After completing high school, Evan Hardy spent three busy years, dividing his time between the farm and the blacksmith shop. He then enrolled in a course in agricultural engineering in the University of Iowa at Ames. Following graduation in 1917, he received an appointment as instructor in agricultural engineering at the College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon. In 1919 he became full professor, and in the same year started teaching classes in the College of Engineering. In 1922 he received his professional degree, and in 1923 a Masterís degree from Iowa State College.

Known to colleagues, agrologists and many farmers throughout the Province - and far beyond its boundaries - as ìProf.î Hardy, his wise counsel in matters pertaining to soil management earned the respect of all concerned. At hundreds of field days, he preached the gospel of sound cultural practice. Prof. Hardyís boundless energy and his deep understanding of arid soils and their management had, in the view of many observers, much to do with the successful transition of Saskatchewan farms from horse power to tractor power. For his outstanding work in this area he was awarded a Fellowship in the Agricultural Institute of Canada in 1948. In 1957 an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree was conferred upon him by the University of Saskatchewan.

A staunch churchman, educator and humanitarian, Prof. Hardy in 1951 answered a call from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to direct a program of dryland development in Ceylon. The original appointment was for one year, but was extended to five, during which time he was involved, not only with the development of dryland cultural practices, but also with irrigation, transportation and harbor projects.

In 1955, he was invited to direct the organization of a series of technical training programs for young people. In 1956, classrooms and laboratories had been established at Amparai, and by 1961, he had been instrumental in expanding facilities and staff to handle an enrolment of more than 250 students.

Prof. Hardy died in Amparai in 1963 He was given a state funeral, attended by more than 5,000 people. In Ceylon, as in Canada, he was held in deep respect as a great teacher, scientist and public benefactor.