Gary Scot Hardke

Gary Scot Hardke passed away on Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 76.

He and his twin brother, Greg, were born on Feb. 16, 1949, in Benton Harbor to Len and Esther Hardke. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 1975, he and Greg relocated to San Diego. Greg and Gary were an incandescent and inseparable pair for their 70 years together on Earth, bound by shared humor and an unspoken understanding.

Gary practiced law at Hillyer & Irwin for more than 20 years and held those decades-long friendships in the highest regard. In the late 1970s, he became an early believer in the promise of renewable energy, and in 2000 transitioned his career full time to bringing wind projects to fruition. His work reflected a deep conviction in future-minded solutions and ideas ahead of their time.

Gary was gentle, kind-hearted and curious by nature. In his unmistakably Midwestern way, he engaged people in conversation wherever he went, with an earnest interest in the stories that shaped them. He loved guitar, fishing and above all, his family.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathleen; his two adoring children: Scott (wife Kimiya) and Stacey (husband Andrew); his sister-in-law, Teri (late husband Greg); his nephew, Matt (wife Malak); and his four grandchildren: Ariana, Logan, Cameron and Bennett. His legacy will guide and inspire our family for generations to come. He meant the world to us and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to San Diego Project Heart Beat, which places lifesaving defibrillators in public spaces, or to San Diego Coastkeeper, which supports environmental stewardship and sustainability.