Paul Edward Hardy, MD

January 28, 1923 – August 5, 2014

Born in North Dakota in 1923, Paul was from a strong Irish Catholic farm family. One of 12 children born to James and Mary Hardy, Paul worked on the farm, and had a strong desire for lifelong learning. He was determined to become a physician and was supported in this by his family. He graduated from Beach High School, completed his pre-medical studies at Carroll College in Helena, Montana and received his M.D. from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1951; he was Junior Class President at each institution. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor National Medical Society.

Following Medical School, he interned in Seattle, Washington at Providence Hospital. It was there that he met his wife Lois who worked as a nurse. They traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota for a Fellowship in Internal Medicine, and then returned to the Seattle area. Paul joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps in August 1953, serving at Madigan Army Hospital (Tacoma, WA) and, in Korea, at the 25th Station Hospital and 12th General Dispensary (Korea Communications Zone, KCOMZ).

Following his Army service, Paul practiced medicine in Seattle, initially in his own practice, then accepting an invitation to join the Polyclinic. He was a member of the Medical Staff at Providence, Swedish, Harborview and University Hospitals. He was a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington; highlights of his teaching career at the Providence Hospital Teaching Program included service as Director of Medical Education, Department of Medicine Chairman and Chief of the Division of Internal Medicine. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine. He served as Chairman of the Medical Practice Committee of the Washington State Medical Association and chaired several committees for the King County Medical Society. He volunteered for the Catholic Relief Services’ St. Martin de Porres Shelter, providing free medical services for Seattle’s indigent population.

Paul and his wife, Lois, were among the founding parishioners of St. Monica Parish on Mercer Island. He served the community through many Parish activities, including coaching youth athletics, serving as Men’s Club President, and, most recently, delivering food with Friends of the Needy.

He was a life-long student of history, particularly of World War II. He loved airplanes and flying, particularly as a pilot. He loved sports, most recently golf, and he and Lois never missed a chance to cheer on the Mariners. Indeed, his most cherished activities involved Lois, his wife of 62 years, and his seven children. Truly his pride and joy, he loved time with his family above all else.

Paul was preceded in death by all of his nine brothers and two sisters. He has enjoyed close relationships with his dozens of nieces and nephews and their wonderful families.

He is survived by his wife Lois, and his seven children, Colleen, Jim, Paul (Gloria), Mary Jo (Brian), Monica (Tom), Michael, and Nancy (Josh). He also cherished and thoroughly enjoyed his 13 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation on Tuesday, August 12 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Flintoft’s Funeral Home in Issaquah. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, August 13 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Monica’s Catholic Church on Mercer Island. Remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle.