Tribute Wall
Friday
3
March
Visitation
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Friday, March 3, 2023
J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel
160 York St.
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Please enter through the Chapel doors.
Friday
3
March
Readings by Family & Friends
3:30 pm
Friday, March 3, 2023
J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel
160 York St.
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Please enter through the chapel doors.
Donations
Hospice House Fredericton
https://hospicefredericton.ca/
The Canadian Red Cross
https://www.redcross.ca/
Nick’s beloved newspaper The Guardian
https://support.theguardian.com/ca/contribute
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James Proudley posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Nick's family, such terribly sad news.
I was lucky to know Nick growing up in Sussex. I remember his trademark leather jacket and long hair at college and talking for hours at the local pub, when we were visiting our families over Christmas.
I still have books that he recommended to me and listen to music that he introduced me to. I have so many happy memories of Nick, he was such a great guy
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Kelly Green posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
I find myself reflecting on how much Nick enriched my life since he arrived in Fredericton to take up his post at UNB.
I am grateful that he and Mira allowed me to share in the joys of purchasing your first home, Nick becoming a Canadian citizen, bringing home a baby Spock and of course the chance to know their beautiful children. I also enjoyed the experience of spending time in the classroom with Nick as a student. I will confess, that I had some trepidation about the possible dry dullness of studying social theory, however he opened my mind and I found myself intrigued and engrossed in a way I never could have predicted. He truly was wonderful teacher. I can never hear the name Foucault again without thinking of Nick.
His sense of humour, especially when telling tales of training Spock or other domestic antics with the twins were priceless (the British accent made them all the more entertaining). He brought many a smile and much laughter over the years. From the first day I met him, I always looked forward to spending time with Nick. I have always enjoyed his caustic wit and savvy insight about the world, politics or just life in general.
Through his illness, I see that the children’s welfare was always his and Mira’s first priority. Despite tremendous obstacles, they created priceless family moments that are no doubt imprinted forever. Nick, Mira, the twins and Spock, are friends that have become family to me and Luc. Thank you Nick for your friendship and kindness to me. I miss you.
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Alan Bloomfield posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I have only just been told of Nick's passing. I'm so sorry to hear of this tragedy, and I want to express my condolences to Nick's family, and especially to Mira. I studied with Mira and Nick at Queens, when we were all poor struggling students who could, somehow, always find enough money for a few beers to keep the conversation going. The world will be a bit dimmer without Nick's cheery wit and incisive analysis of political and social affairs. I will be at the pub on Friday to watch footy - the Australian version - so I will raise a pint to his memory then.
Alan Bloomfield
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Constantine Passaris posted a condolence
Sunday, March 5, 2023
I was deeply saddened to read about Nick's passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family and his colleagues in our Sociology Department. The whole of UNB has lost a bright academic star and we are all the poorer for having lost his presence among our academic family. His memory will continue as we celebrate his impressive contributions to our University and the academic community near and far.You are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.
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Maureen Hardy posted a condolence
Sunday, March 5, 2023
From Maureen Hardy, Nick’s Mum in Wales, United Kingdom
I would like my son Nick’s friends and colleagues in Canada to know a little about Nick’s life before he left the UK. The following is what his beloved brother Gareth read out on my behalf on Friday 3 March to a large assembled gathering at the Funeral parlour. I am very moved and grateful that Gareth was able to be with Nick and the family in Fredericton for the last 10 days of Nick’s life.
All of us in our different ways have been privileged to know Nick and connect with his very unique personality. And all of us will miss him deeply for the special relationships he has had with each of us.
Nick was my first son and he arrived in my life in London, England on 19 August 1978 larger than life. A friend of mine called him an Infant Hercules and the description suited him well as he weighed in at 11 ¼ lbs, nearly 5.6 Kilos. We became a spectacle together as staff from all over the hospital came to see this huge baby. He made his presence felt right from the start.
For me as a mother and for Chris and me as parents, Nick challenged us in many, many ways to rethink our ideas about parenting. He was very intelligent, very lively and bored at school - which was one we had chosen because it had such a good reputation - yet even they found it difficult to handle Nick’s irrepressible energy and his deep passion for justice and equality. Between the three of us we weathered some big storms.
He was only six, the same age as Erik and Raya are now, when on his birthday he decided he wanted to raise money to relieve famine in Africa with a Garage sale and got his name in the local paper as a result. At the other end of the scale he could seriously irritate others, such as when during school playtimes he and his friends would play ‘Warplanes’ and zoom around terrorising the other children in the playground as they ducked and dived, their arms outstretched as they concentrated intently on being in a world of their own. I used to think he must have been a WWII pilot in a past life! He loved the Biggles books.
Nick turned his life around when he began studying for ‘A’ levels and discovered a passion for Sociology that led him to Essex University for a degree and then an MA. While he was pondering on what to do afterwards, one staff member said to him she thought it would be a sad loss to the academic community if he didn’t pursue a career in research. It was a lovely compliment that meant a great deal to him and I think an accurate assessment.
A couple of years later he was recommended to apply for a PhD at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario (his first and only application) and the rest as they say is history – at least it’s the history that his Canadian friends know more about than me. I think that he became a good teacher respected by his students because he approached them and his work with compassion and understanding alongside his search for knowledge and a desire for them to learn.
I also want to pay tribute to my mother’s influence in his life. They loved each other dearly and corresponded regularly when he went to University and I couldn’t have wanted a better grandmother for him.
For me, his mother, missing him and letting go of those emotions began in earnest when he left the UK for Canada in 2006. How could he ever want to come back to the UK after such an adventure? I believe the best we can do for anyone is to set them free with love - and this was just another one of those challenges that he gave me and it’s also where my journey of letting go began. It was a joy when he managed to come back to see us each year, so too our precious conversations on the phone.
Everything he has done since moving to Canada has been on his own terms and I am suitably proud, most of all because he is and has been the person he turned out to be. I love the photo of him getting his Canadian citizenship just as I love a little photo of him when he was about five, walking in the rain with his Daddy who was pushing Gareth in the stroller (we say ‘pushchair’!). Nick insisted on wearing a snorkel!
Sometimes, watching little videos of Erik, I am reminded of ‘Nicky’ my own young son. I see Erik acting in just the same ways I would have expected of my six year old boy. The love of a son for his father will help Nick on his Herculean journey.
And Raya’s beautifully expressive drawings and crafts make me think of how Nick too captured the essence of events and ideas. His spirit lives on in his beloved children.
Nick and Mira have given the twins a wonderful start in life and I so hope that it means the little family will have the support they need as they continue their own journeys in this life. Only a few months ago Nick said that since moving to Canada he had had the best seventeen years of his life. I think it’s been a heroic journey and I think he has fulfilled that early promise as an infant Hercules and I thank Mira and Raya and Erik for how they lit up his life and made my life better as a result.
He wanted his ashes to be scattered somewhere free and with open water. I believe he is now free.
I join in sending him on his journey with boundless love and a heartfelt Farewell.
My Beloved Son.
Love to you, from Mum
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Amy Savile posted a condolence
Sunday, March 5, 2023
I had the honour of being one of Nick's first supervised graduate students at UNB. After the emergency retirement of my previous prospective thesis supervisor, Nick took me on near the end of my degree, as I coped with post concussion syndrome and a hard deadline to complete my MPhil and enter my PhD on schedule.
The level of care and concern he showed while also attentively encouraging me to do my best was truly inspiring; while no theoretical statement of mine went unscrutinised or undiscussed, he was endlessly supportive and also insistent that I take long breaks whenever I was "clearly knackered". Finding that balance between rigorous work, intentional self care, and supporting meaningful causes was all thanks to him. I am forever grateful that he was the one to take me under his wing and help me complete a Master's thesis worth writing/reading.
Mira, you both gave me strength and hope during a challenging time; I wish the same for you and your dear ones now, looking at how many lives he touched.
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Nelly and Mitko uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 3, 2023
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Our son-in-law Nick was a wonderful person with a great positive energy and attitude to people around him. He was always ready to help.
But to us, his most valuable quality was his devotion to his twins Eric and Raya. From the first hour of their birth until his last day, he took care of them, participated in their games, taught them new things and to be good people. His fatherly love was extraordinary. During the most important first 6 years of anyone's life, Eric and Raya got the best from their father. Therefore, Nick will continue to live in them.
We loved him like our own son and we are proud of him.
Nelly and Mitko (Mira's mother and father)
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Jackie Seely posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2023
My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked at the School of Graduate Studies and interacted with Nick quite a bit. He was always so cheerful, kind and considerate. He will be dearly missed by students, faculty & staff. RIP Nick
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Ronjon Paul Datta posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the family. It was a very sad day indeed to learn of the passing of my friend, a deeply trusted social theory colleague, and just a really good fellow. I got to know Nick as he started his PhD in sociology at Queen's University in 2006. He was my lead Teaching Assistant for a course in classical social theory I was teaching. We spent hours most weeks after the evening classes discussing and debating social theory, Foucault, critical realism, aleatory materialism, Durkheim, and politics that academic year, over pints of course. And I heard many nice things about Mira from him. That time counts among the highlights of my academic life; they were exciting, creative times. Over the years, we talked when we could, about life, had many laughs and he endured my ramblings about how Foucault and Deleuze could be used to understand Formula 1. I will badly miss our discussions . Nick was a serious scholar, thinker, and committed educator who's left a positive legacy, a friend and first rate colleague. Were it that we had more encounters. Terrible loss. I'll make a donation to Nick's favourite, The Guardian, in his memory. Cheers mate. Peace be with you.
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Lori Bigger posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2023
I can't believe that I'm reading this. Such a shame, a person gone from this earth way too soon. I met him and his beautiful wife in the HR office when they found out they were having twins and I helped to guide them through the maternity/parental leave process. They were so excited and also a little overwhelmed with the thought of having twins but I knew they would do fine. They obviously have 2 beautiful children which my heart goes out to. I'll be praying for you all as you grieve a wonderful person whom you will miss dearly. He will not suffer any more. Cancer is an awful thing to have to deal with, for all those involved. Take care.
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Erin Morton posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
I knew Nick at work, but mostly I loved seeing him at College Hill with a kid under each arm, or walking his dog in our neighbourhood. He knew what was important in this life, where to spend his time, and what to focus on. My heart is with Mira, Erik, and Raya. He is so missed. With love from Erin & Ryan (Gus, Gladys, & Goldie’s parents)
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Kelsey Fawcett posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Dr. Hardy was one of the most influential people to me in getting into the Masters program at UNB. He met with me prior to applying, helped guide me when I got into the program, and even taught me in my advanced theory class. We had many memorable conversations and debates about different theories and theorists, chatted about Doctor Who, The Beatles, The Stones, and many other rock bands, and he even took the time out of his schedule to advise me on making the most out of grad school. He was by far my favourite professor I had at UNB and to lose such an amazing mind at such a young age is heart-wrenching. You will be sorely missed by the many lives you touched Dr. Hardy. Thank you for being such an influential role model in my academic career. Rest in Peace.
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Marcel Nelson posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Jelena and I send our deepest condolences. I am so sorry, Mira. Nick was a great guy and his friendship meant a lot to me back in our Kingston days.
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Lisa Todd posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Shortly after Nick arrived at UNB, he and I overlapped in a Tilley classroom space. I got to know him through quick conversations as he ended his class and I began mine. Since then I have worked with him on several committees and have always appreciated his sense of humour, intelligence, and sincere care for students. He will be deeply missed in our hallways. Mira - you and your lovely children are in our thoughts.
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Tabatha Armstrong posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
My sincerest condolences to all of Nick's family, friends, and loved ones during this very difficult time. I heard so many positive things about him from his students and always enjoyed crossing paths with him professionally. Nick will be dearly missed by many on campus.
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Drew Rendall posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Nick was a great partner with the School of Graduate Studies at UNB, during his years as Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Sociology. He was terrific to work with, always professional and respectful, stalwart in his concern for the graduate students and the graduate program in Sociology, with an unwavering focus on quality, integrity and fairness. Very principled. But also quick to enjoy a chuckle or a wry joke. We will miss Nick terribly but always remember him fondly, and we’ll try to carry forward his focus on academic integrity and rigor with a healthy dose of good humor in it, as he demonstrated possible.
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Reza posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
My deepest condolence! I feel the sense of the great loss to our UNB/community.
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Rob Beamish posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Mira, Erik and Raya; this is such tragic news. I was the Head of the Department at Queen's when Nick was completing his doctoral work. We had so many long conversations about theory where I learned so much from him. I knew immediately that he'd be an outstanding teacher and that he had so much to contribute to the discipline. It is his smile and optimism that I remember and treasure most. Words will never capture the loss that those who knew Nick are feeling today.
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Tri Huynh posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
My deepest condolences to Nick’s family. I shared a flat with Nick throughout University and can say you would struggle to find a more thoughtful and kind person.
Tri
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Patti Simmons and Mark Walma uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
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There is a Nick-shaped hole in the world. He will forever be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
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John Kershaw posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Mira and family. Since I left the grad school, I lost touch with Nick. During my time in the grad school, Nick was director in Sociology so we frequently were in meetings together and often would have lunch at the Cellar. He was a great person to work with and always positive, trying to help get students progress. I am saddened to learn of his passing - he will be missed across UNB.
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Julie Thomas (Theresa’s mom) posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Seeing Nick at daycare drop off or pick up was a great way to start or end your day. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting. Watching him with Erik and Raya, anyone could tell that they were the centre of his universe. My deepest sympathies Mira, Erik and Raya.
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Floriane and Jonny Wood posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Nick was the first person we met in the neighbourhood when we moved to Fredericton. We had emigrated from the UK just a couple of days earlier. It was morning, Nick was walking Spock, our kids were late for school and we had no idea where the school bus stop was. And the first person we ask turns out to be British! And kind! (even though he had no idea where the bus stop was). It felt like everything was going to be ok.
We are so sad to hear of his passing and so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you all, family and close friends, particularly Mira and the kids.
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David McNamara posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I went to University with Nick in Essex and always remembered him as a really kind and generous person. He was always looking out for other people and such a good soul. My sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.
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Neeru Gupta posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Nick epitomized kindness, sincerity and charm. He will be missed in the hallways and meeting rooms at the university. My most sincere condolences to Mira and the twins.
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Joss Richer posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I met Nick only a couple of times through a neighbour. I remember sitting together one afternoon for a nice chat. I really enjoyed his spicy wit and easygoing character. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Matthew Sears posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Ever since we went through new faculty orientation together, Nick was a bright spot for me at UNB. Always a pleasure to work with, speak to, or see in the hallways. He will be missed.
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Jennifer Andrews posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I am so incredibly sad to hear this tragic news. Nick was a wonderful colleague and neighbour, who I will fondly remember playing with his kids as they walked around the block on the street where we both lived. He was a thoughtful person with a wry sense of humour. My deepest condolences to Mira and his children!
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Emma Robinson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I am so grateful to have met Nick during my graduate studies at UNB. He was always so supportive of students, and made social theory really engaging and fun (which is not always an easy feat!). I'm very sad to hear this news, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
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Nancy Bauer posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I am so sad to hear this news. Nick was an exemplary neighbour. Nancy Bauer
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Margaret Moore posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Devastating news. NIck was a wonderful person, husband, father, friend, dog-owner, academic, teacher. A loss to all who knew him. Sending my best wishes to Mira, Erik and Raya, and all who are in mourning. Much love, Margaret from Kingston.
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Monica Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I am so grateful to have met Nick during my graduate degree. In my second semester, I was close to quitting my studies, packing my bags, and heading home to PEI. If it wasn’t for Nick’s kind words, guidance, and humble humour, I likely would not have finished my degree. Nick was also a cherished friend to my sister Laura. Luckily, I got to know him through her, and he always made me feel a great sense of belonging when I visited their homes in Kingston. From serious academic conversations to sharing lots of laughs, Nick’s charisma and kindness were always a welcome addition to any situation.
Nick was a wonderful person.
I am sending my deepest sympathies to Mira and the kids.
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Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Sending along deepest sympathies from Elizabeth and Andrew. Nick was such a special person. He always seemed to be smiling, he was witty, he was interesting and caring, he knew how to tell a great story, and we are gutted that he is gone. Big hugs to Mira and the twins - we are thinking of you from Kingston and sending our love.
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The family of Nicholas James Hardy uploaded a photo
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
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Mcadam's funeral home & Crematorium
160 York St.
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3N7
Ph: 506-458-9170
E-mail: McAdams@McAdamsFH.com