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KENNETH WALLACE HARDY (KEN)
Born: Jul 06, 1936
Date of Passing: Feb 07, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
KENNETH WALLACE HARDY
July 6, 1936 - February 7, 2020
Left to cherish Ken's memory are his wife Olöf; 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. Olöf'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 milkman 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 Olöf 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 Foundation 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 a.m.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at
www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2020
KENNETH WALLACE HARDY
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the Selkirk United Church.
Full obituary will follow in Saturday's edition of the Free Press.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 11, 2020 Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2020, Feb 15, 2020
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I had the very good fortune of first getting to know Ken, and then spending time with him and his beautiful family over the next four decades, when he worked with my mother Louise at Teacher Education at Red River College. My family and I have and will continue to treasure wonderful memories of Ken’s warmth, humour and hospitality. Please accept our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Patrick Falconer (Family Friend) on: Mar 23, 2020
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My deepest condolences to the family in the loss of Ken. Ken was one of my instructors in the Teacher Ed. program at RRC (1972-74). He possessed all the key qualities of a great teacher. I remember wanting to emulate Ken when I became a teacher. He was kind, understanding and had a good sense of humour. It was so nice to have chatted with Ken at a recent function at MTS. After all those decades he still remembered me and even what school first hired me. He will always be in the fond memories of those he taught. - Posted by: Harold Billan (Former student) on: Feb 20, 2020
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Joan, Tim, Stefan and Ian, I am very sorry to hear of the loss your father and grandfather. I never met Ken but every story I heard of him spoke to his character, his kindness and his friendships. Thinking of you all. - Posted by: Mike James (Friends) on: Feb 18, 2020
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Ólöf and Ken have such a special place in my memories of Eveline Street. Joy and smiles at all times and the great help and love they showed my parents and my siblings. Thanks Ken, Ólöf, and girls. What an amazing family. What beautiful people. Lane Minish - Posted by: Lane Minish (Family Friend) on: Feb 18, 2020
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Don. So sorry to learn of your brothers passing. Our most sincere condolences to you and family. Dwight and Nancy - Posted by: Dwight & Nancy Adams (Friends of Don) on: Feb 18, 2020
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So sorry for your loss. Mr. Hardy was my teacher at the Comp in Selkirk. I graduated in 1978 and I still remember what a kind, caring educator he was. His positive impact on everyone he met and interacted with will live on in our memories. - Posted by: Cheryl Guttormson Collins (Former student) on: Feb 15, 2020
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Dear Mrs. Hardy and family. My deepest condolences on the passing of Ken. I was one of his very fortunate students in the Teacher Education Program at RRCC/U of M (1980-84). He was also my supervisor when I did my student teaching. He was such an incredible teacher and a wonderful man. I learned so much from him and as I returned to school as an adult learner, his patience, his understanding and his humour were greatly appreciated. Accounting started out as my personal nightmare but because of him, it became my best and favourite subject. I then chose a double major in Accounting and ended up teaching it in the evening program at RRC for several terms. I hope he knew how much he meant to all of us. My heart is very saddened for you and your family. Big hug. - Posted by: Donna Kolbuck-Street (Former student) on: Feb 15, 2020
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To the whole family, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. As you know, I've known Ken all my life, we attended the same church and high school in Carman. My husband, Jim and I also lived in Selkirk for many years and raised our family there as well. Olaf and I both taught at Centennial School in Selkirk at the same time and our friendship continued there. My thoughts are with you, he was definitely one of the good guys with a kind heart and he will be missed by many. All my love, Elaine McCullough May - Posted by: Elaine McCullough May (Friend) on: Feb 11, 2020
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Olaf, Janet and Joan, Jim and I were so sorry to read of Ken's passing. We know you will all miss him terribly and right now every day is difficult for you. When Mom passed, we were repeatedly told that over time, it would become the new "norm". It does, however, know that Ken will always be with you everyday in everything you do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jim and Susan - Posted by: Jim and Susan Shannon (Friends) on: Feb 11, 2020
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Don, sincere condolences on your brother's passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Linda Matheson (Friend of Don) on: Feb 11, 2020
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Dear Mrs. Ólöf Hardy and the Hardy family, extending our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Ken Hardy. As a long time and valued member of the HSC Foundation family he will be missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Staff & friends at the HSC Foundation - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at Health Sciences Centre Foundation) on: Feb 11, 2020