Frederick Hardy

Frederick Hardy came enthusiastically into the world on December 22, 1920. He left peacefully on October 14th, 2015, having lived a full 94 3/4 years. He was born to May and Major Hardy in Anaconda, Montana and lived in Butte, Montana. His parents were originally from England and moved back there during the first part of the Great Depression looking for work. Fred always described this early part of his life as a great Hardy Boys adventure exploring Thaxted, England with his brothers Les and Bill. The Hardy family moved back to Butte, Montana during the 1930's, the era of Gangsters, Hookers and Copper Barons, which may have influenced his independent spirit. Butte's natural rugged beauty became Fred's playground, and with his brother's he learned to hunt and fish. He passed his love of fishing to his grandchildren. Fred enlisted in the Army during World War II, becoming a co-pilot in the Army Air Corps, 14th Air Force, 308th Bombardment Group, 374th Squadron, flying B24 bombers over the Himalayan "Hump" between India and China with the infamous "Flying Tigers". His plane was shot down over China and the crew had a harrowing escape. Fred began his artistic career with a painting on the side of his bomber of a woman they named "Mama Foo Foo". Fred married Irvina Welty in 1946, moved to Billings, Montana and had five children. To support his family he became a Sign Designer. Many of the signs that Fred designed from 1950 to 1980 can still be seen in Montana and Wyoming. He began winning awards for his sign designs, so he was offered a job in Denver, Colorado, which he turned down so he could stay in his beloved Montana to fish his favorite (and secret) streams. He always carried a pint of whiskey to offer a farmer or rancher for the privilege of fishing on their property, another thing he taught his grandchildren. When Fred retired he took up Golf and enjoyed the camaraderie of the American Legion Club in Billings. He remained true to his love of independence and lived in his little house on Wyoming Avenue in Billings, Montana until he was 94 1/2 years old. All his children; Barbara, Suzanne, Dianne, Douglas, and Janine miss him greatly, as do his grandchildren; Aaron, Eric, India, Alexis, Nichole, Jason, Joshua, Sera, Brandon and Michelle; his nieces, nephews, and many friends. Fred loved four women in his life, Irvina, Ruth, Emily and Marylou, who we hope greeted him on the other side. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21st from 4 to 7 P.M. Memorial services will be Friday, October 23rd at 11 A.M. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary with Military Honors to follow. a reception will be held at the American Legion Yellowstone Post #4.