Zane Hardwick, Sr.

Zane G. Hardwick, Sr. was born on February 4, 1963, in Newfoundland, Canada, to his loving mother Carol T. McDaniel and father Coy Hardwick. He grew up alongside his siblings, Mike and Brenda Hardwick, and later welcomed his younger brother, Scott Hardwick, and sister, LeAnn Hall. Zane spent his childhood in Rialto, California, where he developed the strong work ethic and determination that would guide him throughout his life. 

Zane built a successful career in pipe fitting and went on to develop a sprinkler company that provided fire protection for hundreds of commercial properties. While he took pride in his professional accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than the family he built and loved deeply.

Zane became a father for the first time in 1980 with the birth of his daughter, Mandy. In 1987, he welcomed his son, Zane Jr. In 1994, Zane met the love of his life, Barbara J. Hardwick, and together they moved to Texas, where he also embraced his role as a father to his stepson, David Auzston. In 2004, Zane and Barbara's family grew again with the adoption of their newborn daughter, Brook Hardwick. Zane was a proud grandfather to Jacob, child of David, and to Courtney, Wesley, and Allison, children of Zane Jr., and was overjoyed to have recently become a great-grandparent to Melanie, child of Allison. In 2009, Barb, Zane, and their daughter Brook moved to South Dakota to care for Barb's aging grandmother, Vera, and mother, Bonnie. After living in Viborg, SD, they purchased a home in Centerville, SD, in 2020. Here in SD is where Zane made two lifelong friends of the family, Matt & Evan, who will forever be appreciated, as Zane considered them sons as well.

Zane had a lifelong passion for learning how cars and engines worked, a skill he generously shared with friends, neighbors, and especially his wife & children. He taught them everything from basic repairs to rebuilding a car, a special project he completed with his wife, Barb, and daughter, Brook when she was old enough to drive, the 1973 VW Beetle was their beloved project. He was also a talented woodworker who created dozens of handmade picces for friends and family, each crafted with care. In the kitchen, Zane was known for his homemade enchiladas, which were always his signature dish. Above all else, Zane loved to make people laugh. He was naturally the life of the party, always ready with a joke and a smile. He found joy in life's simple pleasures —watching Gunsmoke with his dogs, Angel and Roxi, enjoying Fourth of July fireworks, and spending time with those he loved. His family takes in knowing that he is now experiencing that same joy in heaven. 

Zane passed away peacefully in his home with his loved ones surrounding him on December 17th, 2025.