It is with profound sadness, the family of Stanley Herbert Hardy, age 82 years, announce his peaceful passing on Friday, October 4th, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Stanley, better known as “Papa”, was born on July 1st, 1942 to Lily and Archie Hardy. He was the youngest of 6 children. At the young age of 10 years, Papa lost his father unexpectedly. As a result, Lily, older sister Doreen, older brother Wilfred and Papa moved to England. After a short period in England, Papa returned to Thunder Bay which he called home.
Papa married Judy Ball “Yaya” on September 28th, 1963. They had two daughters Teri-Ann Martyn (George) and Tammy Ambrose (Mark). Yaya and Papa recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Papa followed in the footsteps of his father and older brothers, becoming a sheet metal worker. He worked at Keenan Sheet Metal for many years, relocating his young family to North Bay and Burlington before returning home to Thunder Bay. Papa and his brother, Wilf, ventured on their own, forming Hardy Bros Heating and Sheet Metal. After many successful years in business with Wilf, Papa proudly started his own company, Stan’s Heating and Sheet Metal. Papa retired in 1999 due to health issues.
Papa spent over 40 years camping at Come by Chance Resort at Whitefish Lake. Many happy memories were made at camp with family. Papa also loved travelling with his daughters and their families to dance competitions, hockey tournaments and Florida. He also enjoyed trips to Winnipeg, Duluth and Grand Portage. Papa enjoyed watching NASCAR, hockey and listening to his music.
Family meant everything to Papa including his grand dogs. Papa never came to visit without a handful of treats for them. Papa was so proud of his daughters and the families they had grown. He loved watching his grandchildren dance, play basketball and hockey and more recently, playing a challenging game of scrabble every Thursday night with family.
Papa was kind, loving and caring. He could also be described as strong willed and stubborn, qualities that he passed down to his daughter, Teri-Ann. Papa was also very social and had the gift to gab, qualities he passed down to his daughter, Tammy. Papa suffered from many health issues over the years; however, defied the odds time and time again. Everyone who was close to Papa said he didn’t have 9 lives, he had 99 lives. During these challenging times, Papa always maintained his sense of humour.
We are comforted to know that Papa is now at peace and reunited with his mom, dad and siblings, Joyce Squitti (Robert), Jim Hardy (Bernice), Norm Hardy, Doreen Smith (Cyril) and Wilf Hardy (Sheila) and nieces Brenda Hardy and Kelly Hardy-Daberer. He is also reunited with his mother and father-in-law Frank and Evelyn Ball and special Aunt, Auntie Rene (Irene Goodfellow).
Papa is survived by his loving wife Judy, daughter’s Teri-Ann Martyn (George), Tammy Ambrose (Mark), special grandchildren Taylor Martyn (Ron), Karley Smith (Ashton) in Sudbury, Brayden Martyn (Steph) and Kaitlyn Ambrose (Ross) as well as great-grandchildren, Lillian and Emery Smith who Papa absolutely adored. Papa is also survived by his sister-in-law Sheila Hardy in Timmins and brother-in-law Robby Ball (Trish) in Kelowna as well as numerous nieces and nephews across Canada and as far away as England who he remained in contact with.
Lastly, we want to thank Dr. Tassone for providing exceptional care to Papa over the past number of years. Your support was much appreciated. We also want to thank Dr. Everall and the nursing staff and therapists at St. Joseph’s Hospital on 3 South and 2 South namely Dani, David, Ryan, Chelsea and Sharyl for your care and understanding of Papa’s needs. Additional thanks to Jessica, Sherri, Shanley, Renee and Melissa for your compassion and support as we prepared for Papa’s passing.
Words cannot express the profound heartbreak we are all feeling. Papa was such a significant part of us all and we will continue to cherish all the wonderful memories we have of him. We all love you so very much Papa and miss you so much.
To honour Papa’s wishes, there will not be a formal service. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House (Winnipeg), Paws for Love or a Charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
