Merrill "Mick" Hardley

Merrill L. (Mick) Hardley (89) of Traverse City, stepped into the presence of Jesus on February 22, 2025. Mick was born January 23, 1936 to W. Arnold and Virginia Hardley in Waterford, MI, the fourth of eight children.

As a boy, his family moved to Mesick, a town he truly loved. He graduated from Mesick High School in 1954 after lettering in both football and basketball. Mick attended Michigan Tech in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. While there, he met Gillian Francis, of Swansea, Wales, who was visiting her cousins in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.

Mick and Jill fell quickly in love and were married October 4, 1958. They were blessed with 5 children: Amanda (Steve) Forrester, Steve Hardley, Melanie (Jeff) Hamilton, Kathryn (Matt) Jones, and Rachel Hardley. Besides being survived by his wife and 5 children, he is survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tiffany (Isaiah) Kline, Jeremiah, Janaya, and Addalyn; Tabitha (John) McDaniel, Emmalee, Isabelle, Gavin, Weston, Owen, and RubyAnne; Ben Forrester and Julia; Hayley (Ben) Sharp, Heidi; Kameron, Ivy, and Lacey; Bria (Kyle Barnes), Rosemary, Dylan, Nolan and Layne. Mick is also survived by brothers Bob (Dory) Hardley, and Aaron (Barbara) Hardley, Sisters-in-law, Vikki Hardley, and Peggy (David) Schmidt, and most recently bereaved, Didi Hardley, Brothers-in-law David (Judy) Prairie and David (Jan) Francis, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gary (and wife, Wilma), Ted, Ron, and Phil Hardley, sister, Janet Bullard, sister-in-law, Dorothy Prairie, and grandson, Jonathan Forrester.

Mick was a longtime member of East Bay Calvary Church, where he began attending as a teenager. He served in many areas as a Trustee, Choir Member, Song Leader, Junior Church Worker, Game Director for AWANA Clubs, and General Handyman.

Mick was most recently employed by Tri-Gas Distributing Co. where he retired after 40+ years of service. Before that he was self-employed at Hardley Heating and Electric after purchasing the business from his father. Mick was talented in all kinds of handiwork and completed many projects for his family and others. He was a hard working, talented man who continually gave of himself to others, but his favorite role was that of “Grandpa.”

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Michigan, especially April, and French Manor Green House Owners and Staff for all their love and care for our dad. A graveside service will be held at the Sherman-Mesick Cemetery at a later date. In honor of Mick please visit his wife, Jill and share your thoughts and stories of Mick.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan or French Manor Green House.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. Arrangements are being handled by Life Story Funeral home.