At home in his shed: Dave loved his collection.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
In the early hours of September 8, as a storm front rolled in over Shepparton and the skies opened up, word began to spread that Dave Hardie was no longer among us.
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The drenching Shepparton received for the remainder of the day captured poignantly the mood of the wider bowling ― and sporting ― community as we all came to terms with the fact that one of region’s great characters would not be again regaling us with tall tales, or passing on astute wisdom, this summer.
Hardie was not only a doyen of the Goulburn Valley bowling community, but also a life member and long-time volunteer of Lemnos Football Club ― now of course, the Shepparton Swans.
Shepparton Park Bowls Club will host a service to celebrate Hardie’s life at its Kialla base on Monday, September 19 at 1pm.
A private cremation will follow.
The News sports desk felt that a fitting tribute for Hardie, who will be dearly missed in this office, would be to share some of our favourite photos of him along the journey.
Full to the brim: Faces of sporting friends, stars and heroes line the shelves and walls.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
Always focused: Dave in action.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
Plenty of emotion: Dave wore his heart on his sleeve.
Photo by
Bethanie Sessions
Great minds: Dave was passionate about the Victorian Open.
Photo by
Holly Curtis
There you go: Dave was always ready with a helping hand.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Passion project: Dave loved his Top 20 battles.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
Always happy to pose for a photo: You knew who to call if you needed a back page picture.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
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