Norman F. Hart

Norman F. Hart Jr. passed away expectantly from a broken heart on March 11, 2018 at his home. Norman, also known as Skip, was dearly loved by his family, always had a smile on his face, judged people by their handshake, and instilled the importance of working hard to his family.

Norm was born in Fulton, New York to Mildred & Norman F. Hart Sr. He moved to Tampa, FL when he was younger and attended schools there while raising a lot of hell but only getting caught once. He was even in a gang and received the nick-name Baby Huey because he would use a baby pin to keep his pants buttoned.

To avoid being drafted and put on the front lines during the Vietnam War he opted to join the Navy in hopes that he might return home. He served in the war on a service ship as an engine mechanic. He was awarded many medals for his service, he continues to be our biggest hero. He was released on October 1967 after serving a little over 4 years.

On his return from Vietnam he held multiple jobs in Tampa and met his wife Donna while working at Straihand Mobile Homes. They were married on January 4, 1971. During the early years of their marriage they loved to ride Norm's Indian motorcycle and it was their only form of transportation in Florida. They would tell stories about going to the grocery store and having my mom hold and balance all the groceries on the back of the bike. They traded in their motorcycle after about 2 years for children. They had a total of 3 children, 2 born in Tampa & 1 born in Pocatello. When their 2nd was about 6 months old they moved to Idaho for Norman to go to work for the Lather's Union but realized they moved the Lather's Union to Boise. They stayed in Pocatello and he eventually hired on with the railroad. Norm was a carman with the Railroad. He was an accomplished welder. He even taught welding classes at Idaho State University. All of the welding gave way to one of his favorite hobbies, racing cars. Norm built many race cars. You could always find him in the garage listening to Pink Floyd, or something similar, working on his race car. Many of our family conversations were held over greasy engines. Racing cars was a family endeavor, we all became his pit crew. Another hobby Norm enjoyed was woodworking. He built many items for his wife and family. He was always able to engineer and construct things. He was our family's handyman and helped all of us on many projects.

Norm enjoyed retirement from the railroad and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He rarely missed a game his grandchildren played and was their biggest support. He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren. He would brag about them constantly to anyone who would listen. Norm loved traveling with his wife. They would hop in the car and just drive to wherever they wanted. They once took a road trip that landed them in Canada after a wrong turn in New York. Their children thought they were crazy but also pretty cool! Their last trip together was to go watch NASCAR in Las Vegas, see the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. Norm & Donna loved to go to Salt Lake City and watch the Real Salt Lake soccer team. Although, his children continued to make many new memories with Norm, it never helped to mend his broken heart.

Norm is survived by his Sisters; Ruth (Hart) Smith, Jean (Hart) Douglas, Children; Susan (Greg) Simpson, Maggie (Eric) Jablonski, Jake (Deborah Cook Florence) Hart, Grandchildren; Abby, Mariah, Liz, Alina, Aidree, Brody, Braxton, and nieces who he looked forward to their phone calls. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Donna, parents Mildred & Norman Sr., and brother Donald Hart.

Norm hated crowds, therefore, there will be no funeral services. The family will be combining their parents remains and spreading their ashes in places their parents & themselves loved. The family plans to celebrate and honor their parents each time they take a wrong turn while driving, going on adventures, listening to their parent's favorite music, gathering as a family and sharing stories. We will always love & miss you Dad.

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