Arthur Robert Hard, 94, Pullman

Arthur (Art) Robert Hard, 94, of Pullman, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at his home.

Arthur was born March 10, 1917, to Eliza and Jasper Hard in White Sulfur Springs, Mont. He graduated in 1935 from Anaconda High School and later received his bachelor's degree in 1940 from the Montana School of Mines. After working in welding research for Boeing Aircraft during World War II, Art came to Pullman in 1945 and began his career at Washington State College in the School of Division of Industrial Research. His career spanned 36 years until his retirement in 1981. He served as a research professor in welding, mechanical and electrical engineering. His applied research in power line vibration led to a lifetime membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

On Dec. 29, 1948, he married Margaret Aileen McGregor and together they made Pullman their home for 62 years, where they lived and raised their family. Arthur was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Pullman for 66 years. He was a Eucharistic minister, served on numerous committees and enjoyed being a lay reader.

Art and Margaret traveled on sabbatical to Europe in 1963 with Peg and Rob, Australia in 1979, and Indonesia from 1981 to 1983. They also traveled extensively in Spain, China, Fiji, Africa and Alaska. Together they spent many years at the lake home on Lake Coeur d'Alene at Windy Bay.

His children, Peg and Rob, remember his special talent for trout fishing, skipping stones, building enormous kites, fashioning willow whistles and sledding at Kamiak Butte. Arthur had a special fondness for storytelling, photography, children, dogs and mismatched clothing. He was seldom seen without a distinctive hat and oversized belt buckle, and was often known to quote poetry to strangers.

He was preceded by Margaret on June 29, 2011. Arthur is survived by daughter, Peggy and her husband Jack Welsh of Usk, Wash.; son, Rob Hard of Seattle; sister-in-law Jean Dahl; her children, Elizabeth and Richard; lifelong friend Margaret Vogt; and grandsons Daniel, Greg and Stephen Robinson.

A private graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Pullman Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for late spring 2012 at St. James Episcopal Church in Pullman. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family. Memorial donations are suggested to the St. James Episcopal Church History Project, 1410 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA 99163. Online condolences may be sent to www.

kimballfh.com.