Harold Eugene Hart, 82, was called home to the Lord on March 13, 2012, following a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 29, 1929 in Cory, Colo., to Clara (Elliott) and Eugene Hart. Harold was raised on a Colorado ranch, where his parents had an orchard and also raised cattle. Being raised on a farm, Harold learned to drive a tractor when he was nine years old, so at age 14 Harold drove the school bus through his high school years.

Following graduation, Harold worked for a time as a truck driver and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, a career that would last for 30 years. He was given accompanied deployment with his wife La Veya (Shoneman) and their two boys in Panama. He was an avid diver and Panama offered him wonderful opportunities to pursue his hobby. Harold’s first marriage ended in divorce.

Harold married Marjorie (Senescu) and they were stationed for a number of tours of duty in Hanau, Germany, with Marjorie’s four children. He was also a combat veteran of Korea and Vietnam and spent some time in Japan recovering from injuries he suffered. On returning to the states, Harold was stationed in Missouri and his final tour was at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where he retired.

Harold traveled to South Whidbey to visit his brother-in-law and decided he liked the island. He moved to Oak Harbor and spent time building homes for Harrington Realty before accepting a position as a firefighter at NAS Whidbey Island in 1973. He served in that capacity for 25 years, retiring in 1998. He was preceded in death by Marjorie.

Following his retirement from the NAS Whidbey Fire Department, Harold traveled across the U.S. and Canada. He returned to Oak Harbor and attended the Widow Support Group Dinner, where he sat with Jane Squires and soon discovered new love. Harold and Jane were married in Oak Harbor on April 15, 2001.

Harold and Jane enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spent four winters between Yuma and Tucson, enjoying the company of family and friends. In 2007, Harold suffered acute kidney failure and their traveling days ended as Harold became dependent on kidney dialysis machines.

Harold was a member of Whidbey Presbyterian Church and recently joined the Retired Firefighters of NAS Whidbey monthly lunch gatherings.

Harold is survived by his wife Jane and by his two sons Ray Hart of Shelton and and Larry Hart (Katy) of Everett. He is also survived by his four stepchildren, Susan Whittaker of Oak Harbor, Judy Travlos (John) of Anchorage, Mary Graboski (George) of Reading, Penn., and Brian Hart (Dawn) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and one sister, Ramona Marten (Ray) of Arizona. He is survived by eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and several nephews.

Jane’s children are Brien (deceased) Squires (Shelley) of Ferndale, Perry Squires (Colleen) of Mt. Vernon, Amy Van Dam (Wayne) of Oak Harbor. Jane’s grandchildren are Caitlin Squires of Bellingham and Hillary Squires of Ferndale. Also, Molly Van Dam and Max Van Dam (who called Harold “Grandy”), both of Oak Harbor.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and by his two half brothers, Herbert Webb of Richardson, Texas, and Merwin Webb of Delta, Colo.

Memorial services will be held at Whidbey Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 23, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dave Templin officiating. There will be a reception following. Cremation was held with burial at sea under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. Memorials may be given to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.