Alexander “Sandy” Hardie, Jr., 86, of Union, passed away April 29 at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, following a lengthy period of failing health.
Mr. Hardie was born May 25, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Penn., the son of Alexander and Bessie Hoak Hardie, Sr. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in Agriculture.
He began work with the H. J. Heinz Co. in Muscatine, Ia. as a lab technician. When WWII broke out, he joined the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lt., becoming a member of the 8th Infantry Division, serving in the European Theatre. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and other combat ribbons.
On Nov. 6, 1943, he married Mary-Helen Raye.
After the war he operated his own apple orchard in Union, ever since the late 1940’s, while teaching at Cony High School in Augusta. He also worked at the former Laverdiere’s Drug Store in Rockland.
He was active in the Knox-Lincoln Soil Conservation District, where he received many awards for his work with that group.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary-Helen Hardie of Union; daughters, Mary Heathcote and husband Walter of Nobleboro, and Carol Peasley of Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Bessie Hersom of Camden; grandchildren, Karen Martin and Tom Goodridge; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Caroline Martin.
Service 2 p.m., Thurs., May 3 at the chapel of the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, with Rev. David O’Donnell officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Assoc., Inc., Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101-2406.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
