UNION – Alexander “Sandy” Hardie Jr., 86, a resident of Sennebec Road, died Sunday, April 29, 2007, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Augusta, after a long period of failing health. Mr. Hardie was born May 25, 1920, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of Alexander and Bessie Hoak Hardie Sr. He was a graduate of the University of Maine in Orono, with a degree in agriculture. He began work with the H. J. Heinz Co., Muscatine, Iowa, as a lab technician. When World War II broke out, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant, becoming a member of the 8th Infantry Division, serving in the European theatre. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and other combat ribbons. On Nov. 6, 1943, he married Mary-Helen Raye. After the war, he operated his own apple orchard in Union since the late 1940s, while teaching at Cony High School, Augusta. He also worked at the former Laverdiere’s Drug Store, Rockland. He was active in the Knox – Lincoln Soil Conservation District, where he received many awards for his work with that group. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary-Helen Hardie of Union; two daughters, Mary Heathcote and her husband, Walter, of Nobleboro, and Carol Peasley of Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Bessie Hersom of Camden; two grandchildren Karen Martin and Tom Goodridge; and two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Caroline Martin. A service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at the chapel of the new Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, with the Rev. David O’Donnell officiating. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc., Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101-2406. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
ALEXANDER HARDIE JR.
