Individual Details

Death

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kamloopsthisweek/obituary.aspx?n=donald-hardman&pid=188574652
It is with huge sadness in our hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Don Hardman on March 18, 2017.

The son of immigrant parents from Manchester, England Don was born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1936. He was the youngest of six siblings. At age six Don, and his two sisters Joyce and Joan, joined their Dad in a move to Surrey, BC. Surrey was to be his home for the next 51 years. After 3 valiant attempts to pass Grade 8 Don began his work career. He purchased his first backhone at age 18 and began a business that soon became Don's Power Digging. Backhoes and their ability to move dirt was a passion for Don.

At age 20 Don met and married Klara Zalit. Over 14 years of marriage Don and Klara had two children, Joanne and Gordon. Even after divorce Don and Klara remained lifelong friends in supporting their two children. Shortly after his divorce Don married for the secon time to Shirley Johnson adopting Shirley's two children, Tracy and Dean. This marriage was short lived however, as Don's struggle with alcohol neared its apex.

At age 42, with his life in disarray, Don found his friend Bill W. True to Don's wonderful character he committed to Bill's program as his chance to start again. The program dramatically changing his life for the better. In December 2016 Don celebrated his 38th year of sobriety.

Using tools taught by Bill W, Don restarted his backhoe business. He titled his company Digger D Construction. And thus was born 'Digger'- the name that would attach to Don for his remaining life.
In 1993, and nearing retirement, Digger moved from Surrey to Kamloops to be closer to family, but more specifically his new grandson Blair. It is with wonderful memories that people will remember Digger attending his grandson's sporting events in hockey, lacrosse and soccer. Always a sports enthusiast, Digger loved the rinks of Kamloops.
Digger's first and biggest love however, was family. The loss of his beautiful daughter Joanne, to cancer in 2008, was an incredibly hard time. Using his supports through family and friends, Digger survived that time with incredible grace and dignity. His unending love for his daughter continued strong to his last day.
As a young man Digger's passions were fishing, sports and work. As an older man his passions turned to spending time with people and loving life. Facebook became a great source of joy for Digger as he kept himself busy monitoring the comings and goings of his world. A great man was lost to the world on March 18th. Digger touched the lives of many people in many positives ways.
Digger we will miss you.
The family will host a Celebration of Life on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 10:00 am at Surrey Sport Complex, #110-16555 Fraser Hwy., Surrey, BC.
To Digger's friends in Kamloops, who are unable to attend the Celebration in Surrey, the family would like to extend a big thank you for being a part of Digger's life. He loved his time living in Kamloops but it is time for him to go home now.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Kamloops This Week on Mar. 27, 2017 ,