Sanford Cleveland Hardinger, 85

Sanford Cleveland “Sandy” Hardinger, 85, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Military services will be held at 2:15 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the Washington V.A. Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash.

Sandy was born on Jan. 8, 1930, in Denver, Colo., to Sanford and Florence Hardinger. He grew up in Globe, Ariz.

His father died when Sandy was 11, so he went to work in the area mines. When he was 17 he entered the U.S. Air Force, and became an officer even though he only had an eighth grade education. Sandy went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.

Sandy believed in overcoming adversity and a strong work ethic. While stationed at Altus Air Force Base he developed management protocols that are still in use today. He traveled the world with the Air Force and retired as a Captain in 1964. After his military career he spent time flying airplanes in Alaska, and worked in insurance sales in Arizona. Sandy moved to North Idaho in 2007 to be closer to family.

He was a member of several service organizations including the Lions. He enjoyed hunting, patriotism, and collecting quality art and antiques.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Elliston of Moyie Springs, Idaho; son Sanford Hardinger of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elizabeth Hardinger of Denver.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Sandy’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.