It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Dean Scott Hardman, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 1, 2026, at the age of 59. 

Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on March 21, 1967, Dean was the beloved son of Shirley Ulmer, who he loved with all of his heart. He would always say his mother Shirley was his rock, and he didn’t know where he would be without her. He was predeceased by all three of his fathers: his biological father, Logan Hanson; his adoptive father, Don Hardman; and his stepfather, Bob Ulmer. 

Dean was a loving brother to his big sister Tracey Ward (Martin Ward) and his little sister April Hanson-Truman (Tommy Truman). Beloved Uncle to his nephews Justin Ward (Hannah), Brady Ward, Roc Truman and Scout Truman. 

Dean met Deanne Diamond in British Columbia while working alongside her brothers, Stewart Stanley and Shawn Diamond. Together, Dean and Deanne welcomed their first daughter, Karrie Adrianna Hardman. Wanting to raise their family closer to Deanne’s roots, they packed up and moved to Newfoundland, where Deanne’s family originated. After settling there, they welcomed their second daughter, Kayla Mackenzie Hardman. 

Above all else, Dean was a dad. He was the proud father of his two daughters, Karrie Hardman (Dexter Carter) and Kayla Hardman (Tyson Loder). He was a cherished grandfather to three beautiful girls, Ariel, Jaida Lee, and Stella, and was eagerly looking forward to becoming a grandfather for the first time to a grandson. His first grandson, Karrie’s unborn baby boy, was someone Dean was already so excited to meet. He had been planning to come home to Newfoundland this winter to be there when his little grandson was born. That is a moment his family will forever wish they could have shared with him. 

Dean spent a large portion of his working life as an ironworker, working in diamond and gold mines and on rebar for buildings. He was a hardworking man who was never afraid of getting his hands dirty. 

But if there was one thing that truly captured Dean’s heart, it was horses. 

Dean had a lifelong love for horses and a background in blacksmithing, where he learned to make horseshoes himself. For as long as his girls could remember, Dean had a passion for racehorses and could often be found betting on them online. When his daughters were grown and had lives of their own, they encouraged their dad to finally pursue the dream he had carried with him for so many years. 

Dean moved to Ontario and began working as a groomer for professional racehorses. It was there that he met his boss, Steven Chircop, and close friend Shadi Sab (Chad) who quickly became much more than a boss and co worker, they became family. 

Horses became Dean’s life. Anyone who knew him or had the privilege of working alongside him could see just how deeply dedicated he was to them. He cared for those horses with his whole heart, and they were not simply his work—they were his passion, his purpose, and a huge part of who he was. 

Those who knew Dean well will also remember his phone calls—especially the ones that came after a few drinks. He would call his girls and sing to them, or get into one of his heartfelt conversations. His daughters will always remember the calls filled with tears when one of his beloved horses passed away, the calls filled with excitement after a big win, and the simple calls where he would proudly say, “Hey girls, my horse is racing tomorrow.” 

It was at his beloved horse stables, in his little apartment surrounded by the life he had built around the horses he loved, that Dean passed away. When he didn’t show up for work that morning, those who knew him immediately knew something wasn’t right. 

In his 59 years, Dean touched countless lives—and the lives of countless horses. His family knows that the horses he cared for so deeply will feel his absence too. His dedication, his heart, and the love he gave them will never be forgotten. 

As his daughters, Karrie and Kayla, we are absolutely devastated by the untimely loss of our dad. He had so much life left to live, so much left to do, and so many things left to experience with his family. There were still horses to watch, calls to make, songs to sing, and a little grandson to welcome into this world. 

Our only small comfort is knowing that Dad passed peacefully in his sleep and did not suffer. We find comfort in imagining him reunited with his fathers, his friends, and all those who went before him. 

We know Heaven is lucky to have him. 

Dad, you were loved more deeply than words could ever express. Your girls—and your little grandson who you were so excited to meet—will miss you every single day. 

We love you always and forever, Dad. Until we meet again. ❤️