Matthew Neil Hardy was born August 16th, 1975 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the second of Fredman and Geraldine Hardy's three children. Matthew was baptized and later confirmed in the Catholic faith at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, where he remained a life long member. From the very beginning, this mighty Leo's spirit was evident. Matthew was an extremely happy and energetic baby and young child. His smile was infectious and became something that everyone remembered his entire life.

Matthew was fearless and always wanted to explore boundaries and learn new things. It was common to find him reading the encyclopedia and then creating what he'd read to proudly share with his parents and siblings. Matthew was an outdoorsman, loving to fish and explore the wilderness near his parents home. He truly loved being on the banks of Blue Waters, building camps, and embracing God's gift of nature. Matthew also enjoyed cooking, loved dogs, and was excellent at repairing machinery. Like his grandfather Fredman Sr, Matthew had a strong work ethic and was very decisive. His ability to do so many things well, and to do so effortlessly, was uncommon.

Matthew's love for new information never ended. He was remarkable in his ability to share detailed knowledge about various subjects. Whether world events, history or science, Matthew had taken time to read and digest information as he truly found the world fascinating.

Matthew's formal education journey included early school years attending Sacred Heart
Catholic School and then later completing his journey at Immaculate Heart Catholic School. Matthew attended Washington-Marion High School, scoring one of the highest marks in his class on standardized testing. Matthew competed in baseball and basketball during his school years. Matthew progressed to Louisiana State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in General Studies.

While at LSU, Matthew met his long-time partner, Zoe Morris. Matthew shared that he and Zoe's journey together were some of his happiest times in life, as they lived and explored so many places together. From Canada to Europe, Georgia to the Pacific Northwest, Matthew had met the person who shared his love for exploration and nature. Matthew's children, Jasmine, Kai and Dae were the joy of his life.

Matthew is survived by his partner Zoe Morris and their two sons Kai and Dae of Vancouver B.C.; daughter Jasmine Patterson of Florida; parents Fredman and Geraldine Hardy of Lake Charles; siblings, Rhoman (Jolene) Hardy of Baton Rouge, Alyson (Darryl) Jones of Iowa, LA; nephews (Justin and Joshua Hardy); nieces (Ashley, Brooklyn, and Camryn Jones) along with a host of loved uncles, aunts, cousins and friends