Robert John “Jack” Hardy, 77, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family November 3, 2017 at 9:15am. Jack was born to Alma Mae Eaton and Robert Franklin Hardy, on a kitchen table in Flat Top, WY, on November 28, 1939 on a cattle drive to the LO ranch in Montana. Interesting side note, go to the Range Riders Museum in Miles City Mt and check out the Diorama and verbal history of the LO ranch to understand where he used to run around as a child. Robinsons and Eatons helped with the trail drive moving horses, cattle and sheep.
Jack spent the better part of his first months in a shoebox. He was extremely premature and fragile. Jack was named after his father Robert Hardy and his Uncle John “Jack” Eaton. He was raised in multiple places including but not limited to Montana and Seattle, Washington. Jack was a hard worker that worked the ranch alongside his dad starting around the age of 10. He lived part of the year with his father and part of it with his mother and attended school at Riverview and the LO School. Jack attended roughly 2 years of high school and finally achieved his GED when forced into it by an employer. He couldn’t understand how having a GED could make him weld any better.
Jack proudly served in the United States Army as an Auto Weapons crewman. He talked about how he loved to fire off the Howitzer guns and the thrill of watching the tracers from a .50 Cal machine gun. Jack worked a lot of different career lines from Ranch Hand, working for Don Oschner at Ochsner’s chicken ranch, bowling alley, attendant at gas stations, oil field, mechanic and welder. He always taught all of us “If you cannot do it right the first time how are you going to find time to do it the second time”
On January 26, 1963, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Willson in Miles City. They lived on the ranch southeast of Miles City on the Mizpah for twenty years. They moved to Wyoming where Jack worked in the oil fields and Barb was a waitress. They moved back to Miles City in 1987. They had four children: Wes, born in December of 1964, D’Ona in September of 1969, Wade in November 1970, and adopted Destiny in 1978. Since Barb’s passing in 2006, Jack has been loved and cared for by his son, Wes, and daughter-in-law Marjy.
Jack enjoyed playing pool, riding motorcycles, welding, being with his family and grandkids, and he gave the best “squeezes”.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Barbara, son Wade, brothers Kenneth “Buck”, Paul, and James in infancy, and sister June. Jack leaves behind his legacy in his children Wes (Marjy), D’Ona (Scott), and Destiny (Levi), grandchildren Paul, Wesleigh (Timothy), Robbie, Charlee (Jeff), Kenneth (Marrisa), Matthew (Bailey), Peter (Jaylee), Robert, Wes, Marie (Charlie), Zane, Ashley, Jolene, Journey, and Quest, and great grandchildren Konnor, Ethan, Ava, Georgia, Mason, Kaden, Evan, Kallen, Kyzer, Kohen, Aubrie, Aaliyah, Khyl, Kinsey, Krystal, Brylie, Cole, Haven, Nevaeh, Gregory, Kyle, CJ, Joseph, and two on the way, and his sisters Anna Rae (Doug), JoAnne (Dan), and Pansy. Also survived by his brother-in-law’s Jim Willson (Annalise), Dave (Darcy) Willson, and Norm (Laura Jane) Willson and numerous nieces and nephews.
He gave his all and asked for nothing.
Service Schedule
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 8, 2017
VFW Hall
119 N. 6th St.
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 8, 2017
VFW Hall
119 N. 6th St.
Miles City, MT
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Martha Crandall says
My sympathy.
Jim and Ann Willson says
Wes, D’ona & Desi sorry to hear about your Dad. Jack was very good to my sister Barb. Now they are together for ever with Wade. Please keep your good memories alive and stay in touch
Love you from your Uncle Jim and Aunt Ann Willson
xina says
Dear Family, I cannot express enough sympathy for the loss of Jack. I didn’t know him well, what I do know is that he raised amazing, caring, loving and generous family. Wes, D’ona, my sweet Des and forever in our hearts Wade. I love you all.
Xina
Lee and Kathy Baugatz says
Wes and Margie. So sorry for your loss.Your Dad was a very nice gentleman. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Mike Niles says
Wes, D’ona, Des I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. The consolation is he is with Barbie now. Great memories will not be forgotten. My love to all of you.
Shawn & Wendy Richards says
So very sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
Our love to all of you at this difficult time. Jack was a great guy and I always enjoyed seeing him. Knowing that he is reunited with mom and Wade should bring you some comfort. May god bless you and may your memories give you happiness.
Jessie Leidholt says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jack. He was a good guy.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Pansy, AnnaRae, Wes & Marjy, D’Ona & Scott, Desi & Levi and all the rest of your extended family: may all your good memories keep you lifted up to carry on. I have so many that touch my heart of a kind & generous man of few words that put others before himself in so many ways. All my love and sincerest sympathy to all of you, Aunt Dolores
Sacramenta Landrum says
To the family and friends of Robert please accept my deepest condolences. You will be reunited with him again right here on a brand new Paradise Earth under Jesus Christ Kingdom rule that he taught his followers to pray to come in the Lord’s Prayer no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-4 jw.org.
Katherine Flint says
Desi and Wes, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I have lots of fond memories of him. We were school buddies from the time he moved to MC through high school. May God wrap his arms around you all and give you peace.
Brenda Esser Koski says
My deepest condolences to Destiny and family, so very sorry for the loss of your father. Sending prayers, much love and hugs.
Brenda Esser Koski
Burl Mulkey says
Sorry for your loss
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
JoAnne & Danny, Butch & Julie, John & Karen, Sandy & Bill and Jack’s extended family-
So sorry for your loss as well
Troy Ferris says
I hope all of your happy memories help to carry you through the loss of your dad. Prayers are with you and your family.
Cyndie Hanvold says
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Deb Perkins says
Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. . Debbie Perkins
Kolleen (Waldo) & Butch Forsyth says
Our sympathies from Iowa, Hardy family. Jack & Barb we’re such a cute young couple when we lived across the street from Willsons in the 1960’s. ? They had a lot of years together and it’s good to read how their family expanded. We wish you all comfort in the memories you have.