Richard Edwin Hartman

Richard Edwin Hartman, 65 years old, passed away August 19, 2013. Born June 29, 1948 in Oakland California, Richard was adopted by his parents Lawrence & Ester Hartman on December 27, 1948. He was their only child.

His family moved to Bellingham, WA in 1952 and resided there until 1958 where they lived on an acre lot with sheep and cows. Richard was involved with the Boy Scouts and during this time, used one of his lambs as part of a parade where he played the part of an Indian who had just captured a lamb – his Indian name was “Eagle Feather”. He had many adventures on the land with kittens, dogs and playing in the barn.

Richard and his family then left Bellingham for Bremerton, WA where his father worked in the Naval Shipyard and then to Porltand, OR for a short time until they moved to Idaho Falls, ID in 1959. Richard graduated from Idaho Falls High School and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Idaho State University. He had many hobbies including hunting, archery, stamp collecting, photography and bowling. It was his love of bowling and pool that helped pay his way through college. This might be where the term “hustler” came from.

Richard moved to Jackpot in 1971 where he worked at Cactus Pete’s as a slot cashier and table games dealer and then on to Barton’s 93 where he worked up until his death. He filled many roles at Barton’s starting as a table games dealer, supervisor and soon worked his way up to General Manager. He made many lifelong friends through the years here, including La Rae Gilster Taylor who was more like family than a friend.

Richard met Laura Smith in 1972 and they were married in 1977 and later went on to divorce. Richard became a step-father to Jesse Hofeling. In 1978, they welcomed their son Travis into the world and Richard couldn’t have been more overjoyed to be a father. Richard’s greatest joy in life was being a father and it showed in the countless memories he made with his boys. Travis was the light of Richards life and the reason for his gray hair. Through the years, there were many trips to Disneyland, World Fair, Yellowstone and multiple Utah Jazz games. During Travis teen years, Richard would take Travis and his friends to various concerts and the boys still listen to this music today with fond memories of their time with Richard.

Some of Richard’s hobbies turned into lifelong passions including obtaining a pilot’s license and certification in Hamm radio. Richard was quite a character and can be remembered by one of his quotes “Well, I’m feeling a little horse puckerish tonight.” He also took pride in being part of the Shriners and was more than happy to obtain tickets for his grandbabies to the Shriners circus over the years.

As much as Richard enjoyed being a father, his next greatest joy was that as a role as grandfather. He welcomed his first pride and joy, Danika Rose Hartman on May 10, 2005 and Dyllen Eva Marie Hartman on November 10, 2007. He was also an honorary grandpa to Hunter Pike and welcomed him as his own.

“Don’t remember me with sadness, but instead fill your hearts and thoughts with love I leave you and memories we had.”

Celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Monday, August 26, 2013 from 11:00 am – 2:00pm at Barton’s Club 93 in Jackpot, Nevada. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Trent Stimpson and staff at White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park, Twin Falls.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.