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John Hardaway


 

 

John Hardaway passed from this world into the Presence of Jesus on May 23, 2018.

He was born Oct. 21, 1938, to John M. Hardaway and Olga Davis Hardaway in Sacramento, Calif.

The family moved to Santa Barbara when John was a very young child. It was there his life-long love of the sea began. John’s family later moved to Firebaugh, Calif. where he attended and graduated from Dos Palos High School.

During his high school years, he worked for his uncle Narval Davis. Narval became his mentor and taught him the art and science of farming, which was to become his life’s work.

After graduating from high school, John attended the Coastal School of Deep-Sea Diving, and was certified in commercial deep-sea diving.

In 1959, he married Joan Ricci. They had two children, daughter Pamela and son Michael.

John was a commercial driver for only a short time, but enjoyed the experience. Throughout his life he kept his love of the sea, going on scuba diving excursions whenever possible. John soon returned to Firebaugh and to farming. He again worked with his uncle, eventually becoming ranch foreman.

In 1972, he married Judith Dye. A year later, they established their agricultural pest control business. They were truly partners, in work and in leisure. They worked together in all aspects of their business, from the fields to the office. They spent much of their free time on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, where they enjoyed scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez, and flying to remote villages.

After operating their business for 25 years, they retired to Mariposa.

John was an adventurous person. He loved riding motorcycles, piloting small aircraft and scuba diving. He took great pleasure in sharing those activities with family and friends.

He is survived by Judy, his wife of 46 years; his daughter, Pamela and her husband Terry; his son, Michael; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He loved his family and friends. He is greatly missed.

A memorial service is being planned for later this summer.

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