William “Bill” Hardie March 7, 1932 - May 12, 2023

William (Bill) Nichol Hardie

March 7, 1932 – May 12, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Hardie who passed away peacefully at Princess Court with his family by his side on May 12, 2023.

Bill was born in Hawick Scotland on March 7, 1932 to Walter and Isabella Hardie. He has a younger brother George.

Bill grew up in Hawick where he enjoyed his school mates and activities including biking/camping trips as far as Loch Ness with friends, summers at his Grandparents in Damside and all of what the Scottish Borders had to offer. He received his amateur radio licence and at 14 years old, he began his electrical apprenticeship with British Electrical Repair. He went on to do his service with the Royal Air Force in Scotland and England. He was a radio operator VHF DF while in the RAF. He enjoyed his time bringing planes in from all over the world to land safely. At the end of his service he was asked to stay in the RAF but he wanted to get his apprenticeship finished so he could pursue his dreams of moving to Canada.

He met and fell in love with his wife Jesse in Hawick and together they decided to move to Canada and got married.

They had their first child Susan in Canada May 8, 1958, a few years later they moved back to Thurso Scotland where they had another baby girl Lynne October 6, 1961.

It wasn’t long before Bill wanted to return to Canada and so they did with two little girls in tow, first a quick stay at Wabush, Labrador then Dryden, Ontario. After putting in a few years at the Dryden Paper Mill, Bill moved to Kincardine Ontario taking a position and became Chief Union Steward with Ontario Hydro. At this time he set up home with his new partner Tess where he lived until coming back to Dryden area 6 years ago.

Throughout his life he was an avid Amateur Radio operator, making contacts all over the world, contacting countries that are no longer considered countries and assisting in emergency services within the amateur radio spectrum, where he was a life member. He enjoyed travelling to Scotland every few years and was a collector of both coins and stamps.

Predeceased by his parents Walter and Isabella Hardie, first wife Jesse in 1986, tragically his daughter Susan Hardie in 2009, and long time partner Tess in 2009.  He is survived by brother George, daughter Lynne (Phil Slack), grandchildren Matthew Micek, Chelsea Winkler, Jordan Micek, Brooke Flamand-Forth, Jesse Flamand, Zach Flamand, great-grandchildren Keirsten, Evee, Isla, Honour and special dog-friend Solomon.

Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca

Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home

249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2X3