In Memoriam: Donald "Don" Joseph Hart | June 24, 1947 - June 6, 2023

Donald Joseph Hart, fondly known as Don, drew his first breath on June 24, 1947, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A cherished resident of Kennewick, Don resided there with his beloved wife, Lisa, whom he married on May 10, 1997.

In addition to his wife, Lisa Hart, Don's memory will live on through his son, Jason Hart; stepson, Sean (Kortney) Farrell; grandchildren, Hadley Farrell, Olivia Farrell, Samantha Hart, Nathan Hart, and Memphis Hart; and his sisters-in-law, Carol (Ken) Leander, and Phyllis (JohnE) Harrington. His parents, Joseph and Jewell Hart, and son, Geoffrey Hart, preceded him in death.

Adopted at the tender age of one month by Joe and Jewell Hart, Don spent his early years in foster care following the death of his father in 1950. At the age of seven, he moved to the Milton Hershey School (MHS) in Hershey, PA, founded by Milton and Catherine Hershey as a haven for orphan boys. There, Don found a second family amongst his peers and forged life-long friendships, particularly with Jim Smith, Jim (Linda) Hanawalt, Bruce (Phyllis) Campbell, and Gary Kuhns.

The Petermans, who were house parents at one of the MHS farm homes, greatly influenced Don's life. His spiritual path was nurtured at the local Episcopalian church, where he was baptized. Mr. Bill Fisher, the future President of MHS, was his godfather. It was also a place where he, alongside his friend Jim Smith, discovered the joy of being around the girls who attended the church. Don and Lisa's fondness for MHS was displayed in their enthusiastic participation in numerous homecoming events.

Don's academic journey continued at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he pioneered the formation of the first Men's Soccer Team. In 1969, he graduated with a degree in Industrial Management. He later pursued graduate studies in Engineering Management at the University of Pittsburgh, from 1975 to 1977.

Don's industrious spirit led him to a dynamic career. He started at the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation from 1969 to 1971, before joining Bettis for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh to work on the LWBR and A1W projects from 1971 to 1977. In 1977, Don relocated to Kennewick and began a 33-year tenure at the Hanford Site, ascending through various management levels. His roles included the PFP Plant Manager, Industrial Hygiene and Safety Manager, and the Director for the Analytical Laboratories. After retiring from Hanford in April 2010, Don founded DHART Consulting Group, Inc., providing consultancy services to several corporations.

An ardent Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Don relished Sundays spent watching games with his friends, Eli and Heather Anastos, Ed Dunbar and Blandina Valenzuela, Rich Ivanoff and Virgina McCleary, and Mike and Carol McMullen. He often journeyed to Pittsburgh to experience the thrill of games at Heinz Field firsthand.

Boating, fishing, gardening, and traveling were among Don's favorite pastimes, as well as wine tasting. He regularly embarked on walks with Don Miksch, treasuring their diverse conversations and mutual respect. He also enjoyed time spent with Mike and Sondra Rader. Don's neighbors were also great friends.

Devoted to service and leadership, Don's faith in God remained steadfast throughout his life. In 2012-2013, he and Lisa joined the Holy Spirit Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), guided by their sponsors, Jim and Trish Feeney. As a parish member, Don served as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and assisted with RCIA classes.

In 2001, Don joined Columbia Center Rotary, where he served as Club President in 2010-2011 and was recognized as the 2007-2008 CCR Rotarian of the Year. His altruistic spirit found expression in numerous Rotary projects both locally and abroad, particularly those focusing on health, living conditions, and education of children. The relationships he cultivated with the Miramontes family, Victorino Sánchez Romero, and Rosie Ugalde in Tepic, Mexico, held a special place in his heart.

Don was also a dedicated member of the National Management Association (NMA), serving on the National Board of Directors in the mid-1990s and as the National Chairman of the Board in 2002. His commitment to professional excellence led him to achieve a Certified Manager certification in 2017 from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), a business center at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

For 35 years, Don brought fairness to High School and Junior College football games as an official, and also officiated swimming competitions when his sons were involved with a local swim team. He was a referee for US Swimming and FINA competitions, and served as the US Swimming Rules Chairman.

Don cherished his special bond with stepson Sean and his granddaughters whom he watched over every Wednesday. Don treasured those days spent with the granddaughters. He also contributed significantly to his community by serving on local boards, including the TriCities Prep Board of Directors, the Kadlec Neurological Resource Center, the American Red Cross, and Visit TriCities, where he served for nine years. With CJ Mitchell, Don co-founded the Tri Cities Sports Council and the Mid-Columbia Sports Hall of Fame.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 7409 W. Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA on June 27 at 11:00 a.m. Those unable to attend in person can join the livestream on the Parish of the Holy Spirit Facebook page.

His life was a testament to the strength of his faith, his commitment to service, and the love he had for his family and friends. Don's legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts.