RICHARD THOMAS HART

May 20, 1931 - May 4, 2022

Granada Hills, Ca.

Richard Thomas Hart, 90, graduated to his eternal life joining his soulmate and beloved wife Lillian Marie Hart, Wednesday May 4, at 11:45pm. He is survived by his loving family; his son Dirk R. Hart; daughters Susan M. Williams and Nancy Hart Rush, son-n-law Robin Rush, Grandchildren, Sharon Schock and husband Zack, Shana Booker and husband Peyton; Great Granddaughter, Lilly; Great-grandsons, Ethan and Asher; goddaughters, Brynja McGrady and Belinda Brown and many relatives, loved ones, admirers and friends. The third of four children, Richard was born in Glendale California to Jack and Mabel Hart on May 20, 1931. He spent most of his childhood exploring the San Fernando Valley, many times on horseback with his brothers John, Don and sister Mabel. He attended Van Nuys High School until 1947 when he and his brother Don moved to Northern California, on the Eel River, in order to work at the family Hotel and Restaurant, “Heart of the Redwoods”. In 1949 Richard returned to the San Fernando Valley where he met and courted the only woman that could ever tame him, Lillian Marie Constable. On December 9, 1951, they married. Two months later Richard was drafted into the US Army.

After completing basic training at Fort Ord, near Carmel California, Richard became stationed in Germany for two years of service during the Korean war. Richard, forever the devoted husband would save and collect his weekend furloughs and any additional “leave” time. He would then Hop aboard a military transport plane, back to the United States, just to visit his beloved Lillian for several glorious weeks at a time.

In 1954, Corporal Richard Hart returned to the San Fernando Valley to start his life and family with Lillian, at a small apartment in North Hollywood. By 1955 they had purchased their first home on Gothic Street in Sepulveda; and in 1956 their first son Dirk was born. Followed soon by daughters, Susan and then later Nancy, Richard and Lillian became travelers and explorers, taking the family on many adventurous vacations and camping expeditions.

Richard, A horse whisperer and a real-life Doctor Doolittle was the ultimate animal whisperer, having a unique and special relationship with all mammals, birds and living creatures. He was able to communicate with most of the animals he befriended. His legacy of love and respect for all animals, particularly Horses, is still ever present today thru his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Upon returning from Germany, Richard founded and formed “Hart Maintenance”, a commercial building service contractor. Then in 1962, he began buying and remodeling single family homes, renting them out, and eventually transitioning to commercial building ownership. Richard, a visionary and shrewd contractor, built numerous Automotive Centers throughout the Valley during the 1980’s and 90’s; 3 of which are still in the Hart family commercial property portfolio today.

In 1973 Richard and Lillian purchased and moved the family to a unique Horse ranch property up in the Canyons and valleys above Granada Hills. He had finally found the place to raise the Horses he loved so much. It is there that Richard and Lillian completed raised and guided their children, subsequently living out the remainder of their lives among the canyons and hills, at this place they called the Hart Ranch. Over the years, Richard, Lillian and the children, each developed strong spiritual relationships with the Lord. They were admired and looked up to in the worship community, participating in many evangelical projects and efforts from Hollywood, all over California and even overseas in Europe. In the early 1970’s, Richard started “Christian Art in Action” , creating and making Christian themed Jewelry. Finally in the early 1980’s, Richard began what was to be his lifelong service commitment to the Lord; creating, manufacturing and personally handing out what became known as the “Hart Medals”.

These were metal keychain hearts, inscribed with many of the Lord’s special verses and prayers. Over the next 42 years, and even on the day he passed away on at Northridge Hospital, he gave out well over 200,000 medals. Many lives were given to the Lord and many souls were encouraged, loved, healed and made to feel special by his dedication to God and the love of spreading the Word.

Richard was a fiercely loyal family leader, with an unbounded love for, and a timeless dedication to; Lillian, Nancy, Susan, Dirk , his granddaughters and his Lord. He would never give up on anything, or abandon anyone. There seemed to be no problem or challenge that could get the best of him. He was a true timeless champion and hero. He never had one complaint about his life. Even battling Parkinsons for 17 years he seemed to conquer what many could not. Staying constantly in God’s spirit, he was always positive and selfless. Up until the day he left, when asked how he was doing, he responded every time with a giant smile, a thumbs up and an assurance that all was well in his life and that he was the most blessed of all.

He tried selflessly to share with everyone God’s secrets to life. “Trust the Lord, Meditate on Proverbs, honor and treasure your wife, and finally — that true Love is patient and that it survives all.

Much like John Wayne and St, Michael the Archangel—Dad was God’s most loyal soldier to the end.

He was so many people’s favorite friend and advisor.

He will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you, Mr. Hart, for the many gifts you blessed us all with. We will treasure and protect them always.

Join us for Richard’s Life Celebration at Chatsworth

Foursquare Church

Saturday, August 6, 2022.

Saturday, Aug. 6 12pm Chatsworth FourSquare Church 10210 Canoga Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311