It was with great sadness that we read yesterday of Sam's death. My dad, Peter Hardy, and Sam knew each other from their younger days. Although they both lived in the Bakersfield Carlton area, I believe that they only bumped into each other infrequently, but were both aware of where the other lived and enjoyed chatting about family, holidays etc.
However, their paths crossed again almost nine years ago when my husband, Mick, was campaigning to prevent the closure of Bakersfield Library and was working there as a volunteer librarian. Sam regularly visited the library and in doing so discovered that Mick was Pete's son-in-law and that Pete was then at our home at the bottom of Swains Avenue, opposite the library, having been discharged from hospital for end of life care with us.
During the months that dad was with us Sam would pop in to see him and have a coffee with us. Dad wasn't an easy patient to visit, he said little and slept a lot! But Sam remained undeterred, kindly choosing to recognise the Pete that he had known in his youth.
Both Sam and Barbara attended dad's funeral and joined us for a meal in Ruddington afterwards. I remember them being rather taken by our 7 month old granddaughter Emmie, dad's first greatgrandchild.
Sam and Barbara were an undeniably handsome couple, but their qualities went far beyond skin deep. They were sincere and loyal, kind and steadfast and immensely proud of their family.
I am very grateful for the care and consideration that Sam extended to my dad. He will be remembered as one of the 'Good Guys' that some of us are lucky enough to meet along life's way.
Our most sincere condolences to the whole family.
Mick and Jackie Flower (nee Hardy) and my mum June Hardy.
Jackie Flower:
04/12/2020
