DAVID GLEN HARDAGE

Palmer resident David Glen Hardage, 47, died suddenly at home Dec. 15, 2001.

Mr. Hardage was born to Rex O. and Christine (Blatchford) Hardage, Sept. 13, 1954, at Valley Hospital. He was raised in Palmer and graduated from Palmer High School in 1972.

He went on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks right after high school and later transferred to Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka.

He worked on the Transalaska Pipeline in 1975 and 1976 between school semesters. He worked in Juneau and in Anchorage for various agencies. In 1984 he went to work for Tundra Tours, driving school bus and training other drivers.

In 1988 he went to work for the Mat-Su school district. He was often called upon to handle difficult phone calls, as his gentle nature and grace enabled him to sooth the irritated and solve the problems, according to those who knew him.

Mr. Hardage came to know the Lord Jesus Christ on Sept. 16, 1983. He attended Gospel Outreach for several years and then Lazy Mountain Bible Church. This gentle man, so kind and good to all who knew him, is much loved, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father, Rex O. Hardage. He is survived by his parents, Jay and Christine Holmberg; brother, Gary Hardage; wife, Lila Hardage; two children, Violet Hardage and Daniel Hardage; and three stepchildren, Irene Hemphill, Lucas Hemphill and Rose Hemphill. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and numerous friends.

Visitation will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Kehl's Palmer Mortuary. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Teeland Middle School on Seldon Road in Wasilla with visitation 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday preceding the funeral service.

The David G. Hardage Memorial Fund has been set up at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, 1020 S. Bailey St., Palmer, for anyone wishing to make a contribution.