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Tom Hardesty
February 22, 1937-October
30, 2004
A treasured friend to many,
missed by all. |
Thomas Jefferson Hardesty was born
Feb. 22, 1937, in Sigourney, the son of Samuel and Mabel (Liechti)
Hardesty. He grew up in Sigourney and graduated from Sigourney
High School in 1955. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree
from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. in 1964 he lived
in New York City, Washington D.C. and Augusta, W. Va. before
moving back to Sigourney in 1986. He was a journalist for the
Oskaloosa Herald, retiring in 1999. He brought joy and entertainment
to many with his piano recitals at nursing homes and hospitals
in Keokuk and Mahaska counties.
He is survived by two sons, Max and
Jude, both of Portland, Ore.; two daughters, Ilana of Watertown,
Mass. and Tamara of Manchester, Conn.; two grandchildren; one
brother, Samuel Ray of McKinney, Texas; and a good friend Carol
Dillon of Sigourney.
He was preceded in death by his parents;
one brother, Michael William; and a sister Miriam Anne Holloway.
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Who was Tom Hardesty?
He was a multi-faceted gem,
a sparkling diamond personality who spread joy to others with
his numerous gifts: his genius for the written word, his talent
for soul-searching poetry, his ability to both appreciate and
create beautiful music, his artistic flair that touched every
aspect of his personality, his ability to chronicle life through
photographs. Tom was a giver, a thoughtful man who relished sending
small (meticulously wrapped!) packages to his friends all over
the globe. He made friends easily as people were drawn to his
light.
Tom was also a brave fighter,
rallying his forces against the demon of bipolar depression!
He always faced life's battles with courage, wit, and class.
One might say that "Style" was his middle name. Tom
was a true Renaissance man.
I first became acquainted
with Mr. Hardesty after I corresponded with him following the
death of his sister Miriam. Like Tom, I missed his little brother,
Mike, who passed away on October 10, 1997. Tom became like a
member of the family in many ways. We all found him charming.
Jo and I always joked that we were Tom's little sisters! Our
British friend Ed had instant rapport with Tom; the two of them
could discuss music, movies and philosopy for hours. Tom loved
Jo's beef stroganoff and devoured several helpings when he came
to dinner while visiting us in Arlington, Virginia. His post-prandial
anecdotes kept us entertained for hours.
Both Mike and Tom were rare
folks, the kind you never forget. The kind you will always miss,
no matter how many seasons pass...
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Prayer for My Brother
(Tom's poignant tribute to Michael)
Mike was my little brother,
He always was my little brother
and he always will be.
Oh, Great Spirit,
My little brother stands before you
to make an account for himself.
Shine down your blessings on him
now as always.
Help us to be ever mindful of
the greatest blessing of them all
in this life-
When the dawn breaks on a new day
and the bright sun shines on everything.
Let a new day dawn for Michael, too,
Great Spirit, I do ask,
by keeping memories of him alive
deep in our hearts.
October 16, 1997
Quantico National Cemetery,
Virginia
Tom Hardesty |
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Tom's artistic whimsy always
brought a smile
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A visit to the Baldwins,
Autumn 1999
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Beloved pet and pal Lulu
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Lulu mugging for Tom's
camera
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As a young university
student in 1960. Harvard was a very rewarding experience for
Tom.
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Tom, daughter Tamara,
and the two new puppies getting acquainted in West Virginia 1984
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Tom and a friend chatting
on the streets of downtown Oskaloosa, Iowa
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Music to the ears?? Ed, Tom
and Rosy rehearse on the electronic keyboard
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Franz Schubert's "Serenade"
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy and The Philadelphia Orchestra |
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