Robert Nichol Hardy

Robert "Bob" was born into a British Army family in Cairo, Egypt, and spent his early years living abroad, including time in Egypt, Turkey, and Yugoslavia, and finally settling in Bradford, England.

At the age of 17, Bob and his family crossed the Atlantic on an Ocean Liner Ship to the United States, arriving in New York City on the Fourth of July, where he first saw the Statue of Liberty—a moment he fondly remembered throughout his life. His family eventually made their home in Arlington, Virginia, where they became naturalized U.S. citizens.

At 18, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, where the Military afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe, including Germany, France, and England, ultimately visiting approximately 27 countries, and have vast experiences. He trained troops in California and was assigned to a classified mission in Vietnam prior to the official start of the war. He was later stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, where, at the age of 22, he met and married the love of his life, Beverly Anne LeCouffe. Their wedding at Schofield Barracks Catholic Church was celebrated with full Military Honors, including a rifle bridge and a tank escort to their reception. During their time in Hawaii, they were blessed with their only son, Timothy Hardy.

Following his honorable discharge in 1965, Bob returned to the mainland with his family and settled in Long Beach, California, where he owned and operated a Shell service station. The family later moved to Hemet, California, where he established Hardy’s Auto Service. Bob and Bev, both devout Catholic Christians, were longtime parishioners of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hemet. His career later subsequently transitioned into a successful career in property management where they finally retired as property managers at Casa Del Rey for J&H Property Management.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and family man. Throughout his life and travels, he accumulated a wealth of unique experiences and took great joy in sharing his stories with friends, family, and anyone willing to listen. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcomed and valued. Known for his warmth, charm, and kindness, Bob left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was deeply committed to his work, his faith, and, above all, his wife and family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Hardy, a distinguished British Army sergeant who trained soldiers to operate and maneuver tanks. His mother, Vasilka Marguerite Rose, spoke seven languages. While living in England, she taught the foreign diplomats’ children, multiple languages. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: twin brothers, Michael and David, and sisters, Pamela Kosmas and Patricia Hardy.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Beverly Anne (LeCouffe) Hardy; his son, Timothy Hardy, and daughter-in-law, Mayka Carmen Hardy; his granddaughter, Nadine Hardy; and his great-grandson, Drazen T.J. Hardy. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Theresa Nott; his grand goddaughter, Ashley, her husband Dan, and the great goddaughter Addison Redman.

Services

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 26340 Soboba Street, Hemet, California.

A Military Burial with Honors, will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California.

A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 3:30–5:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in the Gathering Hall, where light refreshments will be served.