Gerald Harrison Hardy

Friday, Nov. 13, 2015

OGDEN — Gerald Harrison Hardy died Oct. 24, 2015.

Hardy was born Dec. 23, 1928 to Jared Harrison and Lavina Johnson Hardy. He attended Ogden City schools and Weber State College. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1953, during the Korean conflict, and was in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1958. He chose as his career to work for the U.S. Air Force Logistic Command at Hill Air Force Base; he retired in 1984 after 36 years. 

On Dec. 6, 1952, Harrison married his sweetheart, Constance S. Santos, at Sangly Point Air Station, P.I. They had 42 wonderful years together until her death in 1994. He married Marjorie S. Mecham in 1995; they later divorced. In June 2003, he married Yvonne Slama; she passed away in 2013. 

Hardy was an active member of St. James the Just Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and golf were only a few of his interests. He also enjoyed painting, writing, reading, cooking, working on computers; he would choose people any time over his interests. He put his love of cooking to good use by hosting the food at many family reunions. He also shared his culinary expertise with the senior citizens at the senior center he attended. He was a thoughtful, caring man and put others before himself. He had a big and generous heart, a dry sense of humor and a quick wit. 

Hardy found peace in his daily walks. When the weather didn’t cooperate, he could be found walking in the mall sharing his friendly smile with everyone he met. He could be counted on; he helped with every project his brothers or brother-in-law concocted. The world will really miss his happy countenance, big heart and supportive loving nature. He was dearly loved by those who knew him. 

He is preceded in death by his two wives; parents, five sisters and one brother. 

Hardy is survived by his children, Patricia (Richard) Palmer and Joseph (CheriLynn) Hardy; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings Rose Marie Gomm, Merrill (Judy) Hardy, Sharon Erp and many nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. James the Just Catholic Church.