Hardy Kochrian

Hardy Otto Kochrian was born in South Bend, Pacific, Washington on February 5, 1923 to Friedrich Ernst Otto Kochrian (1894-1975) and Louise Barbara Bechteler (1900-1995), both born in Gollnitz, Brandenburg, Germany. 

Hardy passed away on October 4, 2023 at the age of 100.8 years old in Hoquiam, Grays Harbor, Washington. His burial took place on 13 October 2023 at Fern Hill Cemetery, Menlo, Pacific, Washington.

Hardy grew up with two brothers; John Ernst Kochrian (1922-2001) and Robert Edwin Kochrian (1926-2001.) Both brothers also served in WWII - Army and Navy respectively.

He was drafted into the United States Army 30 June, 1942 and served in WWII, including Normandy Northern France. While many of his fellow servicemen did not return home from the war, Hardy, miraculously survived three major events without injury and returned to America on November 17, 1945. He was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal TWX WD and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Good Conduct Medal. He was a Combat Engineer, specifically in carpentry and worked where needed as a typist. He received a military Badge as Rifle Expert.

Hardy attended elementary school at East Raymond Elementary and graduated at Willapa Valley high school in 1941. He participated in several school clubs including, yearbook editor 4 years, Band 3 years, FFA Club 4 years, Orchestra one year. He was #7 on the Basketball First Team at 5'11" and was awarded a School Letter. It was recorded in his senior year class yearbook; "Hardy Kochrian wills his gorgeous blonde locks to Catherine Goedker." (Interesting comment since he later married a "Goedker" - not Catherine, but Bernice.)

He married Bernice Joyce Goedker Palmroth on March 17, 1951. They had two children; Samual Hardy Kochrian (1951-2007) and Becky Sue Kochrian Pett (living.) He was a step-father to Daniel Charles Palmroth (1948-1975) and Lauri Ann Palmroth Allred Natividad (1944-2024). He is survived by seven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. 

He had a special skill for carpentry which he used to create several pieces of furniture and cabinets and other projects even well into his 90's. His profession was in the logging business where he became proficient at running various logging machines at local mills. In addition, he helped with the family logging business and assisted with many farm duties. He retired from the Mayer Bros. Logging Company. 

He had a great love for travel, road trips visiting many national parks and on many occasions, the islands of Hawaii. 

He loved listening and dancing to music, especially Polka music, writing poems, studying Bible prophecy and writing and memorizing many passages and sections important to him. Perhaps most notable and enjoyed by those who knew him best was a natural "sense of humor." He was a hard worker and never hesitated to help his family on the farm or a neighbor in need. He cultivated beautiful gardens annually, both flowers and vegetables. He enjoyed playing card games with family whenever the occasion presented itself.