John Sherman Hart

John Sherman Hart, 84 May 8, 1927 May 12, 2011 Would st thou so the helmsman answered, Learn the secret of the sea? Only those who brave its dangers Comprehend its mystery! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow REDLANDS --- John Hart died in his Redlands home on May 12, 2011. John was born on May 8, 1927 to Mildred and John Vernon Hart. He attended Kingsbury Elementary School, Redlands Junior High, and was a graduate of Redlands Senior High School, before attending the University of Southern California. He was a member of the Phi Psi Fraternity. John and his business partner Davis Donald were owners of Donald, McKee & Hart Construction Company, which built many of the buildings in Redlands, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. John and his wife Virginia were avid golfers and long time members of Redlands Country Club. After retirement John and his wife enjoyed endurance riding with their Arabian horses on the Tevis Cup, which is 100-mile ride in 24 hours in Truckee. John competed and finished in the top 20, twice. He was also a member of the RWR (Rim of the World Riders). After Virginia s death (1994), John gave up the horses and became an avid sailor. He enjoyed sailing out of Newport Beach and San Diego. A frequent sailor to Catalina Island, he also competed in the Baja, Ha-Ha, which is a race from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He sailed and lived for six months on his boat in La Paz, Mexico. As an adventurer, John enjoyed snow skiing, sailing, competed in the Rosarita 50 Miler Bike Ride, and hiked across the Swiss Alps. His wife Virginia Darby Hart preceded John in death. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Hart Wilson of Memphis, TN, his daughter Julia Hart-Lawson of Carlsbad, CA, and his son John Darby JD Hart of Redlands. He leaves behind four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held in the Turf Meadow of Caroline Park at 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 5th. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John s name, would be welcomed by Charter Hospice, 1200 East Washington Street #F-4, Colton, CA 92324.