Donald Hugh Hardwick passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 10 with his devoted daughter Sandra by his side. Donald was born on Dec. 26, 1922 in Boothbay Harbor to Roy Forthsye and Agnes Jean (Whitman) Hardwick. He grew up and attended school in Boothbay until he graduated in 1941.
In 1942 he answered his country’s calling and joined the Coast Guard where he bravely served during WWII, in both our Asian and European campaigns. After being discharged from the Coast Guard, he returned to Boothbay Harbor to focus on raising a family and a career. Donald had an impeccable work ethic and worked at various jobs before settling into a career at Bath Iron Works, where he retired as a security guard in 1987.
After retiring from B.I.W Donald worked part time at the Boothbay Railway Museum in the facility’s antique auto display. He enjoyed a long running joke telling people that the museum needed an antique to work with the antiques and that was why he was there. He had a passion for antique automobiles, and he always boasted that he was the first in his high school class to have an automobile in 1940. Aside from his work at the railway museum, he enjoyed spending time with family and woodworking on various projects.
During his lifetime Donald was an active member of the community: becoming a third degree Master Mason for more than 50 years at Boothbay Harbor Lodge and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star in the Crescent Chapter.
Donald is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Barter Hardwick; and daughter, Joan Arlene Pinkham.
Donald is survived by sons, Wayne Donald Hardwick of Walligrass, and Dean Frederick Hardwick of Los Angeles, Cal.; daughter, Sandra Ann Behringer of Elliston, Va.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
You are invited to share your condolences, stories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
