Richard Duane Hardwick

Richard Duane Hardwick Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully February 24th due to complications from Covid. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas on May 2, 1935. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an avid bowler for most of his adult life, bowling at many National Bowling Tournaments. He was very proud of his four perfect 300 games. He also enjoyed golfing and got his first hole in one, while golfing with his dad. He enjoyed mini golf with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed teasing his grandchildren and then later his great-grandchildren and telling them jokes.

Twice in his life, his care and concern for others were shown through heroic efforts. On April 23, 1960, he and a coworker pulled an unconscious woman from a burning car involved in a 3-car crash. He received the Theodore N. Vail Medal for his prompt and effective action. In the late 1960’s, while attending a swim meet with his children, he jumped in the water to save a swimmer from drowning due to an asthma attack. He was alert to the situation before lifeguards or other adults realized she was in danger.

He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1955 working in Ammo supply. After the war he found work with AT&T and worked his way up through the company for 37 years. He married his cousin’s best friend, Diane Gaye Killen, on October 26, 1957. After their divorce he married Marge Povio on July 22, 1978. Together they enjoyed retirement in Florence, Oregon.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Juanita Hardwick, his sister, Norma Dunton, his first wife Diane Killen and second wife, Marge Povio. He is survived by his 4 children, Louise (Van) Floyd of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Kathleen (Billy) Reynolds of Bremerton, Washington, Kenneth Hardwick of San Jose, California and Rick Hardwick Jr of Aurora, Colorado. Grandchildren, Rebecca Doolittle, Rachel Barrera, Joshua Floyd, Curtis Floyd, Emily Floyd, Lucy Reynolds, Rudy Reynolds, Charise Faye, Travis Hardwick, Austin Hardwick and Darylann Hardwick. He had 14 great grandchildren.

A family memorial service will be held later this summer.