Neil Hardy [middle, middle]  receives his 2023 Saskatchewan Order of Merit (submitted photo/Lynda Parkman)

By Ben Tompkins

Order of Merit

Hudson Bay Reeve recognized for long-term excellence with Sask. Order of Merit

Oct 11, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A long-time northeast local was recently presented with the 2023 Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

Neal Hardy, an 89-year-old man from Hudson Bay, was one of six recipients across the province to be honoured at a formal ceremony in Saskatoon.

Hardy qualified for Saskatchewan’s highest honour due to his excellence and achievement as the Reeve for his hometown community.

“I was born in the northeast in a shack on the farm, so I haven’t really left the farm in a roundabout way I guess you could say, but it’s been nice. I’ve always been in the northeast, I made my home and my business here and I’ve farmed here,” he told northeastNOW.

“It was definitely an honour to receive the Order of Merit, it doesn’t happen very often and it’s pretty cool for a guy my age. I enjoyed it.”

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Hardy was able to enjoy the night with his family as they mingled and shared a nice dinner before Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty presented to him.

He explained that having his family alongside him was the most important aspect, as they are what means the most.

“It puts a real value to it because you want to see your family in all the things that you take part in and they were there. That’s important to me and I was very proud to be a part of it.”

Hardy was the only recipient this year who wasn’t from Saskatoon, which made his accomplishment all the more impressive.

He said there are a lot of people who have helped him along the way and deserve just as much recognition for their efforts.

His daughter, Lynda Parkman, mentioned her father was always a humble man, which was something he expressed at the ceremony.

“When they introduced them to receive his medallion, they introduced him as the true son of Saskatchewan and that to me was so true because that’s what he’s all about,” she added. “He was always more about his hometown, his community and the people of Saskatchewan.”

Currently, Hardy is still working as the Reeve of Hudson Bay, however, he wants to retire right away. An election would need to take place to find his replacement.

The Order of Merit is invested in appreciation of significant contributions in areas such as the arts, agriculture, business and industry, community leadership, occupations or professions, public service, research and volunteer service.

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news@northeastnow.com

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