Mike Tardif, age 86, of Southern Pines passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Elmcroft Senior living on Wednesday July 25, 2018. Mike was a long time member of First Baptist Church, Southern Pines, NC.
Mike was born in 1931 in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada. He volunteered for the army in Los Angeles, California in May, 1949, and served for the next 27 years on continuous active duty, retiring in 1976 with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. While in the service, CSM Tardif pursued his formal education and eventually obtained a BA in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration at Pembroke State University, Pembroke, NC.
During his military career, Mike had overseas tours of duty in Germany, France, Korea and Vietnam. In Korea he served with the 5th RCT as a demolition man with the engineer platoon where he attained the rank of Platoon Sergeant. In Vietnam he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam’s 30th and 33rd Ranger Battalions, First Sergeant of “N” Company 75th Ranger and as an Operation Sergeant with the Studies and Observation Group.
His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (5), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (5), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Good Conduct Medal (7) and numerous campaign and theatre of operations medals.
Additionally, CSM Tardif was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Vietnamese Master Parachutist Badge and the Vietnamese Ranger Badge.
After retiring in 1976 and not wanting to sit around he accepted the position of Director of Emergency Services for Scotland County, NC. In 1979, as a result of Mike’s leadership, the Department received the National Award of Excellence by the National Association of Counties at their annual meeting in Detroit, Michigan.
In 1988, Mike accepted the position of Town Manager for the Town of Liberty, NC until his retirement in 1994. Mike and his wife Peggy moved to Pinehurst, NC in 1994 whereupon he went to work for Harris Teeter as Personnel Manager until his “final” retirement.
Mike is survived by a daughter and three sons from his first marriage: LaVerne Mullican (Kevin, deceased) their children Stephanie Keller and Nicholas Mullican; Gerald Tardif (Denise) their children Nathaniel Tardif, Alex Tardif, Catherine Baggett and Johnathon Tardif; Bart Tardif children Amanda Tardif, Brett Tardif and Phoenix Tardif; Leonard Tardif (Therese) their children Branden Tardif, Heather Tardif and Garrett Tardif.
Mike’s wife Peggy of 52 years preceded him in death in 2005. Their daughter Deborah passed away in 2016. Their granddaughter Mary Tardif lives in Laurinburg, NC. Also surviving Mike are his brother-in-laws Lynn Ingram, Glen Ingram, Larry Ingram. Sister in law Betty Archer also preceded him in death.
Also surviving Mike are many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mike was a long time active member of the Mason’s and Shriners. For many years he was dedicated to helping children.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Monday July 30, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Southern Pines with Dr. David Helms officiating. A time of visitation will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial with full military honors and masonic rites will follow at Hillside Memorial Park in Laurinburg.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital Attn: Office of Development 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
