Dr. Richard J. Hardy served in the Air National Guard for eight years. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah where he was first baseman on the baseball team. He received a master's degree from Columbia University, and his doctorate from the University of Utah and two additional master's degrees from Central Michigan University.

He was the ultimate educator and life-long learner. Richard taught at many universities around the country, including Kansas State University; The University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse; Arizona State University, Tempe; University of Northern Colorado; San Francisco State University; Central Michigan University; and Indiana University, Bloomington.

Richard loved his family members: his wife Mary Crosby Hardy, his three daughters, his seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his three siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

The celebration of life was held with close family members and friends