Carl J. Hardwick

CARL J. "BUD" HARDWICK Carl J. "Bud" Hardwick, age 74, of Fredonia Township, Marshall, died at Battle Creek Health Systems Tuesday, April 18, 2006. Bud was born March 4, 1932 to Charles and Bernadine (Rimmer) Hardwick in Fredonia Township on 13 and ½ Mile Road, one mile from where he lives now. He attended Houston School, and has lived in the same neighborhood all of his life. He worked for 22 years at the former St. Regis Paper Company in Battle Creek until he retired in the late 1970's. Bud worked on the machinery at St. Regis, a task he enjoyed. An unexpected perk from his employment was meeting fellow employee Carol A. Henry Hayes. The couple''s relationship blossomed and they fell in love. On October 18, 1975 they traveled to Parma to meet with the minister that would marry them. He happened to live in the local funeral home, and not wanting to wait, they were married there. Bud was a lifelong farmer. His talents with machinery showed as he rebuilt old John Deere tractors and kept his equipment maintained. Spring was his favorite time, with preparing the ground and planting in full swing. Nice straight rows were always admired by Bud, who calmly endured teasing if he planted a crooked row. A very calm man by nature, this was the one time of the year he would show any impatience. The farming was to be done on time, a schedule he kept well. He enjoyed everything blossoming out. Even during his illness this year, he made plans to plant his fields. Bud and Carol raised cattle, and had mules and horses. The animals were always calm and responsive in Bud''s presence. He enjoyed competing in mule pulls. Regular drives in the neighborhood to visit and see what was going on were enjoyed by Bud for years. He was a kind, caring and compassionate man, who didn''t make enemies. His integrity gave him the reputation of an honorable man. Bud didn''t ask "what can I do to help" with family and friends, he looked for what needed to be done and did it. Bud was well loved and respected by his sisters, who will miss him dearly. His daughter Erin also remembers how he taught her the value of a dollar when growing up. He had attended Ellis Corners United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed numerous pot lucks. Surviving are his wife Carol; step-daughter Erin A. (Rick) Fouts Roe of Augusta; step-son Matt Hayes of Big Rapids; 3 sisters, Marguerite E. (Charles )Freds of Marshall, Phyllis J. Freds of Burlington, and Doris M. (Dale) Boody Bender of Coldwater; many nieces and nephews. he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Charles "June" Hardwick Jr. on Nov.21, 1987 and brother in law Max M. Freds on Aug. 26, 1998. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Thursday from 2PM to 9PM, where family will be present to greet friends and share memories 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. Funeral services to celebrate and remember his life will be held Friday at 11AM at Kempf Funeral Home with Rev. John Scott of Ellis Corners United Methodist Church officiating. Interment West Eckford Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Houston School Project. Assistance available at Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a condolence and sign a guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com.