The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Larry Hardin is now with Jesus. He passed away peacefully on Friday, December 17 at home, in the arms of his wife, Terry, and surrounded by family after a long battle with infection and osteomyelitis.

He faced the challenges of the last three years (after a fall that resulted in quadriplegia) with courage, grace, dignity, hope, humor, and faith. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and had a smile and encouraging words for everyone he met.

He was born Lawrence Michael Hardin in 1949 to his parents, Irma (Ennes) Hardin and Robert Hardin, in Portland. He grew up in Aloha, graduated from Sunset High School, and went to PCC for an associate degree in auto mechanics. He much preferred working on cars as a hobby versus a career, so he went on to work for Boeing in Alaska, build houses in Beaverton, operate heavy machinery for many years, and then become the owner/operator of Larry Hardin Trucking. He was able to work through the good weather months, then take three months off in the winter to travel south and enjoy the sunshine. He retired in 2013.

Larry believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Beaverton Foursquare Church. After moving to Sisters, he became an active member of Sisters Community Church. He was a very thankful person, giving thanks to God for his many blessings every day.

Larry “HotRod” Hardin was a car guy, racing his ’70 Camaro at PIR as well as at the Sisters Airport on Fourth of July celebrations. His 1967 Mustang was his first car and is now almost fully restored. He loved travel, golf, fishing, 4-wheeling, motorcycles, exploring new trails, Bible study, and spending time with friends and family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Terry (Maria Teresa Zapata), son Tyler Hardin, granddaughter Natalee Yoakum, sisters Sandy Bowe (Pat Bowe) and Linda Hewitt, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. He will be missed, but all who knew him are happy that he is no longer in constant pain; he is now in the arms of Jesus, free, whole, happy, and we know we will see him again one day.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sisters Community Church on May 21 at 1 p.m.

Please send any tributes to Craig Hospital Foundation in Colorado or Hope Africa in Sisters.

Rest in peace, Larry.