HOPE — Christopher David Hardy, 62, of Hope, died Sept. 28, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer. Chris passed peacefully in the company of family, surrounded by wishes and prayers of many.

Chris was born to David C. and Joan (Salisbury) Hardy on April 12, 1954. He is survived by his wife of nearly 10 years, Karen Brace, and their daughter, Erika. He is also survived by his nieces, Jenny, and Katie Rose and her husband, Andy, and their son, Jame; his first cousin, Tom Hardy and his wife, Lesley, of Hope, and their sons, Seth, and Sam and his wife, Michelle. Chris was close to his large extended family, including his mother-in-law, Jean Crawford; Karen's three sisters, their husbands, and nine nieces and nephews. Chris was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Kimberly Anne (Hardy) Rose

Chris practiced law for two decades in downtown Camden, adding partner Jesse Bifulco, who will carry the practice forward. Chris's clients were very important to him and are urged to contact Jesse with any open matters.

Chris was born in South Bend, Ind. In 1956 the family moved to Ipswitch, Mass., and then back to his parents' birthplace of Camden in 1961. Chris attended the local schools and was a member of the Class of 1972 at Camden-Rockport High School. He was a devoted alumnus of Williams College, from which he graduated cum laude in 1976, with honors in history.

Following college he worked aboard the schooner Timberwind out of Rockport Harbor, where he tended the vessel year-round. He loved the ocean life.

In 1979 Chris entered the University of Maine Law School and upon graduation joined the Bangor firm of Vafiades, Brountas and Kominsky. He returned to Camden in 1995, in large part due to his passion for sailing. He purchased a 40-foot sloop that he sailed on Penobscot Bay and beyond with many friends, exploring islands and harbors up and down the coast. Chris had a lifelong fondness for animals, especially dogs, a love he shared with his mother, Joan. They also shared a devotion to the Episcopal Church.

Chris was an active board member of Down East Singers and the Camden Area District Nursing Association and was a past member of the Camden Rotary Club.

A service to celebrate Chris's life will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden. The service will be followed by a  reception at 3 p.m. in the Camden Public Library Reading Room.

Gifts in Chris's honor may be donated to the PAWS Animal Adoption Center, 123 John Street, Camden, ME 04843 or online at pawsadoption.org. Supplies and food for the animals are most welcome as well.

Remembrance cards may be mailed to Karen at P.O. Box 1351, Camden, ME 04843.