Wallace David "Doc" Hardman
August 03, 1944 - March 29, 2023
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Wallace David "Doc" Hardman
August 03, 1944 - March 29, 2023
Obituary
Wallace David (Doc) Hardman passed away quietly on March 29th holding his family’s hands.
He is now in God’s hands, at peace and in perfect health.
Doc was born on August 3, 1944, in Columbia South Carolina, while his father was serving in the military.
He grew up in eastern Oregon. Moving from Baker City to Hereford where he ranched with his parents and sister. Some of his best times were riding the hills to round-up cattle. Bringing them down to the ranch for the winter. He liked to tell stories about harvesting wheat with laborers who were passing through. How his mother cooked all day for them. He had beloved horses and dogs. He attended Hereford High School where he played all sports and graduated as valedictorian.
Doc went on to study at Washington State University. Where he graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. While at college he met the love of his life Paula. They were married August 7,1971.
The couple settled in Lynden in August of 1972. Doc welcomed two children. Jennifer in 1973 and Benjamin in 1976. When they were children, he delighted in taking them fishing, camping, attending Mariners games, and setting off fireworks. He built them amazing things. Like a life size rocket ship, long jump pit, and a giant tree house with tire swing. “Daddy was always our cheerleader in all we pursued. There to help when we stumbled or fell. He worked long hours to provide for us not only the necessities but also youth sports, recreation, and memorable family trips to Disneyland, Hawaii, Washington DC, and the Virgin Islands. Without extended family here, he made sure we were connected through regular visits to Vancouver, Washington and Eastern Oregon to see them. He was so very generous to his family.”
Doc moved to dairy rich Lynden to build a veterinary practice with Vern Pedersen and Virginia Streets. This practice would eventually move from a Front Street practice in a home to become Kulshan Veterinary Hospital. They welcomed many veterinarian colleagues and treasured staff over decades of practice. Doc’s specialty was large animals. He loved his clients and working on the local farms with dairy cows and horses.
His enjoyment of life is evidenced from his numerous affiliations and activities. He was a member of the Lynden United Methodist Church. Known for his auctioneering skill during fundraisers. He was a member of Toastmasters and the Camel Club. He loved gardening with his family and became a Master Gardener in retirement. He enjoyed continuing to diagnose diseases. Helping friends who ask him how to treat their gardens.
Hunting trips with friend Brian Rockom, brother-in-law Gail and nephew Eric were a highlight of each fall. Apparently, he had the best hunting dog ever, Molly, thanks to Stan Stuurmans.
Doc was a die-hard Cougar fan and rooted for all Seattle sports teams. Photography, dancing, feeding birds, rowing and golf occupied his free time. He loved travel, art galleries, musical theater and walks on beaches, near and far.
Later in life health problems slowed Doc down a bit, but in 2016 he welcomed his one and only grandchild Gigi Hardman. Her birth reinvigorated his zest for life. He fed and sang Gigi to sleep every afternoon from infancy until she grew out of napping. He taught her the colors, counting and games. He was the best one to play Barbies with. He was in Gigi’s words, “The closest I ever had to a real dad”.
Doc was preceded in death by his mother and father Betty and Wallace Hardman; mother and father in-law Wanda and Ira Wikstrom; His beloved dogs Nicki, Boomer, Molly and Jack.
He leaves behind his wife Paula; daughter Jennifer Hardman and granddaughter Gigi; son Benjamin (Nancy) Hardman. Sister Roxy (Don) Ulrey; nephews and nieces Brad (Melissa) Ulrey; Jake (Brandi) Ulrey; Justin (Katherine) Ulrey; Julie (Jace) Wheeler; brother-in-law Gail (Nancy) Wikstrom; nephew and niece Eric (Tara) Wikstrom; Megan (Shawn) Sicilia. Honorary grandchildren Cecelia Rose, Lila Jean, and Austen David Babcock.
Services will be May 6th, 11:00 am at the Lynden United Methodist Church, 500 North 14th St., Lynden. Please wear your cowboy boots to honor our cowboy.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorials to Palliative Care (peacehealth.org/foundation/st-joseph/donate-now) or the Lynden United Methodist Church.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: May 6, 2023 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Lynden United Methodist Church
- Location: 500 North 14th St. Lynden, WA 98264 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 788-6866
Peace Health St. Josephs Medical Center - Palliative Care
- Address: PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Gift Processing Lockbox #1099 PO Box 35146 Seattle, WA 98124-5146 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.peacehealth.org/foundation/st-joseph/donate-now
- Phone Number: (360) 788-6866
- Description: Whatcom Hospice provides life-affirming care for patients and families with advanced illness or disease. The multi-disciplinary hospice care team serves patients wherever they live – in their own homes, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, or senior living communities. Short-term inpatient hospice care is also available for appropriate patients in the Whatcom Hospice House, located in the Happy Valley neighborhood of Bellingham. The hospice team helps with the medical, social, emotional, and spiritual concerns that can arise during the final months of life. Whatcom Hospice serves patients with a limited life expectancy who choose to seek care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and individual quality of life rather than curative treatment. Medicare and most other insurance plans cover hospice services.
Lynden United Methodist Church
- Address: 500 North 14th Street, Lynden, WA. - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.lyndenumc.com/
- Email Address: lumcoffice500@gmail.com
- Phone Number: (360) 354-4169
- Description: Lynden United Methodist Church extends to all the hand of friendship and faith, believing every person is of sacred worth. We commit ourselves to the hospitality Jesus taught, by creating a place of safety and spiritual sanctuary for people in all stages of their faith journey. We are enriched by people of all economic or social conditions, gender identities, sexual orientations, political affiliations, biblical interpretations, ages, racial or ethnic backgrounds, mental or physical conditions, and family structures. We gather for worship, study, and fellowship and we disperse to spread God's love in the community. As we move toward a church of full inclusion, we will continue to engage with one another and celebrate our similarities and differences. We encourage ourselves and challenge our denomination to truly embrace "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors". Pastor Grace invites you to join us in the journey of faith. Regardless of your situation, you are welcome within our doors. Worship service is 10:30 AM each Sunday.
8 responses to Wallace David "Doc" Hardman
Jo (Means) Jensen says:
April 13, 2023
I work for Dave in the 70’s at Kukshan. He was kind and akways a smile. He was a good man.
Paula Hardman says:
April 21, 2023
Thank you, Virginia. We treasure your friendship.
Paula Hardman says:
April 21, 2023
Thank you, Jo. I’m so glad that you remember him fondly.
Deb Sytsma Vanderhage says:
April 13, 2023
Dear Paula and family, I am so saddened at Dave’s passing. I have the very best memories of Dave when I worked at GoGo Espresso for over 6 yrs in the mid 1990’s to 2001. Dave was one of my regular customers, along with Jack and Molly riding shot gun. I looked forward to seeing Dave every single day, the King of Mocha’s. We would laugh, tell short stories, talked of the love of our families and our fur babies too. When my dad passed away, Dave came to my parents house with a huge pot roast with all the fixings, and I have never forgotten his kindness, encouragement and hug that infamous day. I know Paula was indeed the love of Dave’s life. When Gigi came along, oh my, his heart was so full of love for her, for all his family, always and forever. Dave and I remained friends thru the years via Facebook. I will miss his FB posts, one and all. My heart is hurting at Dave’s passing. I hold all of you in my heartfelt prayers, and ask the Lord to please guide, comfort and envelope you in his loving arms. Rest in peace dear Dave, may you soar with the heavenly angels, as you soared on this earth.
Paula Hardman says:
April 22, 2023
Thank you , Deb. I really appreciate your recollections. He is at peace, but we sure are missing him.
Virginia Streets says:
April 18, 2023
A bit over 50 years ago, Lynden got lucky! Dr. Vern Pedersen brought classmate Dr. David Hardman in with him, and over the years, they turned little old Streets Veterinary Hospital into the well-known Kulshan of today. I’ve always been so happy about Vern’s choice, because Dave Hardman embodied all that is great about Veterinary Medicine, and, in fact, about life itself. I was priviledged to be on the staff of Kulshan Vet for many years, where Dave’s talent and personality were so very much appreciated. Working with Dave and Paula in the Methodist church were another way to observe Dave’s great life-style.
It has been a great honor to have had a friend and colleague like Dave Hardman in my life!
Anne Davis says:
May 6, 2023
Paula and Family,
I will always treasure Dave’s big hugs when he would stop by the clinic after he retired. He was a very special man and I loved working for him at Kulshan! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love Anne
MARGARET MUSTARD says:
May 9, 2023
Paula, Jennifer and Gigi— What a meaningful “Memorial Service” you put together for Dave. The stand holding the saddle, rope, hat and lovely flowers looked if it was made especially for them, and it was so fitting for a man who loved riding his horse with his dogs — and who even had a donkey who was fond of him!! You had been friends of my husband George and I for over 25 years after he retired and we moved from Denver to live in Lynden . We went to the same church , belonged to the Garden Club and the library . He was a wonderful man and friend and I was so happy that my daughter could drive me to Lynden for the weekend . We stayed at The Inn,
ate a delicious dinner at Infusion Cuisine Friday night with friends ,came to the Memorial Service on Sat. and to the Communion Service at the Methodist Church on Sunday morning (where I am still a member even though I now live in Vancouver ,B.C.) May your memories of Dave help you through the coming days dear friends, as you live on without his guidance, cheerfulness, and ever present smile . Hugs to each of you — Margaret Mustard