Robert (Bob) Theodore Hardwick, 69, of Largo, died Tuesday, July 12, 2011, with his family by his side. He was deeply loved by his family. Bob was born March 19, 1942 in Charleston, South Carolina and died at Bay Pines Veteran Hospital in Florida.

He is survived by his daughters, Tanja Trott and Janet Tobler and his granddaughter Danielle Tobler and son in-laws, Michael Trott and Bruno Tobler.

Bob was raised in Savannah, Georgia and this is where his passion and love for hunting began. Leaving behind his mother, he enlisted in the Army at 17. He served in Vietnam receiving the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Rifle M-16 Sharpshooter, and Army Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.

After 21 years of service, Bob retired from the Army and began with Sears and Roebuck as a repairman where he retired after 20 years. He could fix anything and was always willing to help anyone. He was a teacher at heart with a wealth of knowledge. Throughout the years Bob hunted in his hometown roots of Georgia regularly and spent time with his family. He was always there for his family and did everything that he could for us. He sacrificed much for his family up until the very end. We will so miss making grits and eggs and having a cup of coffee with dad and just shooting the bull as he would say. We miss and love you so much.

A private military burial will be held Friday, July 29, at 2:15PM, at Bay Pines National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Voluntary Service (GPS Fund 1002) (in memory of Robert T. Hardwick) PO BOX 5005, Bay Pines, FL 33744.