James Sutton Hardigg ’44
James Sutton Hardigg ’44 died peacefully in his home in Conway, Massachusetts, on September 17. His indomitable love of life and unquenchable delight in learning inspired those around him. Three months short of his 98th birthday, he was still working on inventions and reading books on science and history. He had chosen Dartmouth for its math department and its proximity to the Northern Forest. He cross-country skied before his 8 a.m. classes. During gas rationing he bicycled to Glencliff to hike Mount Moosilauke. He served as trails director of the DOC’s Cabin & Trail division and was active in the Ledyard Canoe Club. During his long association with the Outing Club he befriended Chubbers from nine consecutive decades. He received a mechanical engineering degree from M.I.T., where he was the head of the rocket society. His later research on the principles of shock and vibration for package cushioning led him to found Hardigg Industries, based in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, and grew into an industry leader in its treatment of employees and the design and manufacture of packaging, shipping cases, and industrial battery jars. Together with Alice Hendrick, his wife of 55 years, he raised a family of seven along with a small orchard, vegetable garden, beehives, goats, and ponies. In addition to a great-grandson and nine grandchildren, Jim leaves six children, including Jeanet ’80, Jamie ’80, Viva ’84, and Lorli ’91. A fuller obituary may be found at www.legacy.com/obituaries/recorder/obituary.aspx?n=james-sutton-hardigg&....
