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In memory of

Hardin T. Abrams

San Rafael, CA, USA

October 25, 1942 - July 27, 2018

Oct 25, 1942 - Jul 27, 2018

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On July 27, 2018 Hardin T. Abrams (known as “Pop” to his eleven grandchildren) entered Heaven’s gates. Hardin was born on October 25, 1942 in Hannibal, Missouri to Jane and Kenneth Abrams. He and his siblings, Bill, Nancy and Ann, spent their childhood in historic Hannibal on the banks of the Mississippi River. Hardin received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla, Missouri. His life was forever changed when he met Susan Huegel and proposed to her in Riverview Park. They married in February, 1964. After Hardin’s graduation, the newlyweds moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Hardin was employed by then Collins Radio Company. Collins was subsequently acquired by Rockwell International, where Hardin had a distinguished 35-year career, traveling internationally to secure partnerships for the organization. He cherished the lifelong friends that he made at Rockwell. Hardin and Susan have five children – Joan Abrams, Julie Castro Abrams, Beth Borchers, David Abrams and Lynne Derby. When he wasn’t at “the radio factory”, he was attending his children’s swim meets, sporting events, recitals, performances and parties. Hardin was a devout Catholic – a member of St. Pius X parish and then a founding member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Cedar Rapids.

After 35 years in Cedar Rapids, Hardin and Susan moved to San Rafael, California to support Susan’s new career as owner of Meadowlark Gallery in Corte Madera. They left the snowy Iowa winters behind and quickly adapted to the California lifestyle, enjoying sunny days, farmer’s markets and Napa wineries. During retirement, his main joy was spending time with his children and eleven grandchildren – Elizabeth, Kenneth, Nate, Jake, Anna, Julia, Paige, Kate, Russell, Allie and Tyler (and dogs Louie and Toby). Pop was the fix-it guy for every household repair, the chaperone/driver for grandkids, the family reunion organizer and the cheerleader at every grandchild’s activity. He was grandparent in the audience with the biggest smile and the loudest clap for each of his grandchildren’s activities. Pop told everyone he met how blessed he was to share his time with the love of his life and his children and grandchildren.

Hardin became a devoted Golden State Warriors fan, rooting for Steph and the boys. He and Susan never missed a Warriors game, cheering “Go Dubs!” in his blue and yellow jersey and hat. He was an avid woodworker, crafting beautiful jewelry boxes, quilt racks and tables out of his workshop. Recently Beth’s family began mentoring Afghani immigrant families new to the United States. Hardin relished the opportunity to help and spent dozens of hours patiently teaching the Afghani men to drive and learn the rules of the road in preparation for their drivers’ tests.

Hardin was a member of St. Hilary’s parish in Tiburon where he found solace and camaraderie in the men’s prayer group. St. Hilary’s was the site for his daughter Lynne’s wedding and the baptism of two of his grandchildren. Hardin passed away at his daughter Beth’s house, surrounded by family. Although he is gone from our sight, we know that he will be with us at every family gathering, cheering at every swim meet and dance recital, rooting for the Warriors and raising a glass when we toast his mantra, “I’m a lucky guy.”

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