Ray Harding "Hardy" Bushnell , 91, Minot, died in the arms of Jesus, with his family by his side on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in a Minot hospital.

Hardy was born August 11, 1923 at Harvey, North Dakota the son of Raymon and Alta (Boomhower) Bushnell. When he was 2 years old, the family moved to Minot, where Hardy attended Sunnyside Elementary and Minot High School.

In 1940, Hardy was inducted in the US Army, where he served overseas for three and a half years. He was awarded a Purple Heart and many other medals for his honorable service. Following his military service, he returned to Minot and was united in marriage to Barbara "Bobbie" Maude Putney on February 9, 1946. This union was blessed with three sons, Brian, Roy and Alden. They made their home in Minot.

Hardy worked as a mechanic most of his life until retirement found him in 1985. He became adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 in Minot, serving for nine years in this role. In 1996, Hardy lost his wife, Bobbie of 50 years.

Hardy enjoyed fishing, camping and was always ready to tell a good joke. He loved spending time with his family, friends and his companion, Mary Hoffer. Hardy was a talented musician, blessed with a beautiful voice and ability to play the guitar.

He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #4, Veterans of Foreign Wars #753 and the American Legion Post #26, all of Minot. Hardy attended the Southside Church of the Nazarene and most recently had been a member of West Minot Church of God. Hardy had a personal relationship with His Lord and Savior and learned to rely on Him through the many challenges he endured throughout his lifetime.

Hardy was blessed with family and survived by : sons, Brian (Rita) Bushnell and Roy (Cheryl) Bushnell, both of Minot; nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Josephine Chapel, Troy, MT and Mary Otis, Lynnwood, WA; brother, Ralph Bushnell, Oklahoma City, OK and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara, son, Alden, sister, Betty Hudlow, brothers, Don, Marian and Wallace Bushnell and companion, Mary Hoffer.

Funeral service: Saturday March 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at West Minot Church of God, Minot, ND

Interment: Willis Township Cemetery, rural Minot, ND

Visitation : Friday March 13th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants, to the organization of the donor's choice.