William David Hardigan

Dr. William David Hardigan, age 90, died peacefully on October 5th surrounded by family. Bill was a stranger to no one and found great purpose in sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. Bill was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life. From his birth in 1932 to his death, he nourished people around him with his love, faith, and humor.

He was born in Laramie, Wyoming to Frank and Francis (Kind) Hardigan and was the youngest of three children. Bill attended elementary school in Laramie and graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado. After high school, he attended the University of Wyoming where he obtained his bachelor of science degree in pharmacy. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the army where he earned a World War II Army of Occupation Medal in Germany. Afterward, he attended Michigan State University, the University of Wyoming, and the University of Arizona where he earned both his master's and doctoral degrees. Dr. Hardigan held a variety of positions such as a chemist for Dow Corning and a pharmacist in Michigan, Wyoming, and Arizona. However, it was his love for education that was most evident in his career, serving as a professor at the University of Wyoming, University of Arizona, Ferris State University, and Nova Southeastern University, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Ferris State University, and founding Dean for Nova Southeastern University’s College of Pharmacy. Bill and Janet (Bader) married on December 28, 1957, in Saginaw Michigan. Together, they built a large and close family. They loved to travel, visiting countries on 5 continents and all 50 states.

Left to honor and remember him are Bill’s eight children, Mary (Robert) Gillespie, William Jr. (Carrie) Hardigan, Dr. Patrick (Pamela) Hardigan, Dr. Timothy Hardigan, Peter (Shelly) Hardigan, Deacon Andrew (Shannon) Hardigan, Dr. James (Pamela) Hardigan, and Dr. Jennifer (Brian) Sebolt; 29 grandchildren; Marie (Chad Vance) Lafkiotes, Megan (Carl) Laura, Robert Gillespie, Nicole (James Ranger) Hardigan, Christopher Hardigan, Dr. Michael Hardigan, Seamus Hardigan, Liam Hardigan, Collin Hardigan, Bailey Hardigan, Andrew Hardigan, Bernadette (Zack) Hinz, Lake Hardigan, Bridget Hardigan, Erin Hardigan, Matthew Hardigan, Isabel Hardigan, Tomas Hardigan, Daniel Hardigan, Nicolas Hardigan, Chase Cousineau, Elise Cousineau, Ava Cousineau, Evan Cousineau, Chuck (Rachel) Sebolt, Lauren (Derek) Hughey, Nicole Sebolt, Kayla Sebolt, Jillian Sebolt, and Skylar Hughuy; six great-grandchildren: Katherine, Veronica, Walter, James, Daisy, and Will; brother and sister-in-law Allen and Patricia Bader, and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Janet, parents, and sisters Margaret (Tavelli) and Patricia (Brevnoff).

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, 157 High Street in Williamston Michigan on Thursday, October 14 at 9:30 am, with Father Mike Murray presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Williamston Michigan. The family will greet friends from 6-7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 13, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Williamston Michigan.

The Hardigan family would like to extend our gratitude to all the caring staff and nurses at the Sparrow Hospital in Lansing Michigan, for their attentiveness and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to St. Mary's School, 157 High St. Williamston MI 48895.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com for the Hardigan family.