Thomas Gregory Hardy, Sr.

CORVALLIS - Thomas Gregory Hardy, Sr., of Corvallis, Mont., died on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Community Hospital in Missoula.

Tom was born in San Jose, California in 1936 to McVal Smith Hardy and Roberta Mary Mangum. His early childhood was spent in Watsonville and Arcadia, Calif., while his high school years were in Waverly, Penn.

He met Sally Caldwell while they were seniors at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Penn., and the two were married in June of 1955. The couple raised five children who were born in Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California. Tom worked numerous jobs from Baltimore to Lacrosse, Wisc. to Minneapolis, Minn., where he worked and completed his degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota in 1968.

After graduating, Tom took a job at Chevron in San Francisco. The family settled in Walnut Creek, Calif., where they remained until 1980. Tom was a very hard-working executive and poured himself into his work at Chevron.

They attended Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church and Tom came to know the Lord as his personal savior. His desire to learn the Bible and develop his personal relationship with the Lord flourished. Tom poured his passion for learning into his Christian life and he, in turn, served other people with a kind heart and a generous spirit.

Tom and Sally lived in Hamilton and spent years ranching, running a local clothing store -- The Clothes Tree – and exploring Western Montana. In the early 2000s Tom and Sally worked as missionaries in St. Croix, Virgin Islands for a couple years, before the couple retired to Palm Coast, Fla. The couple ministered to recovering drug addicts and alcoholics during this time. In early 2005, Tom lost his wife of 50 years to cancer. Tom then returned to Montana. When he wasn’t exploring his beloved Bitterroot Valley, driving the back roads, hunting, and hiking, he worked to restore a 1960’s Honda S600 coupe.

In 2011, Tom met Leona (Lee) Webber at church where they made an instant connection with each other. They married in 2012 and made their home in Hamilton and Corvallis for the past 7 years. The couple stayed very active at their church and spent time traveling and adventuring in Montana and the Pacific Northwest. At home Tom did fix-its on the house and kept up with yard work. 

Tom was faithful in going to the gym three time a week and gave of his time through the RSVP program as a mentor in math to 4th graders at Daly Elementary School. 

In addition to being giving, Tom was a very kindhearted person and always willing to listen. He was measured and would work out thoughtful response over days rather than a quick one in the moment. His words were often insightful.

He enjoyed music participating in the Montana a Capella Chorus, the Bitterroot Chorus, and church choirs.  He enjoyed laughter, comedic “word-smithing,” and a curious turn-of-phrase.

Survivors include his wife, Leona Hardy, of Corvallis; his brother, Jeff Hardy (Elaine) of New Bern, N.C.; his children, Thomas G. Hardy Jr. of Santa Clarita, Calif., Jay A. Hardy of Amphoe Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand, Leigh C. (Hardy) Lykins (Mark) of Hamilton, Mont., Phillip M. Hardy of Vina, Calif., and Cameron M. Hardy (Milissa) of Richland, Wash.

Surviving grandchildren include: Caterina (Hardy) Runnfeldt (Chris), Jason Hardy, Mark Lykins Jr. (Janelle), Matt Lykins (Chanel), Katie (Lykins) Aloi (Cody), Amanda (Lykins) Wetzsteon (Andrew), Ashley Hardy, Aaron Hardy, Alec Hardy, Katie Morgan and Kyandra Hardy; and numerous great grandchildren.

A memorial has not been set.  Memorials may be made in Tom's name to Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org or PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. 

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