Hardy’s Obituary
Hardy Merlin Ashley ~ Aug 12,1927 to July 10, 2021 ~ Age 93 It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Hardy on July 10, 2021 with his loving daughter by his side. Dad was born in Dutch Settlement N.S. to the late Henry and Ida Jane (Isenor) Ashley. He attended the Dutch Settlement one-room schoolhouse until the end of Grade 7. Dad left school to help his father with their wood cutting lot. After two years, Dad found employment at Laurie Isenor and Sons Box Factory. He spoke fondly and often of his time spent there, and eventually moved on with all fingers intact! Dad grew to be lovingly known as Hardy, Ash, Uncle Hardy, Great Grampa and Granddad, being one of his most endearing. In 1950, Dad enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces (Signal Corp) and spent time in Germany. In 1953, while on leave in Scotland, he met his Scottish bride to be Cathy. Dad and Mom were married in St. Ninians, Scotland, and returned to Nova Scotia to settle and raise a family. Dad worked at various jobs before joining Moore Business Forms where he applied his natural talents of design and sales. In 1981, Dad and Margie were married eventually relocating to Whitehorse where they made many lifelong friends. Dad loved fishing with many fond trips to Haines including Pete and many others. Dad had many hobbies but one of his greatest passions was lovingly attending to his blueberry patch. He loved sharing his crop with family and friends. No one went home with an empty pail! Dad was also well known for his annual hodge podge, celebrating Hardy’s cooked fresh garden vegetables with family and friends. Dad was always drawn to “his little piece of paradise” in the Annapolis Valley. In 2015 Dad met Joan Hebb, and at the young ages of 89 and 85 respectively, they married the following year. Dad moved with Joan to Bridgewater where they have spent the last 5 years visiting friends old and new, walks on Crescent Beach, or quietly sitting together on the garden swing. Their love, caring and respect for each other knows no bounds. Hardy is survived by his loving wife, Joan (Calkin) Hebb, Bridgewater; Peter (Brenda) Ashley, Yorkton,SK, children Mathew (Dalane) Ashley, Jason (Yana) Ashley, Brandi (Colton) Curry, and Aaron Ashley, as well as daughter Heather (Dave Billingham) Ashley, Cochrane AB., children Kevin McLaughlin, Katie (David) Billingham and Beth Ellen (Nick) Billingham, great granddaughter Emma and many nieces and nephews. Hardy was predeceased by wife Cathy, second wife Margie, brothers; Lloyd, Earl, Murray, Wilfred, George, Monson, Ray and Donald; sisters Jean Kennedy, Iva Frosst, Freda Jollimore and Marjorie Ashley. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Middleton Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 2:00 pm at Middleton Funeral Home, Middleton, N.S. with Rev. Jeff Chant officiating. Due to COVID -19 restrictions, masking, social distancing and hand sanitizing are required. There will be no burial service. Donations may be made to the M.S. Society, or a charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street. Toll free 902-855-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting www. middletonfuneralhome.com
Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hardy Merlin Ashley August 12 1927 July 10 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia