Robert (Bob) Edward Hardie died December 20, 2008 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre in Swift Current, SK. He was born February 12, 1935 in Pouce Coupe, BC. He grew up and attended school in Northern Alberta, primarily Fairview, Alberta. He worked most of his life in the oil patch for various companies and as owner/operator of his own company (Alpha Mud) until his stroke in 2001. In the mid-nineties, he was co-partner in a rare book auction business in San Francisco. He was a successful businessman and accomplished most everything he set his effort towards. When he dedicated himself to a goal, it was not always accomplished, but forever impacted by his vision. He also trained as an addictions counsellor at Hazelden in Minnesota and worked with Kelly-Luttmer (Calgary) and for the Swift Current health region in that capacity. Throughout his life he was passionate about all sports and loved playing Gin Rummy. He also loved books and was an avid reader. He had many interests in life but one of his greatest passions for the past 28 years of his life was his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous where he committed time and energy to supporting many others in their recovery with alcohol addiction, and by sharing his experience, strength, and hope. He was committed to his own spiritual growth and was so grateful every day to God for his sobriety and release from the bondage to alcohol and self. Bob gave God credit for his life, his work, his accomplishments and his personal transformation through the AA program. He could not stress often enough the power of prayer in one’s life. Throughout his life and through AA he made many life-long friends and seemed to know people wherever he went. People were drawn to Bob - he was a friendly, genuine, intelligent, selfless and humble man with a wonderful sense of humour and a gentle and generous spirit. He met his soulmate, Maureen, at a retreat in 1999, and they were married in June 2000 in Swift Current where they resided. It was in also in 2000 that he made a public declaration of his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and was baptized. In 2002 & 2003, he fulfilled a desire of his to learn more about his God and how to live His Word by attending Briercrest Seminary with Maureen. He eagerly attended and audited almost every class with her provided unwavering support and encouragement to her and many others there. Bob is survived by his loving wife Maureen; daughter Melanie Hardie (Dan Tollefson) of East Bethel, MN ; four stepchildren: Leslie Aldridge and Mark Johnson of Calgary, AB., Mitch Boyko of Watson, Sk, Heather Brown (Travis) of Lucky Lake, SK and; three grandchildren: Chanel, Levi and Shay all of Lucky Lake; two siblings: one brother Doug (Amy) Hardie of Edmonton; one sister Karen (Verne) Goodings of Fort St. John, BC; and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his father Jack (1968), mother Irene (1990) and his oldest brother, John (1974). He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and by the many good people he befriended throughout his life. Please Note: A memorial service will be held in Swift Current, Sk. on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Open Bible to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Calgary Alpha House Society, Mustard Seed (Calgary) Street Ministry, The Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, Sask. is in care of arrangements