Hardie Richard Rollins' Obituary
Hardie Richard Rollins passed away at his home in Springville, Utah on November 29, 2017 after battling Alzheimer’s for several years.
Hardie was born the youngest of three boys on August 17, 1942 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to a musical mother, Mildred Williams, and an athletic father, Kermit Rollins. Sports and music became his passion. Participating in football as well as wrestling, he went on to become a two-time Wyoming high school State Champion wrestler before wrestling collegiately for Brigham Young University. He also played piano and organ for dances in his own high school big band before going to BYU where he could regularly be heard playing in their Student Center.
Having a great love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and a strong testimony of His Gospel, Hardie served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. Upon returning, Hardie served in the Army National Guard in Wyoming and Oregon for six years.
He was married to Lorna Aders in the Idaho Falls Temple from 1967-1998 and had 13 children, of whom, 10 are still living. They settled in Dundee, Oregon where he enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events and accompanying their musical numbers. Hardie worked at the United States Postal Service for 20 years. During his time there, Hardie made many friends in the community with his kind service and warm smile. Always greeting patrons by name, they would in turn reward him with numerous treats at Christmas time and special souvenirs from trips they would return from.
In August of 2003, he married Joyce Freestone in the Portland Oregon temple and together served an 18-month church mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina where they shared the Gospel and taught church members to play hymns on the piano. They also served an 18-month service mission at the LDS Employment Resource Center in Springville, Utah. Hardie served as the Zone Leader for 9 months.
Hardie loved serving in any church capacity he was asked, serving as Bishop, High Councilor, Seminary Teacher, Ward Organist, and Temple Organist at the Portland, OR Temple where he played each Saturday for eight years. In his spare time he could be found in the Senior Center with his wife, Joyce, participating in activities and playing music, as well as enjoying his never-ending supply of Twinkies, Oreos, and Root Beer, which he was always willing to share. He greeted everyone with a big smile and warm personality and will be remembered as a sweet, witty, and friendly man who loved the Lord, Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred, father, Kermit, and sons, Tracy, Troy, and Scott. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; brothers Ronald and Kermit; children: Tara (Dave), Trina (Dennis), Tonya (Paul), Travis, Ty (Jen), Trent (Rachel), Teresa, Tamara (Rob), Trista (Mark), and Tasha (Bruce); Step-children: Julie, Brad (Dianne), Jennifer (Jeff), and Brian, and 44 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon, Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Spring Creek 5th Ward, 860 East 200 North, Springville, UT with a viewing prior to services from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Interment at East Lawn Cemetery 4800 East Lawn Drive, Provo, UT.
What’s your fondest memory of Hardie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hardie?
Share a story where Hardie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hardie you’ll never forget.
How did Hardie make you smile?
