George W. Hardie
courtesy photo
George Hardie
MISSOULA — George W. Hardie, 71, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was in his wife’s arms and had his children by his side. He was born March 16, 1945, in Kalispell, to George W. and Dorothy L. Hardie. He didn’t get a chance to meet his father who was killed in action in France on Nov. 4, 1944. Dorothy was nearly six months pregnant at the time.
He grew up with his family in Ronan and was educated at Ronan Public Schools. While attending Ronan High School, he was a member of the varsity basketball and football teams. He was also class vice president, a member of the Student Council, Pep-Club and played the trumpet, just to name a few of his activities.
He studied at Northern College in Havre for two years.
On Jan. 8, 1972, he married Mayme Newby Andersen in Polson. He became an instant devoted and loving father to Darrel and Nicole. Together, the family lived in Montana until George’s job took them to Seattle, where their third child, Shawna, was born.
The following year, when given an opportunity to come back to his hometown area, the family resettled in Missoula and George continued his career in the grocery business. For many years he worked as a traveling road salesman before being employed by Moody’s Market, Inc. until 1990. He eventually became the Store Manager for Lolo Harvest Foods in Lolo, and was very passionate about his job. He was devoted to the community and loved his customers, who were often the highlight of his day. He retired on Oct. 31, 2012.
A very proud and loyal fan of Rams football, he and Mayme went to Seattle to watch his team play as a gift from Moody’s Market, one of the high points in his life.
His pleasures in life included gardening, fishing, golfing and watching sports. He enjoyed camping with his family and trolling the lake of his favorite place, Lake Mary Ronan.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is known for his kindness, patience and compassion for all who knew him. He loved old country music, flowers and spending time in the mountains. He loved life.
George’s wife, Mayme Hardie; son, Darrel Andersen; daughters, Nichole Andersen and Shawna Leibbrandit (Christian) - all of Missoula; three sisters, Bev Dellwo, Donna Collins, both of Ronan, and Delores VanOmmenu (Les) of Lolo; brother, William Dellwo of Spokane; three grandsons, Tayler, Dayne, Jeorge, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews survive him.
He is preceded in death by his father, George W. Handie; mother, Dorothy L. Dellwo; stepfather, William Dellwo and sister, Ramona Rae Hardie.
A celebration of George’s life and a potluck will be held on Nov. 6 from noon-4 p.m. at The Lolo Community Center. Everyone is welcome. Please bring a favorite story to share.
