RESIDENTS far and wide mourned the passing of well-known doctor, World War II soldier and community man William ‘Bill’ Hardy yesterday (Monday).
Doc Hardy, who was regarded as Mount Evelyn’s ‘living treasure’, died on Saturday 24 November after battling illness.
He was 88.
Friends and family remembered him for his one-of-a-kind humour and infectious and unforgettable personality.
Doc Hardy lived in Mount Evelyn for almost 60 years and was heavily immersed in everything to do with the community.
The Mount Evelyn RSL recently submitted an application for him to receive a Mayoral Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Australia Day Awards next year to recognise his efforts.
His involvement began as the local GP in 1955, where he made regular house calls at all hours of the day and night.
Mount Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness said Doc Hardy went out of his way to make himself available to people in the community.
“It didn’t matter what time he was called up, he had a system where if he got a phone call in the middle of the night, he would talk to the people on the phone and open the surgery from his house,” he said.
“He was available for all emergencies and medical situations day and night.”
The doc is estimated to have delivered more than 2500 babies in his 40 years as a doctor.
He and his wife Gwen founded the Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA) in 1972, then known as the Evelyn Road Environment Protection Association.
He was honoured as a modern founder four years ago, which made him a life member. Local artist David Monks painted a portrait of Doc Hardy for the occasion.
With his background in medicine, Doc Hard was heavily involved with emergency services.
He joined the Mount Evelyn CFA more than 40 years ago and was instrumental in fighting the 1962 fires.
It was through his involvement in the CFA that Doc Hardy formed the St John’s Ambulance in Mount Evelyn in the late 1960s.
Fellow member and now president of the Mount Evelyn Neighbourhood Watch Jim Humphrey said the group was made up entirely of firemen.
“He used to worry about the safety of the firemen so he thought it would be a good idea for them to be trained in first aid and as such, he formed St John’s,” he said.
“It later became open to everybody in the community and he used to teach the theory part of first aid while the members did the practical side.”
Doc Hardy stayed on as the divisional surgeon until his 70th birthday, when he had to resign.
He was made a Serving Brother of the Order, now a Member of the Order of St John for his services.
Mr Humphrey said the doc will be sorely missed.
“He was very involved in nearly all the local community groups in one way or another and often turned up to meetings at Neighbourhood Watch,” he said.
“He was a tremendous fella who was genuinely interested in everything Mount Evelyn.
“Everybody who lived in Mount Evelyn knew Doc Hardy in one way or another because he was so involved in everything. He was a great bloke and will be sadly missed.”
In his later life, Doc Hardy was well-known for his involvement in the Rotary Club of Lilydale, where he was a charter member, and the Mount Evelyn RSL.
Rotary president Margi Sank commended Doc Hardy for his time with the club and in Mount Evelyn.
“He was really prominent in the community and very prominent in our Rotary club,” she said.
“Dr Bill will be missed by us all. To many in the town he did give life, delivered many babies, and saved many with his medical skills. To others he exemplified community spirit and ability to live life.
“He held many positions within the club including president in 1968-’69. He was named Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) in January 1973 and subsequently awarded two sapphires. Bill was not only a multiple PHF, but the recipient of the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award – one of only three awarded in the history of our District 9810.”
Fellow charter member Jim Sawyer said he was truly a personality to be remembered.
“It was his humour that went with his personality that made him unforgettable, infectious and unstoppable. He drew people along,” he said.
“I valued Bill as a true friend and will miss him greatly.”
Doc Hardy was also involved in the Melba Centre, Scouts, the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company, the Lilydale Hospital Auxiliary, the Mount Evelyn History Group, St Mark’s Church and the senior citizens.
