Donald “Richard” Hartman

Richard passed away at Harbor Care on May 29, 2013. He was born in Gridley, California, February 18, 1927, to Dennis Roosevelt and Leona Fay (Edwards) Hartman.

He began his adult life in San Francisco at the age of 18, when he joined the Merchant Marines and travelled around the world twice to earn the license of “Able Seaman Any Waters Unlimited”.

Life changed in 1950 when he was drafted into the Army Infantry. Short of a year later, he found that he could serve in the Navy and become a Line Officer. He readily took the opportunity and became a “hard hat” diver and was transferred to the USS Florikan. From that experience he continued to scuba dive throughout his life. After diving, he became a Navigator and was given a plaque with the inscription of “One Bell Hartman”.

Life changed directions in 1957 and he became a California Highway Patrolman. Richard found a calling in interrogation, investigating and law.

Once again he moved on and rejoined the Navy as a Line Officer in Intelligence which is now known as NCIS. San Diego was home until 1968 when he was transferred to Whidbey Island. One of the achievements of his career occurred during this time when he was selected for and conducted the intelligence debriefing of Commander Bucher, the commanding officer of the USS Pueblo which had been captured by North Korea.

The next tour was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Here he pursued building a 30’ boat and while travelling the Caribbean developed a keen interest in art and antiques. This hobby lasted the rest of his life.

In 1975, Richard was t ransferred to San Diego where he met and married his wife, Mary Ann. A short three years later, he was sent to Atsugi, Japan with his new family and stayed until retirement in 1983.

The family returned to San Diego and he became a yacht broker while enjoying golf, sailing and skiing.

However, in 1989, during a visit to Whidbey Island, another change was about to happen. It was decided to move back to Whidbey for the rest of his retirement.

Richard is survived by his wife Mary Ann, a brother Michael Hartman of Colorado Springs, CO, sons and daughters, Ted Hartman of Fontana, CA, Suzanne Ashton of Seattle, WA, Kelly Ann Ireland of Lakewood, CO and Russell Ireland of Rolling Hill Estates, CA.

A celebration of Richard’s life is to be announced.