Ronald William “Ron” Hardy

Wasilla resident Ronald William “Ron” Hardy, 55, died Nov. 25, 2011.

He was born June 22, 1956, in San Manuel, Ariz., to Serna and William Hardy. He was raised in Yucaipa, Calif., and graduated from Yucaipa High School in 1974.

A memorial service with full military honors in honor of Ron is at 5 p.m., Dec. 18 at the Susitna Valley American Legion Post 35, 5050 Tweed Court in Wasilla (Mile 46 of the Parks Highway). The U.S. Air Force Honor Detail will perform the Military Honors ceremony in Ron’s honor.

Shortly after graduation, Ron joined the U.S. Air Force and went to work in the precision measurement equipment logistics area. He ended up traveling to Iceland, England, Saudi Arabia and many other countries. Ron moved to Alaska in 1983 with his two children and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, where he met his future wife, Sara, and they were married for 25 years. Together they raised six children.

Ron retired from the Air Force in 1994 after finishing his 20-year career.

After retirement, he worked on the North Slope for seven years, and during the Alaska summers he thoroughly enjoyed hunting, lake fishing and spending time with his family — although his true love was taking his 25-foot ocean boat halibut fishing in Seward. In the winter months, Ron loved to travel with his wife and family to Hawaii, Iowa and Las Vegas.

Surviving are his wife, Sara; parents, Anita and Harold Ferguson, and William and Eleanor Hardy; children, Alicia Estrada, Erica Priscella, Shaun Hardy, Nikee Crissinger, Amanda Spohn and Heather Schultheis; 13 grandchildren, and one on the way; brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; his in-laws in California, New Mexico, Minnesota, Iowa; and his Alaskan friends.

Ron will be missed by his dogs and all those who knew him.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Steve Hardy; son-in-law, Adam Spohn; and his grandparents.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla cared for the family.