Sorry to hear about Steven's passing. I briefly sailed with him over 30 years ago, but the memory that stuck in my mind was how much he loved his wife. My sympathy to his family. 

Regards,

Russ Studebaker

Uncle Steven cultivated our family lore. He was a cultivator of lore in general. One of my favorite memories of Uncle Steven is the way he cultivated the lore of the Willywampus.
A mythical Floridian creature, the Willywampus was a nightcrawler who ate racoons and stank like the swamp. Though vague on the specifics of exactly how, what Uncle Steven made clear about the Willywampus was that if you didn't behave, the Willywampus would almost certainly get you.
One night when both our families lived in houses a stone's throw away on the Indian River, my sisters and I were left in the care of a babysitter. I don't know whether Uncle Steven knew that detail or not, but he chose that night as the night to bring the Willywampus to life. Just after the sun went down, he crept over to our house and lurked outside the windows, flashlight in hand. We were with the babysitter, snuggly in pajamas in the living room , when he popped up into view, banged on the window, flashlight terribly distorting his face from below and hollered, "I am the Willywampus, and I am going to GET YOOOOOOUUU."
We ran screaming in circles, while the babysitter shepherded us into our parents' bedroom and hid us in the closet, while she frantically locked the door and called my parents and in a panicked whispered said, "there is a MAN banging on the windows and shouting, what should I do???"
It terrified me at the time of course, but now I can't help but laugh whenever I think of that memory. For me, it is classic Uncle Steven, just slightly more mischievous than was probably advisable, and always, always looking for magic, the myth, the lore, and trying to bring that into our lives. Uncle Steven had a keen eye for making the stories of our lives, and of his life, into a great tale -- one he loved telling.
We will miss you, Uncle Steven. Long live the Willywampus!

I didn't know Steven.  But I am about to purchase a painting at an online auction that I believe belonged to him.  It is of a naval battle scene by J Harvey.  On the back of the painting it says 'Steven Karl Hartman USMM'
I looked up the name online and found a man by this name that died recently.   When it said he was a merchant marine I believe that he was the man who owned the painting.
He sounds like he was a guy who loved life.  I will take care of his painting.  Should a family member want it I would be happy to return it.

Condolences to the family

Laura
Ventura, CA

GodBless you Steven, May you rest in Peace, and enjoy  Boating the Waters of our Almighty Kingdom . May your family left behind find peace and Love in their hearts, May Gods Love fill your hearts for ever..............Love Quin King      (graduated in Stevens class)

Steven Hartman started my life long journey, bringing me to Stuart many many years ago.  So sorry to hear of his passing, condolences to his family.

I grew up with Clara and Ralph and went to college with Clara, spending a lot of my younger days in the home of Pam and Steven. Many fond memories were of my time at their house, with Mr. Hartman telling me all kinds of stories and giving me history lessons. More recently, before they moved to Vero I got to see Mr. Hartman almost on a daily basis as he would run by my house. He would always stop and we would chat about anything under the sun. The world was a better place with him in it, and I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My heart aches for the Hartman’s, but know that you have an amazing guardian angel watching over you all! 

Captain Steven Hartman entered my life almost 50 years ago with a knock on my front door at 8am one Sunday morning looking for a place to stay. With his long hair and Florida swagger how could I refuse, it was Europe on a dollar a day times.
We hit it off from day one and became life long buddies and he accepted the invitation to be a godfather to my eldest son Marlon, a roll he took without hesitation. I introduced him to Newcastle Brown Ale his favourite tipple in London. Over the years we crossed paths many times with his visits to the UK and my visits to Florida. Work life took us to different corners of the globe to make a living but somehow we managed stay in touch via pigeon post. Since we both retired we became ever closer with more time on our hands for correspondence.
I miss you brother more than words can say.
RIP CRACKER-OILFIELD TRASH-MY OLE BUDDY.
JOHN HODGES UK

CAPT. Hartman was always so friendly and kind. I knew him from when I was a small girl and he always treated me like his own kid. I loved getting the kind texts through the years and will miss joking with him that I am forever now a Hartman instead of a Crutchfield. We miss you Mr. Steve. Love, Anna 

CAPT. HARTMAN AND I MET ON THE WEST AFRICAN COAST MANY YEARS AGO AND BECAME LIFE LONG FRIENDS, OUR CAREERS CROSSED PATHS FROM AFRICA ,TO THE N.E. COAST OF U.S.A. THE GULF OF MEXICO , TO THE FAR EAST, HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND , A GREAT SEAMAN , AND THE BEST OF SHIPMATES, I WILL MISS YOU SORELY. ...... I WILL ONE DAY SEE YOU AGAIN IN " FIDDLER`S GREEN "  ...PLS. SECURE ME A GOOD BERTH ALONGSIDE YOU......CRUTCH   THE PHOTO IS THE OLD LAGUNA SEAHORSE, OF WHICH CAPT. HARTMAN AND I BOTH WERE MASTERS OF AT DIFFERENT TIMES.

OBITUARY

Steven Karl Hartman

6 March, 1954 – 27 January, 2021

Aycock Funeral Home & Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

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