Carter Worden Hardy, 84

Carter Worden Hardy, born Dec. 16, 1935 in Kalispell, left this earthly life on March 17, 2020, at home in Kalispell, at the age of 84.

Worden grew up on a ranch in Lost Prairie. He attended the old Elrod School and Lost Prairie School and graduated from Flathead High School in 1954. Worden worked on the family ranch from 5 years old until 1988 when he relocated his family to town (Kalispell). He loved to travel and took a road trip to New York City in his younger years. And in 1971, he was an Agricultural People-to-People Ambassador and traveled to six countries in Europe. He always said that this was his college education, and he learned as much as possible about not only the agricultural practices, but also the history of the countries he visited.

Worden took Brenda out for their first date on Feb. 12, 1972 and at the end their second date, proposed. They were married on July 1, 1972.

Worden worked as a rancher, selective timber logger and heavy equipment operator until he retired at the age of 74. He held many roles in his local and state communities as well as within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

You could always count on a genuine smile and concern from Worden as well as a firm handshake. When asked how he was doing he would often have the response, “Finer than a frog’s hair” or “Compared to what?” He will be most remembered by his family for his honor, integrity, work ethic and dedication to his family and friends. He would spend hours writing in his journals, reading, singing and playing his guitar for his children.

He is preceded in death by his father Carter Gerry; mother Ida Catherine Fenton; sister Gerry Kay French; and grandchild, Kendrick Carter.

His family, wife Brenda; sons, Joseph, Christopher, Michael and Brendan; daughters, Melody and Catherine; and stepdaughter, Pamela; daughters and sons-in-law, Ligia, Tracey, SooJean, Rachel, Cliff and Wes; and his 13 grandchildren will all miss him and his wonderful stories.

Private burial took place on Saturday, March 21 at the Fairview Cemetery. Memorial service will be announced in the future, if you wish to receive the information when it has been planned, please email cwordenhardymemorial@gmail.com.