William Hardy

William “Bill” Hardy, age 75 of Middleville, Michigan, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on October 14th, 2024 after a long battle with terminal cancer that he fought hard against beating all odds for almost 10 years with grace, dignity and constant family support. Bill had a passion for life and was grateful for every day of his. A favorite quote of his reads, “Do not mourn those that you’ve lost—Rejoice that you shared time with them. ”Bill was born on May 21, 1949 and was one of four siblings. The family landed and rooted themselves in Midland, MI (Dow Chemical) where Bill graduated from Midland High School and then later graduated from Northwood University in 1971. His career began at First Federal of Michigan in 1974 which brought him to Detroit, MI then later he was moved to Wyoming, MI where he was a Branch Manager for years until he was named Savings Loan Officer and District Lending Manager/Vice President at a Grand Rapids, MI branch where he worked up until his retirement. Bill created many lifelong friendships with coworkers and the clients that he served throughout his many years there. Not being one who could ever sit still, Bill held many other various professional roles later in life; the last being an owner of a Budget Blinds franchise and delivering for Studio 2 Digital Dental Design. Bill moved from Grand Rapids, MI to Middleville in 1985 where he fell in love with the Village as well as the people who welcomed him there. Being a parent was the most important role in his life and he unselfishly finished raising his two daughters on his own, both who stayed very close to him throughout his life living minutes apart from each other. Family comes first was his personal motto. Bill was also proud of his community and made several lifetime friendships that he cherished in Middleville where he felt a sense of immediate belonging. Bill served as Middleville’s elected Village President (1991) for many years and prior to that held roles as the Village Trustee (1987) and Village Council Member (1985). He was also a charter member turned President of the Middleville Lions Club and a member of the Middleville and Wayland Snowmobile Association for many years as well serving his community as well as those in need. Bill could be found advocating for the “underdog” while cheering on those around him to succeed in their own goals and dreams. Bill was an avid lifelong Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, had a fascination for Chevrolet Camaros, enjoyed camping and hunting, snowmobiling, always had music or Fox News playing, enjoyed reading, yardwork, coin collecting, gun collecting/shooting, weekly lunches and dinners with his friends/family, shopping with/for his daughters and was always one to find humor in every situation. Bill was an amazing listener and enjoyed celebrating “the wins” in life at every given opportunity. Bill is survived by his two daughters, Mandy Hardy (Ryan Dempsey), Bethny Briggs (Robb Briggs Jr.); grandchildren, Jakob Copeland (Madison Copeland), Brooke Copeland (Austin Johnson), Noleigh Lampton, Bobby Briggs, William Briggs and Eddie Lampton IV; his brother Herb Hardy (Kerry), his sister Lyda Hardy Schecter, his niece and nephews and many special friends who were treated like family such as Tom Corcoran. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Edward “Pete” Hardy and Eunicemary Bicknell Hardy; as well as his sister Ann Hardy. No public funeral or memorial service will be held as per Bill’s request, his immediate family will have a private celebration of his life together where they will “rejoice in the times shared with Dad/Papa Bill” as he wished.