Hardie Leonard Ellis - It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our father Leonard Ellis Hardie, of Truro, formerly of Williamsdale, NS, on Sunday, August 23rd, at Colchester Regional Hospital. He passed away peacefully at age 83 years, surrounded by his family.

Born in Westchester, NS, he was the only child of the late Reginald and Hattie (Fountain) Hardie.

Leonard served with the Royal Canadian Army from 1943 - 1946. As a self employed business man he was involved in the forestry and blueberry industries, as well as many other endeavours, too numerous to mention. He was a great provider to 13 children, a teacher of values with great optimism, a sense of humour and a compassionate heart to anyone in need.

Hardie’s Canteen became a drop-in for locals and travelers alike. A friendly chat, a penny candy for the children or last minute supplies were readily available. His love of music and laughter was passed on to his children whom he frequently gathered with to share the songs of their childhood and stories of their past.

He will be sadly missed by his children Marjorie (Gerald) Battist, Pictou, Linda (Wendel) Purdy, Williamsdale, Reginald (Linda), Williamsdale, Juanita Campbell, Leicester, Hilda (Don) Stortts, Oxford, Dena (Jim) Bird, Amherst, Robert (Donna), Oxford, Paul (Sherry), Williamsdale, Shona (Lee) Conrad, Halifax, Brad (John) Hardie, Vancouver; 24 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Mary (Downey), his second wife Anna (Brown) as well as children Ronald, Dorothy, and Osbourne.

Remains have been entrusted into the care of W. Allen Funeral Home, 60 Water St., Oxford (447-2167) with visiting hours on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. His funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 2 pm. Burial will take place in the Millvale United Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. www.allenfuneralhome.ca