Rutherford’s Josh Hardy will be farewelled during a funeral service at Beresfield today at 11.30am, and his partner is sure he will be looking on from the heavens and kicking himself.
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Mr Hardy’s life ended in tragedy when the motorcycle he was riding struck a tree on Aberglasslyn Road.
The motorbike crossed to the wrong side of the road and struck a tree, and Mr Hardy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident devastated his long-term partner Sam Ditton and sent shockwaves through the young man’s family and circle of friends.
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The 26-year-old had the reputation of having a wild streak, according to Ms Ditton, but also as being a one-of-a-kind rider who knew his limits regardless of the conditions.
“No one who knew Josh believed it,” Ms Ditton said. “But it doesn’t matter how good a rider you are anything can happen at any time.”
Ms Ditton’s life has been turned on its head with the death of her childhood sweetheart and the father of their child, 21-month-old Chevy.
The pair met at Maitland Grossmann High School, became a couple in their late teens, and had been inseparable throughout their nine years together.
“Nobody else had a relationship like me and Josh,” Ms Ditton said.
“We were one of a kind. Everyone knew we were meant to be together.
“Chevy was the light of Josh’s world.
“It was Josh’s dream come true,” Ms Ditton said. “Being there for Chevy was his No.l wish. He just wanted to mean as much to Chevy as his own father had meant to him. His dad was his world and much more.”
Ms Ditton said that Mr Hardy would have been shattered at the thought of leaving Chevy’s side.
“He’s up there kicking himself right now. He never wanted to leave Chevy
without a father as he knew what it had been like to lose his own father [Terry Hardy] at a young age,” Ms Ditton said.
The tragedy of losing his own father had made Mr Hardy realise the importance of family and, in particular, cherish his bonds with his mum Lee Hardy, and his nephew, Brock Burgess.
“Josh adored his mum,” Ms Ditton said. “And he would tell everyone how much alike he and Brock were. He believed Brock would be as good a rider as he was, if not better.”
With both Brock and Chevy showing signs of having petrol in their blood, Ms Ditton said Mr Hardy's death was a reminder that tragedy could strike in an instant, regardless of skill or experience.
“Josh had no fear and no limits, but it doesn't matter how gifted, talented, skilled or experienced someone is, anything can happen at any time,” Ms Ditton said.
Josh Hardy’s funeral will be conducted at Beresfield Crematorium today at 11.30am.
