Harold W Ard

Harold Waite Ard, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 84. 

Harold was born on February 27, 1941, in rural Hart County, Kentucky to James Waite Ard and Mary Highbaugh Ard. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Hart County until the 2nd grade before attending Hart Memorial School. He was a member of Three Forks Bacon Creek Baptist Church. After graduating from Hart County High in 1959, he attended the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University.

In 1962, he married Frances Taylor starting a bond that lasted until Fran’s death in 2024.

Soon after marrying Fran in 1962 Harold found a job at Nationwide Uniform moving sewing machinery into a new facility. He quickly proved to be a capable hand and worked his way into management. Harold worked in the apparel business for the next 33 years.

Harold’s career took him, Fran and their three sons across the country. They moved several times, spending many years in Gaylord, MN; Schuylkill Haven, PA; Galion, OH; Tupelo, MS and Portland, OR.  In 1992 they lived in Suez, Egypt where Harold started up a new factory. They made friends and deep connections wherever they went.

After retirement, Harold devoted much of his time and energy to the 12 step/recovery community. He hoped that by sharing his experiences with alcoholism he could help others with their struggles. Two months before his passing, Harold celebrated his fiftieth year of sobriety.

Harold is survived by his son Tony Ard (Lisa) of Portland, OR; his son Daniel Ard of Nashville, TN; his daughter-in-law Beth Brdlik of Portland, OR; his siblings Evelyn Garrison and Anna Dixon-Skidmore and grandchildren Holden, Molly, Riley, Veronica, Juliette, and Madeleine.

He was preceded in death by his wife Fran Ard; his son Jonathan Ard and his sister, Nellie Chelf.

A small family funeral service was held at Springer & Son in Aloha, OR on March 7.

Memorial services will be held at Dixon-Rogers Funeral Home in Magnolia, KY at 12 noon (ET) on April 18.  Graveside services will follow in Hammonsville Cemetery.

Memorial visitation begins at 11 a.m. (ET) Saturday at the funeral home.

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