Edward S. "Edd" Hardie

Edward Hardie Obituary
Edward (Edd) Hardie passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023, joining his beloved wife, Diane. Edd was born August 14, 1948, the son of Wolcott and Anne (Haskell) Hardie and grew up on the islands of Penobscot Bay, primarily on Deer Isle. He was the son of a fisherman, but realized at a young age that his father's occupation was not for him. While he loved the sea and the islands he grew up on, he decided not to follow his family's trade on the water.
Edd attended Deer Isle High School before joining the Army in 1966, at the tender age of 17. Following his basic training, he become an Army cook and headed for his first assignment in Berlin, Germany. It was the height of the cold war, and his family was apprehensive about him being stationed behind the Iron Curtain. But it turned out to be a great assignment albeit a huge change coming from rural Maine to one of Europe's largest cities. Edd often said his decision to join the service was one of the best decisions of his life, which gave him the freedom to travel and see parts of the world he would not have otherwise seen. He spent three years in Berlin before receiving orders for Fort Polk, Louisiana. Upon returning to the United States, he married his teenage sweetheart and love of his life, Diane Nightingale, on August 31, 1969. Edd and Diane were soul mates and enjoyed 38 years together.
While at Fort Polk, Edd decided to re-enlist for a chance to serve in the Army's Southern Command. He served in Panama for three years and liked it so much that he extended his time there by eight months. Both his children, Nanita and Darron, were born there.
He then served as a cook at Fort Eustis. During his free-time he pursued his interest in baking by taking a cake – decorating course; something he discovered he loved doing and was good at. His cakes became highly regarded at Fort Eustis and he was asked to make a special cake for General Orlando Gonzales on the occasion of receiving his second star. The General told Edd the cake was spectacular, and he would be rewarded for his efforts.
Edd's baking prowess turned out to be important to his military career. At his next assignment, back in Germany, Edd was called to meet with the Commander, who had read the praise that General Gonzales had included in his file. The Commander asked Edd to take over running the officer's club, which had been losing money. He proudly ran it for three years and managed to turn a profit every year. He went on to successfully run the officer's club at Fort Sill.
In 1983, after 17 years of service, he received a medical discharge due to his increasing health problems, just as he achieved master sergeant rank. Edd and his family returned to Maine and built a beautiful home in Orland. He became a bus driver and later a driving instructor. He developed a close relationship with George Stevens Academy (GSA) in Blue Hill. For 21 years he was a highly valued volunteer for GSA sports teams and made a major financial contribution to the gym renovation. In 2018 he was inducted into the GSA Athletic Hall of Fame. He enjoyed several handmade quilts, presented to him for his contributions to GSA.
Edd's generous spirit was evident at the VA home in Bangor, where he lived and received treatment for over 10 years. He spearheaded raffles for the home's Alzheimer's work and could always be counted on to help fellow residents with problems and to make newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.
Edd was preceded by his beloved wife, Diane (Nightingale) Hardie and his daughter, Nanita Hardie. He is survived by his son, Darron Hardie, and three grandchildren; Josulynn, and her partner Eric, Draven, and D'Anna; his sisters Estelle Snowden and Verona Stevens, and her husband John; and brother Reynold Hardie and his wife Barbara. Edd had a close relationship with his special niece Jodie (Holden) Schneider, her husband Michael, and their boys Colby and Bryce. They enjoyed many of Edd's home cooked meals, adventures out and about in his van, and happy times spent together.
Edd was well cared for at the VA home and appreciated the kindness and compassion shown to him by the staff. In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations in his name be made to the Maine Veterens' Home in Bangor (mainevets.org/memorial-giving).
An interment service with full military honors will take place at the Back Ridge Cemetery in Orland on July 15th at 11 AM followed by a Celebration of Life. Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (mitchelltweedid-young.com)