Alvin William Hardy was born to Clara and George Hardy on December 4, 1936 in Hudson Bay, SK where he lived all of his 80 years.
Alvin, the second oldest of seven kids, grew up in Etomami, getting to school by horse back, five miles away. He completed grade 8 in Hudson Bay. At age 15, he started hauling wood for Saskatchewan Timber Association. When he turned 18 he started with Canadian National Railway, obtaining his 35-year pin a few years before retiring. He also met Shirley, a girl from Clemenceau.
Alvin, perennially mischievous, stole Shirley's pies as they cooled in the rail car window. They married on August 16, 1957 and had three lovely girls, Brenda, Karen, and Lori. They lived in town until building the house on the farm in 1965. They raised pigs, but a Christmas fire decimated the operation. Alvin switched to cattle and horses. He also managed the community pasture for several years.
After Alvin and Shirley parted ways, he and Betty created a new life in January 1991. Both loved farm life: cows, horses, chickens, chores, food, friends and family. Alvin also curled, going to Northern finals with his brother Neal. He taught his girls to curl, coaching them to numerous victories at the Ladies bonspiel. He loved bowling, throwing his best game in years just last week. He enjoyed many card games with drinks and friends around kitchen tables.
Chuck wagon racing was in his blood. Alvin loved it so much, he continued racing after breaking his neck exercising the horses. Years later, after he broke his back racing, he let his grandson take over, supplying horses and advice. Even in his last year, Alvin followed the rodeo circuit, cheering family around the track.
Alvin was predeceased by his parents George and Clara (nee: Robinson) Hardy; siblings: Joyce Hardy, Charolette (Don) Fright, Audrey (Robert) Maxwell, Alice (Nick) Sidorchuk, Peggy (Monte) Sharber, and Darlene Hardy (nee: Lundy); niece Lynn Sharber; and great-granddaughter Presley Drechsler.
Alvin is survived by his wife Betty Nelson; siblings: June Fortner, Neal Hardy, and Jeanie Hardy; daughters: Brenda (Jack) Drecshler, Karen Hardy (Tamela Friesen), and Lori (Terry) Berg; grandchildren: Cory (Jackie, nee: Richards) Drechsler, Jody (Crystal, nee: Lutz) Drechsler, Rebecca (Clayton) Taylorson, Jennifer (Shane) Hue, Angie (Dean) Del Frari, Kyle Vogt, Taylor Hardy, Brighetta Nelson, KR Shingler, and Kendra Mutz; step children:, Terry (Jackie )Nelson,Tom Nelson, Ted (Tamara) Nelson; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.