Richard Raymond Hart Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard Raymond Hart peacefully passed away December 3, 2021, in Heber City, UT, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 4, 1940 in Oakland, California and loved all the fireworks that accompanied his birthday each year! Richard was the only child of Raymond George Hart and Katherine Elizabeth Ferguson Hart. His father died when Richard was only one year old, so he was raised by his single mother, and influenced by several loving uncles who were more like fathers to him. He spent most of his youth in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. He graduated from Bullard High School in Fresno, CA, then attended BYU, graduated and went on to earn a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). During all of his years receiving an education, he was also very active in sports and student government, serving as Student Body President in high school and Junior Class President at BYU. During his college years he was thrilled to be called to serve a 2 and 1/2 year mission in Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had previously spent four months working with archeologists. A highlight of his mission was being assigned to serve with his cousin Tom Ferguson who was more like a brother to him. They were a dynamic pair and baptized record numbers! Richards Mission President took the missionaries to the new motion picture “The Ten Commandments.” Richard watched with tears in his eyes, and that night he promised God that he would make motion pictures of the Book of Mormon! That was a promise he would keep and would later call his life’s work. After his mission Richard returned to BYU where he eventually met his bride of 55 years and love of his life, Nancy Villella. They fell in love and were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1966. After college, Richard worked in Northern California, then New York City and in 1971 accepted a job with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. He worked for the church for 34 years and produced many motion pictures for youth and adults including many on the Book of Mormon, which was previously mentioned, his dream! Richard was a loving and tender husband and father and was the quintessential family man. He loved his wife and 6 children with all of his heart and was always finding adventures for them to do together like; boating, fishing, camping, hiking, traveling, building projects etc. He was really up for anything as long as it included them. Often times these “family adventures” inadvertently included a little danger. His children still joke that if it was Dad’s idea, something crazy might happen. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he served in many ward and stake callings including bishop. He and Nancy also served a Senior Mission in Tampa Florida. Richard is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their six children: Stephanie Hart Larsen of Phoenix, AZ, Steve & Amy Hart of Saratoga Springs, UT, Brad and Chantal Hart of Draper, UT, Greg and Heidi Hart of Hayden, ID, Ryan and Tricia Hart of Springville, UT and Tyler and Jana Hart of Holly Springs, NC, also 24 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His was a life full of love and a life well lived. We will miss him dearly but are grateful for his legacy of love and faith. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 10 at 2pm, viewing at 1pm in the Valley Hills Ward, 550 East 500 North, Heber City, UT. If unable to attend in person, please join us virtually with link below: https://zoom.us/j/93549405900 Please share a memory of Richard at: www.probstfamilyfunerals.com The family wishes to thank all those who have expressed their sympathy during this tender time.

Richard Raymond Hart

July 4, 1940 - December 3, 2021