Paul Hardy

Paul Hardy was my only son and of his late Dad Ron.When Paul died suddenly I think I died with him. He was a beautiful baby and as he grew he was a lovely little boy who always said "Day" to everyone he saw from his pram. I guess that was where he started his Voice Overs from.

Paul was having a holiday in Brisbane with his Grandmother when QTQ Channel 9 opened in Queensland and he came back to where we lived in Texas and anything that resembled a Microphone he held to his mouth and started repeating the Ads he saw on TV.

He was an A Grade Mechanic and a good one recognised by the Ford Motor Company. Paul had faults like all of us as we are human, a bad housekeeper,quick tempered, but he was the most generous person and he kept his promise to his Father to look after me his Mother.

His Sisters Donna and Susan had a wonderful childhood with Paul and miss him. Thank You to all the people that have paid Tributes to Paul and I as his Mother am swelling with pride at what a success the young boy from Texas on the Qld/NSW border from humble beginnings became.

We are so lost; we keep waiting for you to walk through the door and belt out some Harvey Normans.

Hi Greg.....

This came to me as quite a shock as I've worked with Paul once or twice, and was such a stayer in the VO industry - I was working at Sea/Gold FM on the Gold Coast in 2001 as an audio producer. Paul came in to voice some Harvey Norman ads as he was up that way, and the one thing I remember was that he was all decked up in his Donut King gear, because apart from having his voice over business, he also had a Donut King franchise - and was attending a meeting on the Coast at the time. He was always the professional, and as a fellow voice over person he had my respect, and the Hardy family has my condolences.

Paul Seidel
Big Mouth Media

I did not know Paul Hardy personally but always impressed with his professional energy, delivery and consistency.

Paul was one of us so we should join in prayer with his family and show that even in this dog eat dog industry,

there are people who care.

Staggered that he was only in his 50’s.

God rest his immortal soul.

Ken Sparkes

We’ve lost one of our great voice over talents… No other man could sell TV, Computers Furniture & Bedding than that of Paul Hardy.

We will miss you and never forget you.

RIP

Dan Hill

Star FM Shepparton / Barcode Media

Paul Hardy was one of those few individuals who always gave, but rarely asked for anything in return.

Having known the Hardy Family since the late 90’s I regard them as family…and they will continue to be

I feel that I owe Paul so much for his friendship which I can never repay. Rest in Peace Paul.

Andrew Wells

Programme Producer – mcm entertainment

‘Word on Technology’ presenter.

Having known Paul since around 1997, he was always someone who treated you like family. When I rang him late in 1998 asking if he knew of anyone stations that he dealt with that may be looking for a Producer, wiithout a seconds hesitation, he said “Come work for me.”

Two weeks later I was working in the Granny Flat out the back of his house… his first employee ofHardy Audio Productions. Over the next 18 months, he built up the workload for the company and the two of use worked closely ensuring TNT satchels with reel to reel dubs were in the box ready to be delivered the next day to QLD… or running around looking for post boxes that hadn’t been emptied yet for an Express Post bag.

Working at his house I was welcomed as part of his family. Many nights we had dinners together, sat in the spa and chatted until late at night… he was also a very generous man. With gifts for no reason to go to the Gold Class Cinema for my wife and I, to taking us out for dinner… tickets to Fox Studios when we were going to Sydney to a Summer golf membership at the course around the corner so that we could play after work during daylight savings… this is just a sample of the warmth that he and Michelle showed me.

I was shocked to hear of his passing, and thoughts are with Michelle and the kids at this time.

Philip Barnes

Paul Hardy was a great bloke. I enjoyed his company and back when we did Midnight to Dawn,

Me at 4BC and Paul at 4AK Toowoomba we would talk for hours. Only Paul could sweet talk a phone operator at the exchange.

Paul has been sweet talking all his life. What a voice and he knew how to use it and connect with an audience.

A steadfast family man, Paul will be missed by his beautiful family and all his Radio and Television mates around Australia.

There is now a new Boss Voice in the "Air Studios" We will all miss you Mate.

Gavin Wood,

Hollywood. California.

I have known Paul since he was PD at 2KO in Newcastle around 1978, he hired me as night jock.

As we all shift around in this industry, Paul went to Adelade and did 100% TVCs for the Wynns Oil Company.

Arriving in Melboune Paul was one of the first voice artists to successfully record voice overs using MP3 format and

revolutionised the way we work.

Paul will be sadly missed not just as a voice known across Australia but as a friend.

Rest in Peace,

John Paige

It’s sad to hear the passing of a great Voice Over Talent like Paul, The industry has lost another very talented person

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues.

John Krosch

Manager Bundaberg Broadcasters Pty Ltd

Working at 3BA at the time, I first met Paul and his family around 10 years ago in Ballarat when he'd moved into town and set up a small studio in a converted 'garage' in his backyard. My, how times have changed and with it, his vision of creating a studio set-up that in my mind, became a world class facility and grew to be a benchmark of studios in Australia. I'll never forget reading the odd commercial in a booth that had been hastily assembled in the initial days to what had become purpose built later on.

I was privileged to work with Paul and his employees at Hardy Audio on those times I'd venture back to Ballarat in recent years, professional when we had to be voicing a commercial, yet social when the job was done. And the many laughs we shared along the way. We'd chat from time-to-time on the phone too, he discussing the privilege of being the voice of Harvey Norman, me chortling at the thought of being the voice of Prime Television & GWN!

Now living & working in Canberra, 800k's from Ballarat, and yet despite this distance, his memory will still stay with me. Difficult to accept that he has gone to that great booth in the sky.

Craig Moore

Cracker, me ol' mate. You'll be sadly missed. Paul was my PD for 4 years at KO Newcastle from '78 -'82. We didn't see each other a lot after that but kept in touch.

He was always so up, positive and full of fun and new how to make an honest buck.

I'm a better man for having known him.

RIP ol' buddy.

Bob Gallagher - 97.3 Breakfast Brisbane

I had worked with and known Paul for many years. As much as he ran a tight ship with his business, and for good reason, he would not hesitate for a second if you needed help in any way what-so-ever, no questions asked. A man of great character and compassion.

So many people say we have lost a great 'voice' but the 'voice' was only a part of Paul.....we have lost a great man.

A voice can be replaced....the man can't.

A great shock when I received the phone call and is still something that doesn't seem right nor real.

He was also a teacher of sorts, and on occasions, a confidant. He would tell it like it is...for better or worse, but you always knew you could believe his word.

All my sympathies to his lovely daughter, 2 fantastic little boys and Michelle and family.

A terrible loss...........

Darryl Ferber

It is hard to imagine hearing (or seeing) a Harvey Norman ad, and coming to the realisation that the man who gave Gerry Harvey his voice is no more. It hit me for six when I heard the news.

I met Paul during my time as production manager at 3BA and Power FM, Balllarat between 2004 and 2005. Paul would always be just a call away if you needed a hand to get out of a tight situation. I admired his work ethic, and his drive to impress his clients and yet continually improve the product he produced.

Deepest sympathies to Paul's family and his staff at Hardy Audio, his professional family. He truly was one of a kind.

Lee Anderson

3AW 693 & Magic 1278

Production/Operations

Hi Greg,

My deepest sympathy to Paul’s family, to say I am in shock is an understatement. The last time I was with him wasthe early 90’s at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Merewether, for more than a few ales. Paul was a funny bugger; I have not laughed so much for ages. I was not a close mate of his, but we moved in the same circles in Newcastle for a fair amount of time. Paul was a consummate v/o, and his diction and ability to sell a commercial at a furious pace was very impressive. ‘Hard’ sell was not his only go; he could do a laid back read with the best of them. He had a very distinctive voice and style.

I am sure there will be a lot of people carrying around a heavy heart at the moment as I am, but I am equally sure Paul’s soul and spirit will be close, particularly to his beloved family.

He sure was a ‘CRACKER’.

Malcolm Hedstrom
Announcer | Macquarie Southern Cross Media

What can I say about Paul Hardy?

He'd fit 120 words into a Harvey Normal 30 sec - including the tail out. He'd go beyond the call for his clients and friends. I once asked him to get a U.S accent on a script of mine. A day later, I had 9 voice overs from Miami to L.A. Even a Canadian ...and it won a RAP nomination! He could also be extraordinarily generous with his time, talent and patience. He'd send chocolates. He'd talk radio talk. He even knew the survey data... and he treated my family to an unforgettable Christmas feast, made all the more significant now.

I don't think the listeners and viewers of Australia will understand the impact of his absence from the airwaves.

Maybe someone should tell Harvey Norman to run 30 seconds of silence.

My thoughts are with Michelle and family.

Dean Bainbridge

DMG Radio Australia

Well I am not too sure what to say Paul Hardy awesome talent and awesome bloke always there with come on it’s your Uncle Cracker you can tell me anything then that big belly laugh,

I worked for Paul for over many years he was so welcoming to you and anyone who was with you at the time, I remember watching him belt out Harvey Norman ads like 10-15 at a time and then laugh and say that’s how it’s done,

Young fella I only saw Paul just 2 weeks ago and he was as he always was full of life we will miss ya Cracker,

To Michelle,Mel,Tom and Jack words cannot describe how painful your loss must be.

Show em how it’s done in that voice over booth up there just tell em it’s your Uncle Cracker you can tell me anything.

RIP Uncle Cracker

Jamie McLean - TR FM Breakfast Host

I worked closely with Paul at Hardy Audio in 2005 and 2006.

As such, I considered him a mentor to me, especially in the closely related fields of voice-editing and voice-acting.

Never in my life had I met anyone with that combination of enthusiasm, go-get-'em attitude and scrupulous business savvy before.

Also, Paul was one of the most down to earth, open and "real" people I've ever known. What you saw was what you got.

Always generous with his time and money, and you always knew where you sat with the bloke.

I'll always remember him as an instiller of a very hard work ethic, while always knowing how to have some fun.

And what a bloody voice.

My heart goes out to Michelle and his children, and also Reg, Mitch, Alison and Andrew over at Hardy Audio.

And Paul, I'm sorry I won't get to have that drink with you mate.

Dav Byrne - Jingle House

When anyone we know passes away it causes sadness even when it's expected due to a long illness but when it happens suddenly without warning it leaves a terrible sense of loss.

Paul and I didn't ever meet (We were always going to have a lunch when he was next in Brisbane) but we had lots of 'phone conversations, usually quite lengthy as he didn't mind a chat, and there was one I'll always remember. Just after I had been silly enough to send some slightly over modulated audio thinking I might just get away with it he called to chastise me but in a non offensive and very effective way. Quote..."JB we'll need you to do it again. WE CAN'T UNSCRAMBLE THE EGG." Now I just wish that what happened on the weekend was the egg

and we COULD unscramble it. A nice man and so professional.

Our condolences to Pauls family and the Hardy Audio Team.

Roz and John Burnley.

Wow, I'm still numb with shock. I've known and worked with Paul for the last few years, and it was only last week that we chatted over the phone about work and how he was looking forward to going out for a cruise on his beloved bike. He wasn't just a great talent, he was a great bloke, and he leaves big shoes that I doubt any one person can fill. To his family, my heart felt condolences, to the Hardy Audio team, I feel the pain of your loss.

Ray Grech

I'd never met a man who loved his spa's, wine, borboun, versace, mustangs, entertaining, his business and more importantly his kids until I met Paul several years ago.

I only wish that when we stopped to speak late Friday afternoon that I had of told him how much I valued his friendship. He was always there for you.

Thanks for always giving me the thumbs up or down everyday. I'll bloody miss it everytime I get to the top of them stairs each day.

It's all too quiet without you.

Gone far too soon and will be missed ever so much.

"I'll have a glass of 'Giesen' and look to the sky and salute you mate."

Renee

Greetings from the other Commonwealth country that Paul loved.

I have known Paul via telephone, internet and - of course - voice since November 2001. When I was invited to join a voice trade group here in North America, he was the first member to call me to welcome me to the group. It was, however about 3am in Bellarat and he had just returned from the pub. The conversation was interesting - to say the least.

In April 2008, my wife Robina and I traveled to Australia for a month to vacation and visit friends. Paul made a trip out to Melbourne, picked us up and made me drive his car back to Bellarat. Of course, a car made in Australia. He insisted I had to drive at least once in Australia, but only under his supervision. As he put it, "You North Americans come down here, rent cars, make right hand turns on red lights and cause all kinds of accidents."

A great day filled with tours, lunch, a night out with far too many bottles of Champaign, and then even at the airport the next day, Paul and his wonderful wife Michelle wouldn't even let us buy them a latte.

We were his guests - if only for one day.

We loved Paul. He was kind, generous, and as funny as a man could be. He was proud of Australia, her heritage, her people, and he wanted to tell us everything he could in our short time together. He shared so much - advice, direction, and most generously his fake POME accent whenever we needed a British voce over character. An insult he laughed at whole heartedly.

We spoke a few weeks ago. Mostly about nothing. And I was inviting him to come to British Columbia with Michelle and the kids for the 2010 Winter Olympics. We ended the call with our usual struggle to say goodbye and to get back to work. The conversations were always lively. I never wanted them to end.

When I told my wife the news, she said, "Everyone will remember Paul for being an incredible person. What a memory to leave everyone he's ever met. What a way to have lived a life. What a lesson for all of us."

In a perfect Universe, he's checking into a hotel somewhere, and talking the hostess into 'comping him a bottle of Champaign. A really good Champaign, of course.

Albert Berkshire at Great Creative Kelowna - Canada

What a great guy, a real loss. I remember when I first met Paul I thought I could read an ad but then I realized I wasn't even in his Universe.

Fantastic to learn from such a wonderful VO mentor while I was living in Ballarat and working at 3BA.

Paul you will be missed and thank you from all those who have learnt from your expertise.

Ray Kington Fm 103.2 Sydney

Ray Kington
DRIVE ANNOUNCER/MUSIC DIRECTOR - FM103.2 Sydney

It's always really sad when someone passes away, and I was gutted to hear the news this week.

And it made me realize that, even though in business we may have been competitors, in life, we're all on the same field. We're all people.

I wish all the best to Paul's family and the guys who will be left in the studio without their fearless leader. It must be a terrible thing for you all to deal with, and I can't even begin to comprehend how you must be feeling. I respect and feel for you.

Abe Udy
Abe's Audio

We've know & worked with Paul since 1996.

A very loyal work colleague & a very loyal friend.

Always obliging & always happy to help out.

The late booking specialist !

Our thoughts are with Paul's family and all the staff at Hardy Audio.

Paul will be sadly missed.

Craig Davis & John Pain

Production Sport 927

Phil Touzel & Marcus Daw

Creative Sport 927

Hi there,

I would like to pay tribute to Paul, my Dads old mate, and my "Uncle Cracker" as he was known around the time of his 2KO Radio days a long time ago.

When our family knew Paul he was young and single, and in a new town, and basically lived at our house.... He is in most of our childhood photos, and always the life of the party, and a funny funny, great bloke!

We loved him dearly.

Paul - I am sure Dad your mate "Jimmy" is there to greet you for a beer and a natter!!! And 20 years on, to make sure you are not alone.

Love Always

The McCaig Family

Its one thing to read a commercial, its another to put the feeling into what your reading thus becoming totally believeable ....not everyone has that ability .....Paul did !

Paul was always prepared to pass on good advice ....He’ll be sadly missed

Condolences to his family and the staff at Hardy Audio.

From someone who worked with him in the early years ..

Mike Cooper Radio 3BA Mornings

I only had the chance to meet Paul once. Visiting Ballarat for the day we'd set up a meeting and tour of Hardy Audio. Paul took the time to drive out and meet me and have me follow him to Hardy Audio. He could have just given me directions, but I'm learning that wasn't his style.

Paul was obviously proud of his business and his people. Not concieted. Proud.

After that, we spoke over the phone several times and I always came away entertained and informed.

He loved to share what he knew. And what he thought!

Maybe the biggest single thing Paul gave me at a time when I needed it was a dose of enthusiasm for the end product. Regional radio advertising often drowns in a self-induced mediocrity. Paul showed me that it can be done properly, it should be done properly and it SHOULD NOT be cheap because that's what the client thinks.

Finally, Paul was a benchmark in the voicebooth. Should I ever sound one-quarter as good, I'll be darn happy.

Paul, sorry that I never got those phone numbers for you. I owed you that at the very least.

Bruce McDonald

Senior Producer

Macqaurie Southern Cross Media

Albury Media Centre

Only just heard that Cracker's gone ... I can't believe it. Paul was PD at 2KO when I arrived there back in 1979 and I'm sure if it wasn't for his influence over the following two years I wouldn't still be in the business today ... It was still great fun in radio back then essentially because people like Cracker were in it.

R.I.P 'little buddy' ... To Paul's family ... please accept my specials prayers.

Barry Coleman

I was staggered earlier last week when John Henry (former 2KO colleague of Pauls) called with the sad and tragic news of Paul (Cracker) Hardy's passing.

I first met Paul in Newcastle; I was at 2HD doing breakfast, and Paul, the PD of 2KO, and from memory I think he offered me a job at KO. We were having a beer at the time. I believe most of his dealings were conducted this way; a beer in his hand and a smile on his face.

I caught up with Paul a few times in the past five years...one memorable occasion was the night of Shaun Cosgrove's 50th Birthday, I picked Cracker up from the Regent On Collins (always top shelf for the boy), and as we're driving down Collins Street, an ubiquitous Harvey Norman commercial comes over Fox, Cracker goes for the volume, turns it up and says, "ohh, sounds a bit too toppy, have to get the boys to fix that".

Paul loved his wife, his boys and his toys...and we all loved him...

He was always wonderful company.

Cracker loved to live life, and what he packed into his 50 plus years would take most of us another 30 years to achieve.

Bruce McCartney

I too got a call from John Henry last week with the sad news.

Our association also goes back many years (early 80’s) to an Ad Agency called Pembertons in Newcastle. Paul was our client and what a wonderful character he was !

Me early 20’s ... and Cracker guiding the way ... AND... he let me borrow the 2KO Van for the weekend one time, when we were shooting a TVC – OH I miss the media!

One instance that must be noted – so the story goes ... KO were giving Sigma’s away (as I recall) and the idea was for a KO person to drive ‘round and spot a sticker with the logo ... Well Paul was driving and he really found a winner – by accident so to speak ...

And I’ll never forget when we were shooting a part of a “KO Music... Keeps You Feeling Good All Over” commercial and of course we had to have a water slide shot – in winter – and Cracker found some very nice young ladies to put on their swimmers and come down the slide ... Winter and bikini’s does work !

Oh Cracker – you will be very much missed mate !

Mitch Sharpe
Senior Client Systems Consultant
PMP Group IS

Former Toowoomba radio colleagues are saddened by the news of Paul’s untimely death. Tributes of Paul, a former radio jock from 4SB Kingaroy and 4AK

have been shared with work colleagues from the 70’s.

Special thoughts to wife Michelle and his young family as well as mother Bette, who was also a former Toowoomba resident. A mate to many on theDowns.

Barbara McGovern

Formerly 4AK Toowoomba

Paul Hardy Tributes