Walter Hardy, 89
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 hours, 48 minutes AGO
Hardy
Walter Cecil Hardy, 89, passed away peacefully March 25, 2026. He was born July 11, 1936, in Sanger, Calif., to John and Rosella (Stevenson) Hardy, and was raised in Dunsmuir, where he graduated from Dunsmuir High School. He went on to attend Sacramento State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Walt enlisted in the United States Army and served overseas as a Military Police officer from 1954 to 1957. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and met Doris Nell Bible. The two were married Sept. 10, 1958, in Roseville, Calif., beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 67 years and were blessed with four children.
He served as a Los Angeles County Police Officer from 1957 to 1965 before moving to North Idaho in 1968. In 1973, he went into business with his brother, Richard. Together, they built a remarkable legacy, owning and operating nine successful businesses over the years. Their ventures included owning lumber stores in Hayden, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Arby’s restaurants in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Wenatchee, Wash.; the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Country Cleaners in Coeur d’Alene; and a Days Inn hotel in Reno, Nev. Walt and Richard also worked as realtors and maintained numerous real estate investments throughout Northern Idaho. Through their endeavors, Walt and Richard exemplified integrity, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others.
Walt was a man of strong faith and a member of First Assembly of God Church in Coeur d’Alene and New Life Church in Hayden, Idaho. He also found great joy hunting, fishing, reading western novels and, most importantly, spending time with his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Doris; his children, Crystal, Keith and Ryan; his 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Richard. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven, his sister, Loretta, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m., at New Life Church, 6068 Hayden Ave., Rathdrum, Idaho. Private interment will take place at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the care of Yates Funeral Home, and condolences may be shared at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
While Walt will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with loved ones and now rests at the feet of Jesus.