James Peter ’Pete’ Hardy began his eternal journey on February 15, 2021 in Battle Mountain General Hospital at the age of 85.
He was born in Ogden, Utah 6/16/1935 to James Elisha Hardy & Veda Owen Cook. He had two sisters, Beatrice Colleen Guthrie and Faun Cook Sandall, and one brother, Wyon Lee Hardy.
Pete grew up on the Western Pacific Railroad between Elko and Winnemucca.
He worked on ranches and in mining, the milling process for most of his adulthood.
Later in life he became a gunsmith. He retired from gun-smithing about five years ago.
Around the house he was a jack of all trades! It was very puzzling when he got something that he couldn’t fix, which wasn’t often.
In 1952, Pete met and married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Welch. They were blessed with three children, Sonya Shirlynn Milke, James William Hardy and Terry Hardy.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in the various organizations within the church.
He was also involved in the Lions Club and the Moose Lodge.
Pete loved the outdoors either hunting or fishing or even golfing! It was quite a shock to him that he enjoyed golfing. He was challenged by a friend to try it, so he did. He was amazed that chasing a stupid little ball all around the country could be entertaining!
He was a great fabricator. If he needed a spring for a gun he was working on, he made it! If we needed a way to carry oxygen he built a box. He worked a lot with wood making cabinets and dressers and decks and patios.
Some of the fun sayings that he would say was “What you want… don’t make your fat.” When people would say “I want this or that” that was always his answer! Another one that sticks out is “If you order number five on the menu, that’s what you get.” If you do something that’s going to hurt, you’re going to hurt.
Pete was well known for his humor always trying to tease or joke. He was very kindhearted and easy to talk to. Whenever he would meet somebody, they would be greeted with a big smile and a warm handshake.
He was well liked by all those who knew him. He was well respected for his opinion and his no-nonsense manner.
He became very attached to his animals, especially Muffy (cat), Penny & Sassy (dogs).
He will be greatly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter Sonya, grand-daughter and other dear relatives.
He is probably having a great reunion at this time. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Jim, daughter Terry, grandsons Russell Milke and Peter James Johnson, great-grandson Aieden Milke and nieces and nephews and many friends.
