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OUTLOOK - The family and friends of Outlook man Winton 'Bud' Hardy were left shattered and heartbroken when the 41-year old was killed in a drone strike last June.

Private Hardy, serving as a combat medic and fighting with the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine during the conflict with Russian forces, was killed alongside another Canadian by an FPV drone strike on June 10 of last year in the town of Staromaiorske, located in the eastern part of Ukraine.

Only weeks after his family's tragedy last summer, Will Hardy spoke to this reporter about his brother Bud, describing a man who lived his life with conviction and saw a need to help out when he thought he could make a difference.

Flash forward to the present day, and this story ended up coming full circle with the events of Sunday, April 13, when a standing-room-only crowd attended a celebration of life service for Bud that was held at the Outlook Legion Hall. Greeting entrants at the door was a table adorned with snapshots of Bud and assorted family photos, as well as Hardy's uniform he was wearing at the time of his death.

In addition to the memorial service, Bud's family of brother Will, mother Diane, and sisters Marie, Cristle, and Arlene were presented with a special medal by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The Sacrifice Medal, established in 2022, was created in a collaboration between the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Ukrainian War Veterans Association of Canada (UWVA). The decorative hardware honours Canadian citizens who have been killed or wounded in action serving with Ukraine's Armed Forces in defence of the country's freedom against Russia's warring efforts.

The design of the medal combines the Ukrainian Tryzub (trident) and four maple leaves, which forms a cross and combines such elements to honour the commitment and the sacrifice as shown by Ukrainians and Canadians together.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies of the day's program was Taras Jackiw, Chairperson of the UCC's Sacrifice Medal Committee, who brought his well wishes for the Hardy family and introduced guest speakers such as Justin Turton, President of Outlook Legion Branch #262, Outlook mayor Ryan Husband, and Dakota-Arm River MLA Barret Kropf to share a few words and give their best to the family.

"To the Hardy family, please know that our Legion stands with you today and always," Turton addressed to the family sitting in the front row.

"Outlook mourns with you, and we're proud to honour Bud's memory," said Husband, speaking on behalf of the community. "He saw injustice and suffering, and he didn't just stand by; he acted. Not out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of purpose. Bud represented the values we're proud of in Outlook; integrity, kindness, and a willingness to help others. I hope that his legacy inspires us to do the same."

Also appearing was Ken Krawetz, a former MLA and now serving as an honorary consul of Ukraine in the province. Krawetz highlighted some history of Ukrainian forces who laid the foundation for the men and women serving today, mirroring the events currently going down overseas.

"Now, we see that list of heroes broadening," he said. "It now has broadened to many people and soldiers from Canada, with Bud being one of those soldiers. Ukraine and Canada are very grateful to those heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Talking about peace doesn't bring about peace."

Danylo Puderak, an executive director with the UCC's provincial council, described the kind of people who've earned such a medal; discussing the qualities that were present in people such as the late Hardy.

"Today, this medal will be bestowed on the family of Winton 'Bud' Hardy to honour and memorialize Bud's courage and selfless actions that continue to resonate deeply within all who hear his story," said Puderak. "His hands brought healing in the harshest of conditions, his heart brought hope where it was needed most, and in the end, he gave his life in service to others. One does not need to be Ukrainian to see and feel the injustice of this war; one only needs to be human."

Taking to the podium, Will addressed those in the hall and spoke about who his brother was as a person, describing Bud as someone who knew what he wanted to do, given any situation that life threw his way, and knowing the risks that were involved.

"How does someone stare death in the face and still choose to act?" said Will. "Some might call it bravery, but bravery isn't just about being fearless; it's about knowing the risks, feeling the fear, and pushing forward anyway. Bravery isn't just about survival; it's about truly living. Some say that not knowing what's ahead makes things easier, but sometimes, knowing exactly what you're walking into makes it even harder. Bud knew what he was walking into, which was anyone's worst nightmare, and he did that while evacuating injured soldiers under heavy enemy fire.

When Bud made the choice to go to the Ukraine, he did it with absolute determination. He may not have said the words out loud, but his actions spoke for him: 'I'm tired of not living, I'm tired of doing what everyone expects of me, I'm tired of waiting, I want to live'. But more than that, Bud wanted to help. I believe he thought there was something missing and something unfulfilled. There was strength in his silence, but when he spoke, he meant every word. I could see that he wanted to break free from everything that was holding him back.

He wanted to feel something bigger, something that filled him so full of adrenaline that nothing else mattered.

There's an old saying from World War II that a friend once told me; 'War makes men the way motherhood makes women.' Bud became exactly what war demanded; strong, fearless, and unwavering. He will be remembered as the man he was; a true hero."

The last to speak was Bud's mother Diane, who impressed everyone with her composure and her words of remembrance for her departed son. Thanking everyone from the Legion branch to those who helped her family through a mountain of paperwork in aftermath of Bud's death, Diane was grateful to the community for its generosity and goodwill showed to the family, and shared her wish that her son Will be recognized with the honour being bestowed to Bud.

"My son Bud is being recognized for the sacrifice he made," she said. "I stand here with my two sons, and it is my wish that Will receive the medal on behalf of his brother. What does a mother think when her son decides to go into conflict? She knows the risks, she sees the courage it takes, and while it's the hardest thing I've ever had to accept, I was proud of Bud's choice and his bravery, even though my heart was heavy with worry. He stepped into something bigger than himself, and he wanted to help in the defence of freedom. What can I say, son? I respect your choice and your powerful desire to help your fellow man. Bud, rest in peace. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten. You were truly one of the good guys."

Following the service, people were invited to stay for refreshments and many took the time to speak with family members and give their best wishes.

Posing around a framed photo of Bud, the remaining members of the family smiled as photos were taken, and Will may have captured the spirit of the day with his feelings on the event.

"More than words can express; I can't stop smiling," he said. "This medal is just so beautiful. I'll cherish it for the rest of my life. Today brought a sense of closure. I didn't think it would, to be honest, but it did. It really did. We're very grateful that everyone that knew Bud was here."

Now, with Private Hardy memorialized properly, the family can move forward, always carrying the memory of Bud close to the heart.