Hartley was born in Melville, Saskatchewan on July 24, 1952 to Louis and Norma Smith. After graduating from Lipton School in 1970, Hartley attended the University of Regina, where he met Moira Towriss in 1974. Hartley and Moira married in 1981, and their son, Conrad, was born in 1990. They moved to their beloved acreage north of Regina in 1995.

From a young age, Hartley had a passion for music. While in high school, he began playing bassoon in the Regina Symphony Orchestra and continued to play for over 40 years before his retirement. Hartley’s love for music extended into his profession as an Instrument Repair Technician at St. John’s Music. For the last 47 years, Hartley repaired all sorts of instruments, ensuring that private musicians and school band programs across Saskatchewan received the absolute best service. Hartley was a humble man, but he had an immense musical talent. He could play every instrument and had a true ear for classical music. Hartley’s contributions to the Saskatchewan music community will be cherished forever.

Hartley had an unending curiosity, and he delved into many interests throughout his life. Music was always a constant, but he also excelled at numerous other hobbies, one of the most notable being his creative cooking skills. He loved puns and lived by his motto of “anything worth doing is worth over-doing.”

Hartley and Moira shared a love for dogs, bringing their first Samoyed home in 1975. Over their years together, they’ve had 16 dogs (15 Samoyeds and 1 Pumi). Their dogs, Bond and Zumi, and grand-dogter, Irie, will miss being spoiled with love and treats (which he kept in every jacket pocket).

In keeping with his generous nature, Hartley wished to donate his body to scientific research at the University of Saskatchewan, and he was also able to donate his corneas and defibrillator/pacemaker. His defibrillator/pacemaker will be used by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to help a dog with cardiac issues.

Hartley is pre-deceased by his parents, Louis and Norma Smith; his father-in-law, William Towriss; his mother-in-law, Gladys Towriss; his brothers-in-law, Bob Towriss and Greg LeBlond; and his great-niece, Kira Stadnyk. Hartley is survived by his wife, Moira, and their son and daughter-in-law, Conrad and Jasmine Smith; his sister, Jeannie (Greg) LeBlond; his brother, Linton Smith; his sisters-in law, Sharon (Garnet) Williams, Rosalie (Rene) Marcil, and Muriel (Bob) Towriss; several nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Donnie (Judy) Wesa.

Hartley’s family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Cardiac Care Unit and the Palliative Care Unit in Regina for their incredible care and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Andrea Lavoie and Dr. Brian Laursen for their friendship and dedication to Hartley over the years.

There will not be a formal funeral service. Future plans for a celebration of life will be communicated appropriately.

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