Michael Hardesty

Our Dad insisted on writing his own obituary “in order to set the record straight” and share a few last laughs with you.

Needless to say, Dad likely learned early in his law career to “charge by the word.” He clearly continued that practice through his three-page obituary. We love you Dad, but Sue shouldn’t have to take out a loan to pay the Dispatch and the custodian will turn out the lights at 8:00. So, please forgive us for our edits.

My life was blessed with wonderful parents, Helen and George Hardesty, both of whom were musically talented. My mother was adept at the piano and organ and my father started the Columbus Little Symphony Orchestra. He served as Concertmaster for years with the Columbus Symphony and taught violin for over 40 years at OSU. I believe they were the source of the rumor that I was switched at birth just because I could not read music. I plan to let them know of my sorrow that they had to suffer six disastrous years of my violin recitals. Actually, I thought my dad never even attended my recitals but later found out he was merely scrunched so far into his seat with shame: I couldn’t see his face.

I lettered in three sports at Bexley High School and somehow managed to be accepted at Harvard College. After graduating, I realized that my whole purpose at Harvard had nothing to do with my marginal (ok, non-existent) academic achievements—it was merely to have been accepted by five truly exceptional and outstanding roommates who became my life-long best friends.

After Harvard, for no apparent reason, I decided on law school and was accepted by the University of Cincinnati. I did not enjoy law school and thought I had wasted three years of my life and many dollars. After graduation, I found that I had achieved my calling. I loved practicing law in the real world and continued

to do so until recently. It has been my joy to be able to help others, and I am grateful for the journey.

My other joy is my wife, Sue B. who as many of you know is a truly amazing person who has always (mostly) “loved me all up” even when I made it difficult. Sue was always direct, and I appreciated her helping me to be more upfront and honest with others. (It’s never too late.) I am presumably also survived by my first two wives, Jane and Linda, both of whom are fine persons. I also have four beautiful, accomplished daughters, Jill (Joel) Baird, Heather Hardesty, Kara (Patrick) Whitlatch and Erica Hardesty. We were also blessed with six special grandchildren, Caitlin, Bailey and Alex, Caroline, and Rex and Ellis, and a great-grandchild, Zeke.

In closing, I have treasured my dear friends, Larry, Tim, Jim, Dave, and Drew. My friends from Worthington Hills and other tennis organizations, especially my tennis partners, Lee Hays and Dave Hornbeck. Don’t let them tell you they carried me. My longest dear friends, Tom Keating (Penguin Man), Fritz Hunting, and Pete Hart. My many coworkers, especially Dan Malkoff from my days at the Ohio Attorneys General Office and Columbus Bar Association.

I am beyond indebted to my dear friend, Frank Heil, who was devoted to the end. My hope is that each of you continue to live and love life and your family and friendships. I hope you will above all remember the fun times and be uplifted by the laughs we shared.

I intentionally have not directed arrangements for my ashes. To quote Yogi Berra when asked about how he wanted his remains to be handled, I say to you