Tribute (read at the memorial service)

A TRIBUTE TO TOM HARDEMAN

I’m sure that everyone that attempts to pay tribute to my Dad will say the same thing, there is no way to adequately put into words what he has meant to us. But here is my feeble attempt.

My Dad was the greatest man I have ever known. Not just my Father, but my best friend. What I love about Dad is that he lived life to the fullest, he left nothing undone, and he invested his life in others and things eternal. I’m not sure that a more generous man has walked this earth. I’d like to pass on some of the life lessons he taught me, I’m sure many you will recognize if you spent any time at all with Dad.

- There is nothing as important as having Jesus Christ as your personal savior. This is not about religion, it’s about a personal relationship.
- Mom is more important than anyone or anything on earth. It’s not a matter of just loving your wife and respecting her, you need to honor her.
- Be firm, but fair.
- Be an A.C.E.: Attitude, Character, Enthusiasm
- Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
- The most fulfilling thing you can do in life is to serve others.
- It really is better to give than receive.
- Set goals and then actually attain them.
- Always pay for dinner.
- Have fun in everything you do.
- Hard work is good for you.
- Laughing makes everything better.
- Grandkids are more fun than kids.
- Never quit.
- Pain and exhaustion are only temporary and should never stop you from completing a task.
- Praise in public and discipline in private.
- Next to doing a project, going to Maui is the best thing you can do.
- If you’re on time, you’re 15 minutes late.
- Integrity is more important than reputation.
- God gives us material possessions to bless others.

This is so inadequate. How can you put an entire lifetime of lessons into a letter? Dad showed me the character of Jesus Christ. What you saw of Dad at U.P.S., J.B. Hunt board meetings, church or working on a project was no act, that was him, he was the same wherever he was. Dad was the same if he was meeting with the President of the United States or interacting with the person serving him a hot dog at Costco. Dad walked and worked with some of the most powerful people in the land, but was just as happy teaching an orphan in Russia how to use his Dewalt, while putting in new bathrooms.

Dad will always be larger than life to me. I watched him live what he said. He taught me how to care and love. I spent much of my life doing projects with him, his true passion. He was a man of action, you never wanted to mention to Dad that you wanted to do something unless you were ready to have it done right then! Oh how he loved his grandkids. His love, lessons and legacy will live on through them.

The interesting thing about this tribute, is that it’s the last thing in the world Dad would want. He never sought recognition for the things he did. He did them because his passion was service. Dad’s life was a life well lived. He lived out Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize of which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I love you Dad. I am blessed beyond all measure to have had the honor to call you my Father and to have shared you with so many. Thank you for the example you set. I will live my life trying to live up to that example. You gave each of your children and grandchildren your blessing and the heritage you have established will go on for generations to come. I long to see you again, to talk with you, to see your strong hands at work or to watch you pour your life into someone else. I miss you beyond measure and can hardly wait for the day I meet you in Heaven.

Tommy