Stephen Lawrence Hartmann

1962 - 2010

BORN

1962

DIED

2010

Stephen Hartmann Obituary

On Dec. 3, 2010 our beloved Stephen passed away. He truly died with his boots on. While getting dressed for work and putting on his shoes, he was struck with massive blood clots to his lungs and heart. This was due to a previous deep thrombosis leg injury.

Born on June 29, 1962, Stephen was always excited about life. His family, especially his many nieces and nephews, were often enthralled by the exciting tales of his life adventures. Stephen had many exciting jobs, especially his time in Hawaii while he served his country in the United States Navy. He was a keen journalist and marketer and won dozens of military awards for his achievement. While in Hawaii he made many lifelong friends and also became an accomplished competitive canoeist.

Most recently, Stephen had his own business manufacturing landscaping and memorial rocks. Stephen was loved by his employees and his many friends who he loved and supported in return. Stephen's effervescent and optimistic personality brightened up any room he entered. He helped many in achieving their goals and dreams. We will forever love him and the legacy he left us.

Stephen leaves numerous relatives: mother and stepdad, Georgia and Vince Diguilio; and dad and stepmother, Larry and Pat Hartmann; seven brothers and sisters: brothers, John (wife Monica), George (wife Denise), Jerry, Patrick (wife Inga), and youngest brother, David; sister, Therese; stepsister, Kim (husband Bob); and 15 nieces and nephews.

A family celebration of his life will be held in the near future. Arrangements entrusted to the family owned Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura; 643-8623.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Hartmann

11 Entries

Gordon Selkirk

September 4, 2011

I am very sad to hear of Steve's passing. I hadn't spoken with Steve in almost two years, am a Dad now with a one and three-year-old and all that goes with that, and received a facebook ping from Ralph just yesterday.

I met Steve while serving in the Navy in 1982, and was immediately impressed with his energy, sense of humor and intelligence. As we were slaving away for months in drydock, Pearl Harbor, basically re-fitting a 533-ft. cruiser from the keel up in oppresively hot conditions, there he'd be with his camera and pad, interviewing sailors, keepin' the energy up, wise-crackin'...He would never admit it, but he was a "squared away sailor."

Steve left the service before I did but we re-connected in Hawaii while I finished school there and he was working PR/marketing for the newspaper at Pearl. I was working towards a degree in marketing and many times urged Steve just to go through the formality of getting a degree, as it would open more doors for him but he shrugged it off, thinking he would earn his way up without that piece of paper...and he did. I have worked with some pretty sharp folks in my day, with degrees from Stanford and Duke - heck a I just interviewed with a Harvard MBA just two days ago...and I can honestly say that none of them outshone Steve in the original idea department. He was that smart and creative, and the guy could spin a dozen plates at once. I mean, imagine...who thinks of just dropping it all to get into the memorial business...? I recall heading up into the hills above Ventura with Steve and Ralph, looking for the perfect mini-boulder from which to craft a mold for his business...not your typical 9-5 guy, Steve...He often attributed his work ethic to his parents. I have been impressed by his entire family and used to joke that they reminded me of the show, Eight is Enough - the perfect, industrious, sun-dappled Southern Cal family...

Others have commented on Steve's "being there" when needed and I can attest to that. He was a great friend, primarily because he really cared about those trying to get a leg up...but he would kick my butt as well, pushing me to get in gear and not sweat the small stuff. I will forever carry the advice he gave to me.

Though very late, please accept my condolences - not to sound cliche, but the world truly lost a great and unique man, much too early.

GS

Dylan King

January 21, 2011

I have known Stephen for about 4 years now, and he is the only person on this planet i knew that could put a smile on a strangers face. He will be missed. I would love to find out where the burial was taken place. I just found out this morning and have been able to keep it off my mind.. <3 you steve! RIP bro! my condolences to family.

Gregory Culbert

January 5, 2011

To all the Hartmann family, I am very saddened in hearing of Steve's passing. He and I shared experiences that I will never forget on our expedition trip to hawaii and Samoa in 1979. I had not kept in contact with him, but we ran across each other a year or two ago and hoped to get together to relive a few memories. The Culbert family passes on Our Best Wishes and Hopes for the Future to you'all and Our Prayers for a speedy journey for Stephen.

Shannan Sanchez

January 4, 2011

Our condolences to your family. Steve was a tenant of ours (Viola Properties) and I looked forward to seeing him each month, seeing his smile, hearing his laughter and his brief stories. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on.

Best Wishes,
All of us here at Viola Inc./Viola Properties

Joseph McCabe

December 27, 2010

I have known Steve professionally for the last 8 years or so. I never met him in person, but spoke with him on numerous occasions by phone and one thing I could always count on was his genuine enthusiasm.

I was shocked to find out about his passing and he will be missed very much. My condolences go to his family.

Alan McKnight

December 24, 2010

So Sorry for your loss.

December 13, 2010

To the Hartmann Family: I am so sorry for your loss and send my condolonces.

Especially to Georgia and Vince, even though I didn't know your son, my heart is touched by your loss. It has been many years since I've seen you both and wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. Hugs to
both of you during this time.

Nancy Donaldson Samson
( X- Korb's Trading Post Office Assistant to you)

Margie Bouvet

December 11, 2010

My heart goes out to Steve's family. I have geat memories of Steve going back to Summit School in the Upper Ojai. He will be missed.

Margie Bouvet

December 10, 2010

My thoughts are with Steve's family.
I have great memories of Steve dating back to Summit School. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Kelly Coop[er

December 10, 2010

My thoughts are with his family and friends. He was one of a kind. Truly will be missed.

Matt Bender

December 10, 2010

I send my condolences to Steve's family on his passing. I have lots of fun memories of Steve from the days when we were kids in school. I know you all will miss him dearly.

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