Obituary of Russell Jay Hardy

Russell Jay Hardy was born September 9, 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada to loving parents Val & Lisa Hardy. Russell is survived by his parents-Val and Lisa Hardy, Brothers-Nathan, Kyle (deceased) and Nicholas Hardy (Renee), Nephew-Westin, Nieces-Louisa and Peyton, Grandparents-Joy and Sheldon Hardy (both deceased), Reg and Linda Terry, and many many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends. His Funeral will be held November 6, 2021 at 11am at 2295 Walnut Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89115 with a visitation time from 9:30-10:30. Graveside services will be at 1pm at Woodlawn Cemetary-1500 N. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. In lieu of flowers, you may instead donate to Opportunity Village at www.opportunityvillage.org The 2nd of 4 children, Russell Jay Hardy was born with a disease called Infantile Refsum Disease. This rare condition started with a defective enzyme in his liver. The liver is the central organ for fatty acid metabolism. And because of his disease, long chain fatty acids were formed in his body that the liver can’t filter properly. As part of the Adrenoleukodystrophy or ADL family of diseases, Infantile Refsum’s Disease caused disabilities in him which were deafness, blindness, some cognitive delays, and low muscle tone-creating weakness in his legs to keep from walking. With the diagnosis given him when he was 18 months old, his parents were told that there was no known cure. They were also told that he would never qualify for a liver transplant and that he wouldn’t live past the age of 3. Knowing that there are risks in everyday life, his parents brought Russell home with the attitude to provide him the quality of life he would need every day. They involved him in activities with the whole family. At home, Russell enjoyed his electronic keyboard that he could feel vibrations with. He also loved to play “pigeon house” with his Grandpa Terry. He loved to eat popcorn, Cheetos puffs, Enchiladas, Spaghetti, Pizza Casserole and Root Beer Floats. He liked pushing himself in the wheelchair and to be pushed in it, as well. He loved to put small objects into his pocket or into a container, or if you were strong enough, he loved you to walk with him while he trailed along the fence or wall. His first educational experience was attending the special children’s clinic at the age of 2. There he first learned the meaning of sign language words such as “in” and “out”. He later attended Clark County School District with wonderful teachers such as Ginger Sak-Purgley who stretched his limitations, encouraged community involvement, taught him life skills, and tactile communication. He Graduated in 2008. Soon after graduation Russell was accepted into a program called Opportunity Village and was there until October of 2021. He looked forward every day to going to his program and riding the bus to get there. His parents are grateful for the 13 years of services offered him then. They are also grateful for all the family members, teachers, administration, community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint volunteers, bus drivers, and employees at OV for what they did for him and for their never-ending thinking mode of ideas to help open up the world to Russell. Russell has always been a fighter. He overcame many hard things until his liver disease progressed during the month of his 31st Birthday. We are thankful for the kind care that was provided by Nathan Addison Hospice provided the last week of Russell’s life. He passed away never giving up, always fighting until October 15, 2021. Russell had a zest for life and may have been stubborn at times, but he was a joy to all who really knew him. He will be greatly missed! We believe that even though his tiny little earthly body is laid to rest, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ he will become whole again! He will not be plagued with disease or physical disabilities. He will be happy to see his brother and many loved ones who have passed on as he’s running into the arms of Jesus! But with that belief, we also know that his infirmities blessed us by teaching us compassion, patience, tolerance, how we should live, how to give, and mostly he taught us how to love unconditionally! We love you Russell Jay Hardy!!