It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Hardy which occurred at Maria Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the age of 61.
After a 30-year battle with Marfan Syndrome, Rick peacefully passed away with his wife by his side hand in hand.
Predeceased by his father Robert Hardy, mother Shirley Harrison, and sister Shannon.
Richard leaves behind to mourn his beloved wife and life partner of 37 years, Debra Dimock, nephew Bryan (Dominique), great-niece Elizabeth, great-nephew Gabriel, his sister Debbie (Peter), niece Danielle and great-nephew Emerson, niece Denise (Evan) and many other family members and friends.
Richard was an inspiration and role model to many, always gave his 100% in his life, whether it was his passion for teaching boxing, basketball, work or friendship.
For the many accomplishments throughout his life, he especially had the pleasure of teaching many what boxing meant to him. To all the gym members, the memory of what he taught to each and everyone will forever live on strong in your hearts.
Richard was a true fighter throughout the last 30 years, battling his sickness, but it's for sure he was a true and unique man who never gave up right to the end of his life.
To the many people that knew Rick! Let us all find the peace and comfort in our hearts,
he is no longer suffering. I have been blessed to have known Richard for 42 years.
Spent 37 with him. We both faced sickness together and always had hope he would
get better. No words can describe this emptiness I have in my heart but our memories together
will give me the strength in this time of deep sorrow.
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again. Our farewell words were spoken, a loving goodbye as we cried.
You were gone before I knew it to God and paradise.
Richard you will never be forgotten. Love you and rest in peace my man. Until we meet again.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the Staff and Doctors at Maria Hospital for the 30 years of great care!
Donations can be made in memory of Richard Hardy to the Marfan Syndrome Foundation (Research).
Please take note that there will be no ceremony.
Professional services have been entrusted to the Henri Thibodeau Funeral Home Inc., a subsidiary of the HG Division network Certified Distinction by the Corporation des Thanatologues du Québec and by the Bureau du Normalisation du Québec.
The management and staff of HG Division offer their deepest condolences to the family and thank them for their trust.
Debbie, our deepest condolences to you and your loved one on loosing the love of your life and your best friend. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven.
M. Hardy, Richard, Rich... thats how I finish calling him.
A very great mentor for me that become a friend. So calm very good teacher. I'm so glad I have the chance knowing him.
Tu me manques
Take car Rich,
Claude-André
I was fortunate to be one of the many kids who Richard dedicated his time to, teaching us far more than basketball skills, but life skills as well, helping mould us from boys to men. We shared many laughs , lots of sweat, and even the occasional blood and tears as he drove us up and down the Coast in the cab of his truck in search of a game. Thanks Big Rick, and to Debbie for sharing him with all of us - may he rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to you Debbie. Rick was an amazing guy. We shared lots of great memories when you and Rick lived in Toronto together. Rest In Peace Rick🙏
Kim
My deepest sympathy to you Debbie and the family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Richard was a great guy.
Mes plus sincères sympathies à toi Debra et ta famille
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Richard as a former student of Bonaventure Polyvalent. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Kenneth Ward, New Carlisle
Rick was like a father to me he thought me alot in my life he always pushed me to become a better version of my self. He was always there to listen to me and give me advice thru difficult times. He teached me how to do masonry, scaffolding just to name a few. He used to be my personal trainer and he never let me off easy. I thank him for it because that's where my resilience comes from. He was a big piece in my life I'll miss him massively but I know that we're he is now he is watching over us and knowing that he is at peace and that he is no longer suffering makes my heart a little less heavy. It warms my heart that you were able to see my children especially my baby boy before you had to go. You will always be in my thoughts and the love I have for you will never dull. Thank you for everything that you have done for me I will be forever grateful for you. I love you Rick
Your nephew / Your son Bryan
It's with great sadness that we heard of the passing away of Richard. Our deepest sympathy to yo Debby the hardy and Dimock familly. He will be miss by many. May Richard rest in peace
I'll lways remember Ricki as been the tallest guy in school being a volleyball player I always tried to encourage him to try volleyball, but he loved basketball to much. He was a gentle giant to me.
Rest in peace brother
Very sorry to hear of Richard's passing, may he rest in peace. My condolences to the family.
Ed Sexton
Richard.
You and I hung out in our early years. Spent our summers at Joes Campsite. You were a genuine guy with outstanding morals! I moved away (1975) and unfortunately we didn’t keep in touch. I visited New Richmond, last year, and my intentions were to pay you a much deserved visit , but I heard you were ill and hospitalized. I made a promise to myself that I will visit you this spring. Looks like that won’t happen, but we will be together one day and what a time we will have! Lots to catch up on! Keep a place for your Gaspesienne kin! Rest in peace pal.
Andre Firlotte
I send my deepest sympathies to the family at this sad time. Richard, you were a fighter in more ways than one. I will always have very fond memories of you. Goodbye my friend!
We heard about Richard with great sadness. He fought a long, hard battle with tremendous courage. We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Debra and her family.
Very sad to hear about Richard. We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone who knew and loved him. He was such a nice man. Always so kind and helpful. He fought a brave fight for many years. Now it’s his time to rest.
My deepest sympathy to Rick’s family. And to my precious friend Debbie, who fought this battle alongside him. May you rest in peace rick, the memories of you will bring power to everyone from within.
Love.
Sincères sympathies à la famille.
It is so sad to hear this. Our deepest condolences to you Debbie and all the family. He was a fighter to the end. Our prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Sincères sympathies à toute la famille Un bon gars qui a posé ma cheminée et mon échangeur d’air lors de la construction de mon chalet en 2004 Très satisfait de son travail
So sorry for your loss Debbie. All my condolences.
My deepest sympathies to Richard’s family — may he RIP
My deepest sympathies to Richard’s family — may he RIP
My deepest sympathies to Richard’s family — may he RIP
My deepest sympathies to Richard’s family — may he RIP
My deepest sympathies to Richards family and friends.
My deepest sympathies to you, your family and Bryan.
Dear Debbie, my heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathy to all of the families. Richard will be missed.
Love. Lou
Our sincere sympathies to Debbie and all of Richard's family and friends. He was a strong man and fought a long battle. May he rest in peace.
Dear Debbie, I was surprised to hear about Richard, my heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathy to you and the famiy
My deepest sympathies to the Hardy and Dimock families.
My sincere condolences to you Debbie and to all in Richard’s circle. I have such good memories of our school years, in particular when he was my lab partner in grade 7 biology. He was always kind and my father often spoke of the good work he did at their home.
Our sincerest sympathy to Richard's family and friends, may he rest in peace.
Such beautiful words to describe a very gentle man, with a heart of gold and courage beyond believe, Rest in peace Rick.
My sincere condolences to all family members and friends.
Les souvenirs resteront toujours. Nous vous offrons nos plus profondes sympathies en ces moments difficiles. Que nos pensées vous accompagnent dans cette épreuve. Bon courage afin de surmonter une si pénible épreuve !
So very sorry for your loss Debbie. My sincerest sympathy to you and your family
