Hardy Keith Edwards

Hardy Keith Edwards went by many names – Keith, Big Ed, Farkle, Hardyter, nephew, son, cousin, neighbor and brother. He was born in Los Angeles on September 8, 1960 to Hardy and Loretta (Eason) Edwards. Hardy left us to meet his Father and Granchie on March 5, 2022.

To say he touched so many lives does not do his memory, his legacy, justice. Hardy had a magnanimous personality, wise and giving, and so eager to share everything with everyone. He did whatever he could to bring up everyone around him. He did so through so many capacities. Hardy was an unforgettable teacher, shaping minds and sparking creativity. He danced, and sang and acted for anyone that would listen. Hardy believed in life and hope and spread his joy among friends, family and strangers, as long as you were willing to receive.

Before he traveled the world, Hardy attended Los Angeles High School, giving the Romans a city championship for swimming in 1977 and completed his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education and African American Studies at California State University, Northridge. Hardy would later teach at both LA High and CSUN. Hardy prided himself on the fact that he shared alumnus with his mother, Loretta. Education, knowledge, was paramount to Hardy.

Hardy has done it all. He has lit up stages, classrooms, and so many lives. He was the brightest light of every party. Hardy was a Los Angeles Rams cheerleader in 1983! He was a featured dancer in the stage extravaganza “Hello Hollywood, Hello” in Reno, Nevada! He was a model in Japan and Germany. He was in a variety show at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Hardy was a teacher at LA High and several other Los Angeles educational institutions as well as a professor at CSUN. He was a published author of several poems, short stories, essays and his collection of profound poetry, Pepper Grease. He was an associate producer for the Leeza Gibbons Show. He was personal assistant to a Hollywood producer. Hardy was a competitive triathlete with numerous medals. He taught chess. He taught dance at the Michael Peters Dance Studio. He taught English and literature. He was an actor on stage and television. He was featured in the film Zapped! And took his family to the big premier. He was a Toastmaster. He was the biggest Dodgers fan!!!! Hardy bowled, played tennis, loved going to the movies, loved food, loved his family and adored his Mama! Hardy was love personified. The list goes on and on. Hardy endured and lived. Many people would not be surprised to learn from Hardy about Sojourner Truth and his ancestry. Hardy was a sixth descendant of Sojourner Truth. He found this to be a privilege and an honor. He was a purveyor of civil rights and humanity.

Gardening was a passion. Hardy would plant flowers, trees, grass and shrubs that had meaning and took on a life of their own. He planted flowers that reminded him of Granchie and his Mother, tending to them with tender, loving care. He was in awe of succulents and would cultivate pots, and pots and pots of them flocking his yard. Hardy indeed had a green thumb that was life giving and fruitful.

Never let it be said that Hardy did not live, laugh, dance and love. He is preceded in death by his father, Hardy Earnest Edwards and two brothers, Dennis and Derrick. Hardy rests in peace with his beloved Granchie. He leaves behind his number one fan, his mother, Loretta Eason; sister, Mary Edwards; Uncles Curtis and Robert Eason; Aunt Sharon Eason-Young; a host of cousins and an innumerable amount of loving friends and acquaintances. Hardy Keith’s spirit and legacy fills the hearts of those he leaves behind.