STRONG — Gordon “Brub” Leon Hardy, age 71, of Strong died Aug. 9, 2010 at his home following a short illness.

He was born Oct. 22, 1938 in Strong, the son of Leon and Lelia Richards Hardy. He was educated in the schools of Strong. He married Anita Paine on May 12, 1974 in Strong. He served in the Maine Marine Reserves for six years.

He was employed by the Forster Mfg. Co. and Richards Garage in Strong. He drove school bus for the State of Maine and worked for the Maine Forest Service as Forest Ranger in the Upper St. John Valley and the Baker Lake region. He was also a Fire Warden manning the fire tower at Snow Mountain. In his later years he worked for the R.L. Gray Concrete Construction Co. and Meader Construction Co. Most recently, he worked as a tractor driver and equipment repair mechanic until retirement. Gordon was known as a “Jack of all trades” and a master of all.

He enjoyed riding his horse “Thunderhead” and showing horses as a member of the Pierpole and Sandy River Riding Clubs. Gordon enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing

and being with his dogs, especially Shamrock and his cat Drago.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Hardy of Strong; two daughters, Beth Hardy of Strong, and Sonja Hardy of New York; one brother, Dale Hardy and wife, Marcia, of North Jay and Texas; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

Graveside funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at the Strong Village Cemetery in Strong.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gordon Hardy Memorial Fund, c/o Anita Hardy, 621 Farmington Road, Strong, Maine 04983.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan and Scott Adams Cremation and Funeral Service in Skowhegan.