William (Bill) Lee Hardie passed away Friday, May 8, 2015 at his home surrounded by his children.
Bill was born June 17, 1939 to Albert and Luella (Logan) Hardie. He spent nearly his whole life in the Birdseye area growing up working the family ranch and breaking horses with his father and brothers, Albert and Maurice. He attended the Birdseye school and eventually graduated from Helena High School in 1958. He was active in 4-H and thru 4-H met and fell for Sandra (Sandy) Allen.
Bill and Sandy were married March 25, 1959 and added three children to the family. Darryl and Debbie arrived within the first few years and Darcy arrived … well. .. a bit later.
To say Bill worked hard is an understatement. In addition to a stint in the Air Force Reserves, Bill worked for Helena Sand and Gravel and Associated Food Stores first as a driver then as a diesel mechanic. This was all while helping to run the family ranch which over the years sported sheep, pigs, horses, cows and goats as well as a haying operation. Bill would often work a full day in town then head home to irrigate, fix equipment, swath, bale or whatever else needed to be done.
But it wasn’t all work; Bill played just as hard. Many a Friday or Saturday night was spent racing at the dirt track. Starting with stock cars he eventually worked up to his modified “slingshot” open wheeled car. He took a break from the track but came back around the age of 50 to drive mini sprints. After he hung up his helmet for good he enjoyed cruising with Sandy to Alaska, Panama, and Mexico.
Bill also helped to establish the Birdseye Fire Department which borders the ranch. He retired from the Fire Department in 2004 after decades of service.
One of Bill and Sandy’s proudest accomplishments was helping to establish Last Chance Chapel in Birdseye. Along with his brother Maurice and sister-in-law Norma, they donated the land on which the church sits today. Bill also served as an elder at the church for many years.
The last few years Bill enjoyed visits from friends and neighbors to discuss the happenings in the neighborhood and beyond. His favorite saying was, “When I get to be dictator. ..” and then he’d tell you exactly how things should be.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Luella, wife Sandy, brothers Albert and Maurice, sister-in-law Norma and grandson Cody Rossmiller. He is survived by son Darryl Hardie, daughters Debbie (Tom) Wright and Darcy (Chris) Aim, grandchildren Shane Rossmiller, Allie (Chris) Mooney, Tanner Hardie and Cayden Aim, and great grandchildren Breckin and Emerson Mooney.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13 at the Last Chance Chapel 6420 Raven Road in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social center of the church. Burial will be held at Sunset memorial gardens following the reception. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 who helped fulfill Bill’s final wish to return to his home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 13, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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The Murphy Family says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great man and a treasure to all of us lucky enough to know him!
Dave and Vicki Sego says
We always appreciated the kindness that Bill extended to our kids when we lived on Raven Road. So sorry for your family’s loss.
Mary and Joe Landinger says
What a full and wonderful life Bill had. They come like that any more! Sorry for your family’s loss.
Annette Anastasia says
My thoughts and prayers are with you m
Kevin Smith says
I remember bill coming into Montana Al’s and enjoying the music and listening to Reese. Rip Bill.
Carol Bridge says
My memory of Bill and Maurice was before Birdseye was paved and the speed limit was whatever they wanted it to be that day. Bill was a wonderful man, very friendly and did so much for our little community. He will be missed. Blessings to all the children and grand children. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Carol Bridge
Betty says
Debbie so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Thoughts and prayers with you all
Gilliam Family says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Bill was a great man and was always a joy to talk to… He will be missed deeply by many people.