Wayne Calvin Hardy

Wayne Calvin Hardy (age 69), a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was defined by unwavering love and tireless dedication, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 17, 2026. Born on October 27, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, Wayne was raised in Sunset, Utah, where he learned the values of hard work and humility that would guide him throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Anita Hardy; his sons Derek (Jen), Jordan, and Landen (Aubrie); his daughter Adrienne (Jared) Erickson; his siblings JoAnne (Cary) Hamblin, Mark (Karen) Hardy, and Brent (Stacy) Hardy; his mother in-law Peggy Salisbury, and his nine cherished grandchildren: Henry, Harrison, Calvin, Ali, Cambria, Ellie, Winnie, Jovie, and Gemma Lou, who all affectionately deemed him “Papa Wayne.”

Wayne graduated from Clearfield High School in Ogden and dutifully completed his two-year LDS mission in New Zealand. His time there deepened his commitment to serving others with quiet strength and genuine care. Wayne then continued his education at Utah State University, running track for the Aggies and fostering a lifelong passion for athletics that he cultivated for decades as a supporter and competitor; regularly completing the iconic LoToJa road bike race. It was at USU that Wayne found the love of his life, Anita. Together they modeled the pursuit of excellence and they never backed down from a challenge. He instilled appreciation for the outdoors in his children through family adventures, fostering bonds that strengthened their love for one another for years to come.

His ability to care deeply at an individual level was second to none. Wayne used his talents to encourage others and built a community around his family. Through many years of service to the young men, he fostered confidence in generations of youth. His love of adventure was passed on to these young men by organized trips to Moab, sharing God’s outdoor beauty with those who might not otherwise experience it, always prioritizing empowerment and learning. He was always ready to drop everything for someone in need and built deep connections with those he served. Regardless of who they were, he extended his helping hand even after others had written them off, offering second chances and steadfast encouragement to the underdog.

Professionally, Wayne was a pillar of hard work and integrity, founding and developing multiple successful businesses that provided for his family while treating every customer and colleague with profound respect. His honest dealings were classic “Humble Hardy” behavior. He built lasting relationships by always putting others first, reflecting his deep-seated belief in fairness and service. Though soft-spoken, his presence and strength commanded respect as he channeled his skills to uplift those around him.

Above all, Wayne will be remembered for refusing to give up on anyone, always striving for the best with every opportunity, whether with family, friends, or strangers. His legacy of caring, boundless love, and tenacious hard work lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He is deeply loved and will be missed. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents Calvin Jay and Belva Lou and his father in-law Grant Wesley Salisbury.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider paying off an overdue lunch account at your local elementary school in honor of Wayne.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 23rd at 12:00 PM at the Newton 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, 76 South 100 West, in Newton. A viewing will be held from 5-7 PM Sunday evening at the church and Monday morning from 10:30-11:30 AM prior to the funeral. 

The funeral service can be viewed live via ZOOM by clicking this link:  CLICK HERE TO JOIN LIVESTREAM OF FUNERAL