JAY JOHN HARDT passed on December 7, 2021, at age 79. He lived in Rathdrum, Idaho, formerly of Sequim, Washington, Victoria B.C., and California. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Hardt and Edna Emily (Jasinki) Hardt. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Rebecca (Bourne) Hardt, his son, Jeffrey Jay Hardt and wife Tamara (Trost) Hardt, of Herber Valley, Utah, and grandchildren Rachel Hardt of South Jordan, Utah and Mitchell Hardt (wife Lexi Hardt) of Upland, California; and son, Daniel Jay Hardt and wife, Ann Renee (Rands) Hardt of Rathdrum, Idaho with grandchildren Drew Ann Hardt, of Philadelphia PA, Joshua Hardt of Rathdrum, ID, Benjamin Hardt of Rathdrum, ID and felicity Hardt of Rathdrum, ID. Great grandchildren, Declan Hardt and Isla Hardt of Odessa, Tx. Also a brother, Randall Hardt, wife Angie Hardt of Long Beach, Ca.
Jay was born in Chicago, IL on March 21, 1942. The fmaily moved to California when he was nine. They settled in Long Beach, CA where he graduated from David Starr Jordan High School and he also went to Long Beach City College.
He and Suzanne were high school sweethearts and married November 18, 1961, in Long Beach, CA.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. During his life he held many callings in the church, all of which he served well and with all his heart.
He had a wanderlust, so he and Suzanne travelled extensively during their long marriage (60 years). They made several trips to Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, Europe, Mexico and across the US several times. They also went to Japan when son Daniel was stationed there with the Navy. Jay was a history buff, especially WWII and the Civil War. He loved camping, fishing, old movies, history, reading, surprises (giving not getting), socializing with friends and above all that, his family, who always came first. While living in Victoria, he served as Exhalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge and received many awards and commendations for civic service.
He retired from Southern Calif Gas Co., where he started as a serviceman in 1963 and ended as a supervisor in 1994. He enjoyed 17 years of retirement.
Jay was a very good, honest and loyal man who loved his God, his family abd his country. He will be sorely missed.