Arvid Hardin

Arvid Holger Hardin
January 8, 1941 – February 11, 2025

The old fart fell apart

Arv was born in Winnipeg Man. but moved to Prince Rupert B.C. when he was two years old. There he loved the access to the outdoors, tramping through the woods and exploring the dock areas. Once even coming home with a fish that he had convinced the fishermen to give him. Cubs and later Scouts were activities he enjoyed. The family then moved to Kitimat, where he really came into his own. Scouts, army cadets, more nature wandering—if it was outdoors he was doing it. When the new town of Kitimat decided it needed nature trails, Arv was chosen to lead a group of young men to accomplish the task. He did like a leadership role.

In 1958, his mother had a serious health issue. So the family packed up and moved to the Vancouver area. All except Arv—it was his grade 12 year and he didn’t relish being a small fish in a big pond. He was vice-president of the Student Counsel, active in sports and outdoor activities and was valedictorian for his class, so he stayed until the end of Grade 12. He rejoined his family and began his Chemistry studies; graduating in 1963 with a Science degree in Honours Chemistry.
When he discovered that routine Chemistry lab work was not his cup of tea; he went into a graduate study program and graduated with a PHd in 1970. In the meantime he had added a wife [Berni] and two sons [Trent and Brett] to his household.

Then the travel bug was awakened. In 1970 with family in tow, Arv accepted a post-doc position at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Two wonderful years followed, visiting ancient sites, travelling England, Scotland and Wales plus an excursion to the continent. Arv did research at the University, as well.

Coming back to Canada in 1972, Arv did a two year post-doc in Universite de Montreal [some-what in French]. Travel opportunities took us to eastern provinces and Quebec City. Just before leaving for Ottawa, Erik was welcomed into the family.

A family of five required a real job and Arv joined the federal government—first with the Department of Environment then the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. At least one business trip to Europe and the purchase of the orange camper van providing the means to go across country a couple of times fed the travel bug. Five years in Ottawa was a great experience yielding many friendships. but the west was calling. Moving to Edmonton meant being close enough to family in BC while gaining that blue sky and sunshine we hadn’t expected.

Edmonton, Alberta—home base for next 45 years, with some exceptions. The family thrived, friendships developed, a faith community was gained. Our wonderous first grandchild, Tom, was born. Travel emphasis shifted to frequent trips to the west coast, several international business trips and a family excursion to northern Europe. Arv worked for Syncrude Research and Alberta Research Council receiving a golden handshake from each of them. Looking for an interesting employment opportunity, Arv contacted a business acquaintance in the middle east and in 1993 was offered a research position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What followed was eleven and a half years of amazement. Arv worked first in the Research Department at SABIC [Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation] and later in Administration in the Head Office. He headed several projects and started an annual research symposium. Given his outgoing personality, he befriended all in the work environment from janitors to department heads. Socially, an expatriate life is difficult to describe. One tends to seek out those who share your experience. Arv was active in C-CAR: a group for Canadian men in Riyadh. Trips to the desert were commonplace. We picnicked in many places that would be called gravel pits, here. And the travel opportunities—Riyadh is within five or six hours of so many places—a smorgasbord of choices for our Ramadan and Haj Eids [vacations.] And then summers, coming to Canada for a recuperative week in Tofino and seeing family and friends missed during the year. Especially Tom and the three “new” delights–grandchildren Knute, Finn and Erika.

Turning 65 by the Hijira calendar, meant returning to Canada and the ‘real world’ in 2005. An acreage west of town was Arv’s dream so he got to mow a massive lawn for four years before settling in Edmonton again. Fifth grandchild sweet Serenity arrived. The travel bug was fed by cruises and bus tours and finally squashed by Covid. Many medical issues affected Arv’s final years, but he kept plugging along until the last, when a pullover sweater and a camel stool brought him down.

Surviving Arv are his wife Bernice [Berni], sons Trent [Karin], Brett [Ashley] and Erik [Christina], grandchildren Tomas, Knute, Finn, Erika and Serenity, sister Annice and brother Darrell, plus many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Beatrice Hardin, his older sister Alfield Donald and his youngest brother Evin.

Special thanks to the Choices program at Good Samaritan and Units 34/31 at the Royal Alex.
In lieu of flower donations may be made to SSUC, the Cancer Research Society, Mazenkowski Institute or a charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 28,2025 at 2pm Southminster Steinhauer United Church 10740 19 Avenue NW, Edmonton T6J 6W9
The service will be live streamed on the SSUC website