| School: Franklin | Graduation Year: 1975 |
Year Inducted: 2020
Sports Played: Wrestling, Baseball
High School Honors: 3 Wrestling and 1 Baseball Letters. PIL Champion at 123 lbs and 2nd Place in State as a Senior. Served as Drum Major and marched in Rose Festival Parade and the World’s Fair.
Post High School Career: Served in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, where he was also a traveling musician. He became the organist for late Bishop J.A. Blake, at the renowned Jackson Memorial church. He later recorded albums with the legendary King of Gospel, the late Rev. James Cleveland. He spent 15 years with Tri-Met Light Rail as an Engineering Supervisor responsible for the career training apprenticeship programs still in use today. Hardy was called into ministry and faithfully served as a youth minister under his father Bishop W.G. Hardy Sr. His musical talent earned him the title of State Minister of music. In 1996 he accepted a pastoral position at Highland Christian Center. Under his stewardship, membership grew into the thousands and he eventually relocated Highland to a $6 million campus with a loyal following. The church initiated programs to feed and shelter the homeless, transition former prisoners into a normal life within the community. He partnered with several organizations, including Albina Head Start, Multnomah County, the state of Oregon’s REACH program, and the Highland African American Youth Coalition (HAAYC).
Commentary:
“A true champion of the people. Go Quakers!”