Sask. man raising funds for memorial after brother killed in Ukraine

A Saskatchewan man is hoping to honour his brother, who was killed in action while serving as a combat medic in Ukraine.

Will Hardy wants to create a memorial for his brother, Winton ‘Bud’ Hardy, who was killed in June while volunteering overseas at the age of 41.

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“He was the most courageous and compassionate, always willing to lend a hand type of guy,” Hardy said. “His sense of humor and infectious laugh could light up any room. He just had this unique ability to make people feel valued and understood. He was just a stand-up guy.”

Winton Hardy was killed while volunteering in Ukraine as a combat medic. (Will Hardy/Submitted)

The brothers were born in Whitehorse, but spent most of their lives in Saskatchewan.

Will said Bud had been thinking about volunteering to fight for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in 2022.

“One of the things I struggled with the most leading up to him actually leaving was why was he going there?” Will said.

“What I’ve gathered over the past month or two is that my brother, he just always felt a profound sense of duty to help people that needed it.”

Will said Bud felt like he was making a tangible difference in the world.

A family friend of the Wintons launched a fundraiser to create a ‘lasting memorial’ for Bud at the Outlook Cemetery and provide support for Winton’s family.

Will said Bud joined the army cadets in Saskatoon when he was about eight or nine. In Ukraine, he was part of an assault unit fighting in the Donetsk region, and was tasked with aiding injured soldiers.

“I talked to him every single day,” Will said.

Will said Bud was killed by a Russian drone strike on June 10.

“It was complete, utter shock. I don’t think I’ve even begun to start grieving yet,” Will said.

He said and Bud were practically twins, doing almost everything together. The two even shared a birthday, albeit a year apart.

News of Bud’s death was also difficult for the Wintons’ mother, who lives in B.C.

Will had suggested that she move in with him in Outlook after Bud’s death but said she wouldn’t be able to handle Saskatchewan winters without a working furnace.

“The town came together and helped me get a furnace extremely cheap,” Will said.

Will thanked Stephon Scopick of Outlook’s Scopick Construction and Landscaping for the efforts.

Now, Will is hoping the community will once again come together for the creation of a bench in the cemetery honouring his brother, where his father is also buried.

“I hope his story really inspires others to act with courage and compassion,” Will said.