David “The Mayor” Hardy passed away peacefully at Brampton Civic Hospital on May 14, 2019 at the age of 77 years. Dave is survived by his loving wife Retta, and his sons Derek (Olivia) of Ascot, England, and Randy (Whitney) of Chicago, Illinois. He was the loving Papa of three grandchildren Madeline, Alice, and Rose, and was eagerly expecting two more grandchildren in the coming months.
Dave was born March 11, 1942 in New Richmond, Quebec to Albert and Isabel Hardy. He married the love of his life Retta on December 20, 1968 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The family moved to Palgrave, Ontario in 1978 and they continue to live in the area. He frequently spent time with his buddies at the Devils Pulpit while attempting to play golf. Dave was President of CW Henderson Trucking until his retirement in 2017. Getting him to retire was a challenge.
He was a great man and well known in the community with a genuinely caring nature and a love of laughter. In the later years of his life he often travelled with Retta to visit his children and grandchildren, while periodically slipping in the odd trip to Mexico, and Las Vegas with dear friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Milan Kacer and Brampton Civic Hospital Palliative Care for their care and efforts.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 17th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213).
If you wish to send flowers feel free to do so or send donations to Bethell Hospice Foundation at (905) 838-3534 or www.bethellhospice.org.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Kathie Heasley
I was very sad to hear of Dave’s passing this morning and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his family. I dealt with Dave over the years and he always made sure that as a customer we were very important to him and his business. A real gentleman and an ethically sound business person. God Bless him and the families.
Neil Fenton
I was shocked to hear of Dave’s passing this morning. He was always positive and friendly around the golf club, and was always willing to listen. I will miss his good nature and humor, and his contribution to the game of golf. Rest in peace Dave.
Carolyn Mann
Dear Retta, Derek, Randy & families. I am so sorry for your loss, my heartfelt condolences to you all. When I heard the news of Dave’s passing today I was deeply saddened. He meant so much to me. It was a great honour to have worked so closely with Dave for over 25 years. Dave was my boss, mentor and dear friend who I learned so much from in business and in life. He was always there to listen, help & console me when in need. I was incredibly lucky to have Dave in my life. He was definitely one of a kind. Thinking of you all at this difficult time, Carolyn Mann.
Cam Lindsey
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. My condolences to Retta , Derek and Randy at this difficult time. May your many memories be a blessing to you all.
Rob Ferguson
The Mayor was truly amazing and one of the kindest people I have ever met.
Fergy.
Virginia O'Donnell
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts are with you Retta, Derek and family and Randy and family. Hugs to all of you. Ginny
Ginnie Venslovaitis
My deepest condolences to Retta and Dave’s family. I have known Dave for so many years. Dave was an industry icon, always a gentleman and appreciated his customer. He never failed to find a way to make it happen. The Trucking community certainly lost a founding father today.
Cheryl Scott
So sorry for your loss, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers… Hugs Cheryl
Larry & Catherine Hutchings
We are saddened to hear of David’s passing. We are currently on vacation in Scotland and golfing some of the courses that I recall David visiting. As such we we will not be able to pay our condolences in person ….but please know our thoughts and prayers are with Retta and the entire Hardy family.
David leaves some special memories. I can hear his laughter as we hit some of our shots! He was never short of a story or a joke. What love he had for his family. What a wonderful man. He will be missed by all of us.
With love
Catherine & Larry Hutchings
Larry and Catherine Hutchings
Our hearts are with Retta and all of Dave’s family, we know the void Dave’s passing will leave.
We are truly fortunate to have been graced with visits from Dave and Retta and will forever cherish those times.
Alan & Margaret Ford
We were very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Retta and family. Those who have touched our hearts and lives will never be forgotten.
Chris Wright
Guys, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We were hearing the news and hoping for the best. Mrs Hardy please accept our condolences from the Wrights. The Mayor of Palgrave will always be remembered as one of the greats we looked up to.
Mike and Dale Dunn
He will be missed. His smile was the best. His sense of humour priceless.
So sorry.
Mike and Dale
Barry and Judy Watkins
He was always able to put a smile on your face We’ll certainly miss him Our condolences Retta and family
Terry and Bonnie Grogan
The Grogan family sends our deepest condolences. Dave and Retta were great friends with Val and Jerry Grogan (deceased) and hold so many great memories. We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s illness and now passing and extremely grateful that Terry and I (Bonnie) were able to have a nice visit and laugh at their home last summer. We will always remember Dave for his humble and kind demeanour – you were always guaranteed a welcoming smile and kind word. May you RIP Dave.
Lynne and Larry Clark
Mayor! Can’t believe the news of your being gone!! Larry is devastated. And to think we were going to catch up after we were back from our March getaway. God knows we always ALWAYS had so much fun with you! Farewell dear friend!
Retta and family, we send our most sincere condolences. Cherish the memories….
Lynne, Larry and family xxxx
Sandra & Dan Symon
Dan and I are so sad to hear that Dave is gone. As I sit with this great loss I’m remembering all our crazy fun family times together. The fantastic dinners that went on for hours & hours around the table over Pat or Retta’s great cooking and Dave’s bbq’s. The pool party evenings at 26 Rhinestone when we may have swam in our clothes (not by choice). On all our get togethers it was always hard to say goodbye and head home as we were having so much fun. I hope that Dave is saying hello again to Pat & Doc and may he rest in peace.
Retta, Derek & Randy please know you are in our hearts and we will always remember Dave with joy and love.
Love, Sandra & Dan xoxo
WAYNE STODDART
We had a lot of fun on Sunday mornings attempting to play ball. He will be missed.
Sarah Bate
So sorry for your loss xx. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time . Condolences – May he Rest In Peace xx.
Ben?Micheline Robichaud
So sorry to hear Dave passed away so suddenly. To Retta and Derek and Randy our condolence. May he rest in peace.
Teri Lee Hayes
My deepest condolences to Retta, Derek & Randy. I worked for Dave @ CW Henderson for years. I will always remember his deep / gruff voice. He was one of a kind and always there to lend an ear.
Dave & I were both from the Gaspe Coast. I remember when my family and I were moving back east to Moncton, he looked at me in his gruff voice and said “why the hell do you want to go back there”
Dave will be sorely missed …
Barbara McNulty
My sincerest condolences on your sad loss.
Nora and Terry Jones
Dear Retta, Derek and Randy..and families..
We were sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.
We lost touch after all our son’s sports games..way back when. We remember the fun times and Dave’s sense of humour.
We are away on vacation.. but our thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Terry and Nora Jones and all the family..TJ, Tony, Doug & Neal and their families.
Derek (Matson) Kearney
It saddens me and breaks my heart to hear this news. Dave (The Mayor) was such a wonderful man whom I had the privilege of knowing for the better part of my life. The Mayor was always good for a laugh or just someone who I could discuss life or business with. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for the Mayor and will truly miss that laugh and kind face. The entire Hardy family has always made me feel as if I was a part of the family and in this trying time would like you all to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Try and find peace in knowing there is a new Mayor in heaven and I have no doubt he’s now running the show.
Dale and John Guindon
To Retta, Derek and Randy: we are so sad to hear of David’s passing. We lost touch when we moved to Wasaga Beach. We spent many, many years cheering our son’s Randy and Todd at the hockey arena. Our Chantal loved David especially when he gave her a dollar for a treat at almost every game. He never said no to her. He was her Hero! Those were the good, memorable days, that we will never forget. Thank you for each and every one of them. Sad!
Paul & Betty Johnston
Our deepest sympathies to you Retta and your family.
Jean and Richard Payne
To Retta, Derek and Randy. We are really sad to hear that Dave has passed away. He was such a lovely man, always joking and so generous to everyone. He will be greatly missed. So sorry that we can’t be with you in person but know that our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. All our love xx
Fred& Dorothy Holton
Retta, Derek & Randy sorry for your loss. Fred & Dorothy Holton
John (& Shelley) Scriver
This one is going to leave a mark.
The Pulpit/Brush will never be the same.
What a beauty!!!
RIP Mayor.
Thanks (again) for saving my life in Scotland.
More importantly, thanks for being such a great friend over the last 25 years.
PLAY 9 UNDER PAR!!!!!
Laura Chapman
I hope all the cherished memories that you have of your dad brings you some light during this dark time. My deepest condolences.
George & Bonnie Ledson
We will miss Dave for his great laugh and lust for life. Our thoughts are with Retta and the family.
George & Bonnie Ledson
James Hardy
We would like to send our sincere condolences to Retta, Derek, Randy, his sisters Elaine and Eunice Hardy. David was in to visit us when he was in New Richmond, Qc last year. It was nice seeing him again and we reminisced about fun times we had growing up together. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
James & Eileen Hardy
Brian Ledson
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing……he was a guy you would go out of your way to say hello to, as it was always a moment of sincerity and he always had a good line that brightened the day.
He will be remembered dearly, he was one of my all time favourites……
My thoughts are with the multitude of friends, and the Hardy Family, in mourning the loss of this Good Man.
RIP Mayor……
Greg Bennett
Our deepest condolences to Retta, Derek & Randy. Dave was such a wonderful guy that was quick to get whoever he had in his company laughing. Palgrave was lucky to have such a great Mayor, you will be missed, hit them long and straight Dave!
Greg and Ingrid Bennett
F f
Our deepest sympathy to the family. So sorry for your loss .May the God who “binds up the brokenhearted” and “comforts all who mourn” sustain your family during this difficult times .Isaiah 61:1,2
Mark & Camilla Kalinowsky
Randy, so sorry to hear about your dads passing and our deepest sympathies go out to you, Derek and your mom. Through the stories you have told and the laughs you always shared it was clear that you had a special relationship with him.
I still have an image in my head of your dad hitting a tee shot and literally both feet are off the ground .. never laughed so hard
Cherish the memories
Mark and Camilla
Herbert Cochrane
Herbert and Elaine Cochrane
Our deepest sympathy to the family, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Emma Kavanaugh
Reta and family:
We are very sorry to hear about Dave.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry we can’t be there to offer support.
Emmy, Donna, Linda and Doug.
Blake Frost
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of Dave.I had the honor of having Dave as my boss for seventeen years.He was not only my boss but a true mentor and friend. Dave was a people person first and showed respect for his employees and customers. I have and will always have the upmost respect for Dave. My sincere condolences to Retta and family he will be truly missed by so many.
Blake Frost
Edie McKee-Rawlinson
Dear Hardy family
So sorry for your loss, was always such a friendly man.
Sincerely,
Edie McKee
Margot Scott
My sincere sympathy to you and the family. I’m sure you have many fond memories which be a comfort for you in the months ahead
Vince Rock
My condolences to Retta and all Dave’s family. It’s nice to know people’s opinions of Dave are pretty much universal – a fun guy and a genuine gentleman who impressed a lot of individuals all through his life, for sure. Lots of good golf memories. He certainly got more out of his golf swing than Charles Barkley ever did using it! RIP David
Vince Rock
Anne Weeden
I would like to offer condolences to my friend Retta. I was so sorry to learn of your loss – I know that when talking to you I could sense that you had a very special marriage, and enjoyed each others company. I can imagine how little time you have these days, but if you would like a friendly visit at a later date, I would love to either come to you or perhaps you might feel up to a visit to me. I think about you often with love and affection,
Your friend Anne
Marion Martellacci
Dear Retta, Derek , Randy and Family
May you find comfort in the many heartfelt memories of Dave , what a super sweet gentleman , thinking of you.
Marion & Jerry
Linda (Anderson) Winter
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful caring kind man with a great sense of humour.
I remember him insisting on coming over to read the night before Christmas to Kimberly and lindsay . His laugh and the twinkle in his eyes was what I remember most. He will be greatly missed. Lindsay, Kim and Linda .
Donna Willett
Our deepest sympathy at this very sad time.
Ron and Donna Willett
carol southcombe
We are so surprised and saddened by the passing of Dave. He always had a smile on his face . Our thoughts and prayers are with you Retta and your family. Hugs Norm & Carol
Kim Marshall
Retta, Derek & Randy
So sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was always kind & welcoming to us
on Westview. He will be missed by many. Thoughts & prayers are with you.
Lynn & John Robertson
Retta, our condolences to you and your family.
Mike Short
We were very sad to hear about Dave. He played a significant role in the success of my career and my business and for that our whole family is grateful. He also introduced our family to Palgrave and for that we are thankful. He will be missed.
Our deepest condolences you all.
Beverley Robinson
Hi Retta
So sorry to hear about Dave
Words just seem worthless at this time
Be strong and brave as I know you are
Much love Bev
Fiorella
Sending sincere condolences to Rheta and the Hardy family for the great loss. We never met Dave but heard many great things about him. Our deepest sympathy.
Fi & Dan Plastina
Pat and Jeff Tipping
Sending our condolences. Dave was loved and will be missed by many.
Thinking of you Retta, Derek, Randy and your families,
Pat (Micone) and Jeff Tipping
V & J Busby
Our deepest sympathy Retta , Derek, Randy and your families in the loss of your husband and Dad. The “Mayor” with his “Hardy” laugh and friendly banter made many parties and hockey events memorable for us all.
Rest In Peace Dave.
Vic and Jane Busby
Karen lynne Wardley
It is devastating news to hear of Dave’s passing. I had the very pleasant privilege to be Dave’s dental hygienist. He was a very gracious gentleman. He celebrated his life, always full of wonderful tales of his wife, family, colleagues, friends & golfing buddies. You surely will be missed. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Karen lynne Wardley
The Kilfin family
Retta, Derek, Randy and Family, we are deeply saddened with the news received this afternoon on Dave’s passing, our sincerest condolonces. We often reminisce the old times and our fond family memories of Westview with the Hardy family and Dave’s light hearted antics. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless.
Mark and Nancy Maxwell
Retta, and family, our deepest condolences on Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ann Wood
My sincere sympathy to you and your family, Rhetta
Peggy Charbonneau
Dear Retta , Derek and Randy
We were so saddened to learn of the passing of David. Our hearts go out to you. Such fond memories we have of times spent together. With love, Rick, Peggy, Todd and Gene Charbonneau
Dave “Captain Canada “ Horsman
So sad to hear of Dave’s passing – he was a real pistol – always remember party hardy in Scotland trip of 2010
Jack Bradley
Oh my, just seeing this now. My deepest condolences to the Hardy family on Dave’s passing. He was one of my first contacts in ‘industry’ and one of my true ‘go to’ folks over the many years. Dave and I were in the same CITT graduating class. A true gentleman in the industry. Straight shooter and passionate about his work and his employees. He will be missed. God Bless my friend.
Margus Soolepp
I worked with Dave for many years. Like so many others he was always there to lend a hand, give advice or an opinion. David A Hardy, a good man!