Rodger Hardy

Rodger Wayne Hardy, 79, passed away quickly and somewhat unexpectedly from cardiovascular-related causes on January 13, 2022, in Globe, AZ. He was born on September 17, 1942, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT to Giles Hardy and Maryann “Mitzie” Pirtz Hardy. He was the oldest child of seven children. He attended Little Flower School and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School, where he played football and made many lifelong friends. As an on-the-go child, Rod played all major sports of the day and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad and brothers. Rod was interested in electronics at an early age and became a ham radio operator at 11 years old. He somehow convinced our dad to erect a 30-foot antenna on the roof of our house, enabling him to send Morse Code to communicate as far away as South Korea. That interest in electronics led him to his life's work as an electrician. He worked mostly in the coal mines of Gillette, WY as well as gold and copper mines in Arizona and Zambia, Africa. He programmed driverless dump trucks in the mines of Globe, AZ. Rod spent the last 30 years of his life in Globe, where he enjoyed the company of many good friends who became family. After retiring he spent his days refurbishing older vehicles and having a beer with friends. Rod married Dixie Erickson on October 20, 1964, in Billings. They had four children, Lisa, Laurie, Pam, and Todd. He was musical and played several instruments by ear, like his father. He often played guitar for his children and they sang along, creating lasting wonderful memories. Rod is survived by his children, Laurie Barta of Billings, Lisa Hardy, Pam Hardy, Todd (Shannon) Hardy, all of Arizona; former wife Dixie of Arizona; three grandchildren, Sophie Barta, Michael Waz, Jack Hardy; one great-grandson Sylas; his mother Mitzie, 98 years young; six siblings, Sandy Sherman, Dave Hardy, Doug Hardy, Kim Golini, all of Billings, Tina Barber of Henderson, NV, Mike Hardy of Aurora, CO. His Dad, Giles Hardy, preceded him in death in 1970. He will be greatly missed.