David Hardy

A man of abundant wisdom, David J. Hardy lived to educate and develop new technology in the field of computer technology. From a young age, David knew what he wanted to do in life, and he never faltered in his quest to achieve these goals. He had a creative streak and a sense of humor, many friends and countless hobbies.

The end of World War II brought thousands of young servicemen back to America to pick up their lives and start new families in new homes with new jobs. With energy never before experienced, American industry expanded to meet peacetime needs. Americans began buying goods not available during the war, which created corporate expansion and jobs. Growth was everywhere and the baby boom was under way. For Matthew J. Hardy Jr. and Margaret I. (King) Hardy, life in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, was filled with days of delight and new adventures. Already proud parents, on March 20, 1954, they welcomed the birth of their son, David. While Matthew worked as a licensed plumber, Margaret was a homemaker, working hard to raise her three sons.

It was obvious from a young age that David was a bright boy. His early interest in electronics and technical skills would prove to be more than a boyhood hobby. This fascination would stay with him throughout his life, influencing his career choices and providing him with some of his favorite pursuits. David’s hobbies, however, did not stop at electronics, he also enjoyed photography, boating with his father and building model cars and setting up model trains. After graduating from Grosse Pointe South High School in 1972, David entered Michigan State University where he studied electrical engineering from 1972 to 1975. Although a dedicated student, he became increasingly frustrated when his aptitude was more advanced than the professors. He decided to leave school for now and pursue his career.

David’s lifelong passion and work was in computer science. His career began in 1981 as a technician and later he was promoted to technology director and general manager of CDP Inc., the technology arm of Heritage Newspapers, now part of the Journal Register Co. During his tenure, David specialized in computer networking and wrote computer programs to create and customize an interface for the newspaper chain’s computer systems. In addition, he was a Certified Netware Engineer with Novell Inc. and a member of Microsoft Developer Network. Among some of David’s greatest achievements and accomplishments was helping to develop the Close-Up software, an early competitor to PCAnywhere. He also authored numerous articles about computer technology and networking for national computer magazines as technology was emerging in the 1980s and early 1990s and was later dubbed a “microcomputer pioneer” by Micro/Systems Journal.

In addition to his contributions in the area of computer technology, in the late 1990s, David worked as a contractor with HelmsTech Corp. writing software, which included voice recognition systems, for concept cars making their debut at the International Auto Show in Detroit. He also facilitated the building of a mobile office in the Vision II concept car marking American Sunroof Co. Inc.’s 30th anniversary in 1990.

Passionate about his work, David also operated his own Internet business called Detroit Download Central, for over 20 years. This business hosted such web sites as the Heidelberg Project and numerous other businesses and nonprofit organizations, even before the Internet caught on commercially. Outside of his professional life, David also enjoyed pursuing interests in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering and history. He was an amateur radio operator and a member of Triangle, a fraternity of engineers, architects and scientists. Although technically minded, David also had a humorous side to him and was said to be a natural teacher. Those he mentored in the technology field came to affectionately call him “Doctor Dave.”

Though David was happy with his career, it was apparent he was missing something in his life. In 1999, he met Michelle Rogers, the editor of the Chelsea Standard and Dexter Leader, which is part of the Heritage Newspapers. After capturing her heart with his brilliant mind, charming sense of humor and kindhearted nature, David and Michelle were married on the romantic island of Maui, Hawaii, on December 16, 2000.

Over the last few years, David looked forward to a annual New Orleans getaway with his brothers, Byron and Matt.

David J. Hardy, 50 of Pittsfield Township, died on Saturday, August 14, 2004, after a yearlong battle with colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Rogers; two brothers, Matthew (Kim) Hardy of Camarillo, CA, and Byron (Lynn) Bailey; four nieces, Julie Bailey of Farmington Hills, Heather Hardy, Meaghan Hardy and Caitlyn Hardy of Camarillo, CA; two nephews, Chris (Dawn) Bailey of Chandler, AZ, and Andrew Bailey of Farmington Hills; mother-in-law, Nancy Rogers of Ypsilanti; and many close friends. His parents preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, with a service celebrating his life at 7 p.m. at Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. Private burial will be on Friday, August 20, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. Please visit David’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to read his life story, leave a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor or Great Lakes Animal Sanctuary, a rabbit rescue in Willis.