Kenneth Hardy

Kenneth Wallace Hardy

July 6, 1936 - February 7, 2020

Ken died peacefully at his home in Selkirk in the loving arms of his family. Left to cherish Ken’s memory are his wife Ólöf, treasured daughters Janet Helga Gray, husband Donovan Gray, their daughters Ellen, Kristen, Alanna, and Joan Margaret Ásta Hardy, her husband Tim Edginton, and their sons Stefan and Ian. We all grieve feeling the greatest gratitude for the many ways we were blessed by Ken’s love, wisdom, patience, fairness, optimism and joyful examples of respect for others.

Ken was born in Carman, MB to Dorothy and Archie Hardy and was lovingly nurtured along with siblings Irene (children David and Kathy), Robert (deceased, Mary Ann and their children Trevor, Paul, Eric) and Donald. Ólöf’s sister Helga (children Mark and Jennifer) was like a sister to Ken as was Robert’s wife Mary Ann Wakely (Garry).

The red-haired boy and his boyhood pals explored, skated upon, and swam in the Boyne River. Ken, as a teen, worked in his father’s garage and drove vehicles on his uncles’ farms. Ken never stopped talking about the fun and games of his childhood: music, dancing, the marching band, his drummer days with the 5 Ks band playing at rural dances, curling, tennis, golf, and the family games of 500. He grew up where home was “open door” to pals, folks in need and the milk man and baker who delivered right to the fridge and bread drawer in the kitchen.   The United Church was a constant connection throughout his life.

Ken married Ólöf Baldwinson on July 6, 1962, their shared birthday. Having experienced the warmth and welcome at Hardy’s, she had declared previously to her parents Björn (Barney) Baldwinson and Ragna Johnson that Ken was “good and kind and sweet and gentle.” He was an amazing husband and a wonderful father to Janet and Joan.

Ken graduated from University of Manitoba with a Commerce degree in 1962, later earning a Master of Education. He explored life as an accountant and ultimately chose a career as a teacher, first at Selkirk High School and later with Teacher Education at Red River College. Ken keenly enjoyed his students and colleagues and was devoted to nurturing Business Education student teachers across the province.

With babies Janet and Joan, the move to Selkirk in 1963 was joyous; a first house close to school, welcoming people who became life-long friends, house parties with new Selkirk pals. A permanent home-town life was launched at 165 Eveline Street. Ken found quiet ways to volunteer. Ken’s hobby of refinishing old furniture led to a life of recycling and a do-it-yourself lifestyle. Ken loved theatre, the Selkirk Bridge Club, and keeping up with current events. He waited for the Saturday Globe and Mail each week, and was an avid reader of novels. A Wavey Creek cabin emerged as a clan-gathering haven in the bush. The family learned together, gardened, played, and worked in teams. Traditions carry on with board games, water sports, bridge, sing-songs, lively current event debates, and cook-ups from the garden.

Thank you friends and neighbours, CancerCare Manitoba, doctors, and medical team members for exceptional support to Ken as his health declined. Forever grateful.      

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to Selkirk United Church.

Celebration of Life will be held at Selkirk United Church, officiated by Rev. Cole Grambo, on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 am.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Hardy, please visit our floral store.