Howard Dale Fisher “Hardy” “Old Blue”
Howard Dale Fisher, age 76, of Markleysburg, Pa., passed away at home on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Those close to him knew him as “Hardy” or “Old Blue”.
Hardy was born on September 13, 1941 in Somerfield, Pennsylvania what is now the Youghiogheny Lake.
Hardy was preceded in death by his parents, George and Vesta Fisher; his sister and brother-in- law, Sandra and Stanley “Red” Neratka; and his son-in-law, John Citro.
He is survived by brothers: Lindy (Janice) and Roger (Beverly); his wife of fifty-one years, Barbara; daughters: Cathy and Bobbi (Joseph); son, Howard Dale (Karen); grand children: Angela, Ally, Michael and Anthony; and great granddaughter Miley. Also from a previous marriage he is survived by children: Jerry (Carol), Terry (Sue) and Theresa (Sam); five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Hardy had an accident-free trucking career spanning almost six decades and six million miles.
In 1999, he went into business for himself and H&B Trucking was born.
He never owned a new truck but his trucks were always strong and fast, able to pull a heavy load up hill on the high side of the transmission. His motto was “Don’t worry about the horse, just load the wagon”. He spent most of his life in the cab of a truck so he could provide a good life for his family. His greatest desire was to give his children all the things that he never had growing up. Most of the “toys” he bought for his kids had a motor and were usually too fast for them — dirt bikes, scooters, dune buggies, motorcycles.
Hardy almost always owned a motorcycle and in his younger days was know to ride his Harley-Davidson standing on the seat.
Although he was usually only home on weekends, Hardy always made sure to spend time with his family, whether it was going out to diner or getting muddy in the dune buggy. But when Sunday evening rolled around, he picked up his log book, kissed his wife and climbed into his rig. He would idle out and once he hit the main road the black smoke would start to roll as he smoothly shifted gears and headed out for another week on the road
When grandchildren started to arrive, they became his world and could do no wrong. They always knew Pappy wouldn’t disappoint when it came to gifts, swing sets, trampolines. Hardy especially loved to buy them bicycles since, as a young boy, he would build his own bike from spare parts.
Hardy had a work ethic that is rarely seen today. It didn’t matter if it was daylight or dark, if he started a job, he finished it no matter what. People knew they could always depend on him. He would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.
He made sure his girls grew up knowing how important it is to be able to take care of themselves, to not be afraid to get their hands dirty, and to always keep their word. Before he would allow his daughters to take their driving test, they had to be able to drive a standard transmission, change a tire unassisted and connect jumper cables. He taught them to drive in the snow and back up, no less than ¼ mile using only the mirrors. And just in case the need ever arose, he taught them how to land a solid right hook. (Hardy was never one to avoid conflict). More than once, he launched a cup of coffee out the truck window onto the hood or windshield of a car.
He was a good man who always spoke his mind. He may not have always said the right thing but his heart was always in the right place and he will be missed.
The family is extremely grateful to the mountain girls from Amedisys for the exceptional physical and emotional care they provided.
Friends and family will be received from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 in DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, FARMINGTON, Pennsylvania.
Visitation will continue in the Funeral Home on Saturday at 12 Noon followed by Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Lyons officiating.
Interment will follow in Thomas Cemetery, Markleysburg, Pa.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.crawfordfuneral home.com