Jack Hardill

HARDILL, Kenneth Jack – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Kenneth Jack Hardill on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence in Gravenhurst. Born May 26, 1926, he was just shy of his 95th birthday. Jack is survived by the love of his life and wife of 74 years “Betty” Elizabeth (McNaughton). Loving father of James (Beverly), Kenneth (Sandra), and Wendy Forsythe (Michael). Cherished grandfather of Dan (Lisa), Jack (Kate), Melissa (Jon), Livia (Andy), Ashley (Nick), Becky (Teitur), and Thomas. Affectionately known as “Great” to Seamus, Jacob, Lauren, James, Elise, Aulus, Cohen, Halo, Queenslea, Gordie, Cole, Skylar, Rafael and Úlfur. Predeceased by his son Normie, his parents Bertram and Alice (Walker) Hardill and his brother Bertram.

All of our love and gratitude is extended to mom’s first cousin and best friend Margaret Taylor. Your support to our entire family has been undeniable through the years and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Dad grew up in Toronto, during the Depression years. Following in his father’s footsteps, he took Machine Shop at Central Technical School. As an excellent tradesman, he ran the machine shop at Moore Business Forms in Toronto, along with teaching machine shop at Western Technical-Commercial School in the evenings. His dream came true when he had the opportunity to purchase R.J. West (1966) Ltd. with his life-long friend Joe Shaw. Owning and operating R.J West for almost 40 years, he was very well respected by his employees and business associates.

Dad’s family and friends were always his passion. Times spent with them at the cottage on Walkers Point and in Florida will always be treasured. He built his first cottage on Walkers Point in the late 50’s where we spent most weekends and every summer. In 1987 he sold the original cottage and was able to oversee the construction of his second cottage. The property was larger and made it possible for our growing family to spend quality time as a family and create memories that will remain in our hearts forever.

Mom and Dad moved into Granite Ridge Retirement Residence in 2015 where they made new friends and enjoyed being involved in social activities. Our family would like to thank the entire staff and residents for welcoming them and becoming their extended family. A special thanks is extended to the Administration, Nursing Staff and PSWs for their compassionate care of Mom and Dad and for helping us through this difficult time.

Due to Covid restrictions, a live stream service to Celebrate Jack's Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday,  April 15, 2021. To attend this service virtually and register for this service in advance through 'Forget Me Not Ceremonies' ,  please click the link below the obituary.

Jack will be laid to rest in Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Toronto, ON immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions to SickKids Foundation or a charity of your choice are greatly appreciated.

Forget Me Not Ceremonies - Live Stream Instruction

Below this obituary, click the box which says "click here to access the video" - you will be redirected to the Forget Me Not Ceremonies Registration Page
Enter your E-mail and click 'Submit'
You will then receive an e-mail from Forget Me Not Ceremonies with the next steps of registration
Once you are registered you will receive a link to the ceremony 'waiting room' (this is the link that will take you to the service)

The service will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 15, 2021
NOTE: please login 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the service to avoid technical error.