacefully on Friday, March 30th, 2007 with his loving wife Barbara and family by his side at the Veterans Wing of the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. He has resided there for nearly 11 years under the care of a wonderful staff whose kindness will always be appreciated by the entire family. Colin was born March 23rd, 1919 on the farm at Grenfell, Saskatchewan, where he was raised and he received his education at McPherson school and Grenfell High School. He worked on the family farm until he joined the Air Force in 1941. While serving overseas in England during WW 2, he met and married his wife Babs. After the war he returned to Canada and was employed in the construction industry until he joined the firm of BLM Architects where he remained until his retirement. Colin was an all around sportsman and even now is remembered for his prowess as a pitcher in his younger years. His love of curling could only be matched by his love of duck hunting, especially when accompanied by his canine companion, Red. Colin was a member of the Legion and received his 50 year pin and was a charter member of the Calley Club. Colin loved his cottage at Crooked Lake, spending time with friends and family, water skiing, boating and fishing. He was a proud supporter of the Roughriders and held season tickets until he was unable to attend games any longer. Dancing! Everyone wanted to dance with Colin and he felt it was his duty not to sit until he had danced with them all. He was also a multi talented musician. His homemade wine was enjoyed by all that passed through the front door and conquered many. Colins yard and garden were his pride and joy. Starting in January, his house would be filled with boxes of tiny plants getting ready to be set out for the summer. His health changed unexpectedly and Colin moved in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre for the later part of his life. We will miss him and always have another story to tell about Colin Hardy. He loved life, approaching everything with such enthusiasm that he inspired everyone around him to enjoy it in the same way. Babs and family want to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff in the Veterans Wing of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre for the loving care that was always given to Colin, our husband, Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Colin was predeceased by parents Florence and Wilbert and one brother Stanley, sister-in-law Marian Hardy, and brother-in-law Charlie Garratt. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Babs, their children, Judy (Bryan) Austin, Lynn (Cal) Warwick, Colleen (Doug) Smith, and his precious grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris), Barbara (Tyler), Michelle (Scott), Jonathan, Andrew, Allison (Nick), Paul (Lee-Ann), Carolyn and great grandchildren, Chance and Hannah, sisters Alice Garratt and Eileen (Doug) Kent and brother Edgar (Ethel) Hardy and also very special nephews and nieces. Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Marys Anglican Church, 3337 15th Avenue, Regina, SK, with Rev. Claude Schroeder officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No.1, 1820 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK S4P 2K2 or the Veterans Wing of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, 2180 - 23rd Avenue, Regina, SK S4S 0A5. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward Ive climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, -- and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovring there, Ive chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air . Up, up the long, delirious burning blue Ive topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew - And, while with silent, lifting mind Ive trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr. No. 412 Squadron RCAF Killed 11 December 1941 (age 19)