Alan N. Hard

1953 - 2021

Alan (sometimes Al), 67, of North Aurora, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 25, after a long, courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on November 20, 1953, in Aurora to Charles (Chuck) O. Hard and Marjorie (Marge) Rose MacGibbon Hard.

He graduated from Oswego High School and Waubonsee Community College. Alan married his high school sweetheart! He worked for IBM, Kodak and Danka. He had always wanted his own business, and took an opportunity to start one, Homestead Handyman, with his mission to do the small and large projects while taking pride in his work, often finding creative solutions to unusual problems. He added his son, Ben, doing heating and air and then his daughter, Karen, who worked with him for 17 years and carries on the dream with her own company.

He was loyal to his beloved family and many friends, was kind and helpful and had a great sense of humor right up to his passing. He flew airplanes and built two of his own. His privilege was to give someone their first ride in a private plane. Vacationing at Wolf Lake, MI, is a family tradition started by his parents that continued through him to his grandchildren. He was a member of New England Congregational Church in Aurora, the Fox Valley Flying Club and the Aurora Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #579, including flying Young Eagles.

Alan is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Sue; sons, Sam (Alice) of Batavia and Ben (Heather) of North Aurora; daughter, Karen (Vic) of Montgomery; grandchildren, Rhi, Kim, Liam and Charlie; brother, Dennie (Edie) of Aurora; sister, Carol Crawford of Pinellas Park, FL; sister-in-law, Judy of Aurora, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Jim and brother-in-law, Bob Crawford.

The family will hold a small, private memorial service. At a future date, a service for friends and family will be arranged.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a rescue animal shelter (such as Anderson Humane), or better yet, give a pet a home.

For further information please call The Healy Chapel at 630-897-9291 or visit www.healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.