Edward Patrick Hartnett

Edward Patrick (Pat) Hartnett, born May 15, 1941, died peacefully in the early hours of November 13, 2022, at home among family.

Pat was born in Kansas City, MO to Margaret Burke Hartnett and William Sherman Hartnett. The family moved to Richland, WA along the Columbia River during World War II when his father began working on the Manhattan Project. Pat attended both parochial and public elementary school and graduated from Columbia High in 1959. He was active in cross country and wrestling, but his true passion was art.

Pat enlisted in the Navy in 1960 and served for six years. His tours included time monitoring underwater nuclear tests in the South Pacific and also as a fire control technician on an aircraft carrier at the beginning of the war in Viet Nam. He was very proud of his service and was active in his local VFW Post 10166 in Carson, CA where he served as an officer.

After leaving the service, Pat returned to his love of art. He benefited from the GI Bill to finish his college education, earning a BFA from California State University Long Beach. He painted and sculpted, but particularly enjoyed drawing cartoons. His art has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and he served as Artist in Residence at Sequoia National Park. Pat also created many family holiday cards among other unique pen and ink drawings that have left a lasting impression and legacy on many. He enjoyed creating characters and comic strips that he sent to his parents in lieu of letters while serving in the Navy and Peace Corps. He and his family served in Grenada, West Indies from 1970-72, where they created a lifetime of memories, friendships, and commitment to service.

He and his family returned from the Peace Corps and he began his long career with the Los Angeles Unified School District where he taught Art, History, and English. He always established a firm but strong relationship with his students. He helped several of them go on to compete in and win prestigious competitions. Since his passing, several of his former students have reached out to share their appreciation of the impact his teaching has had on their lives.

Pat started every day working crossword and other word puzzles, He was known for his quick wit, sharp intellect, and breadth of knowledge. Pat set foot on all continents except Antarctica and traveled from South Africa to Iceland, Japan to the Caribbean. He met friends everywhere he went, immersed himself in the cultures and communities he traveled to, and instilled a love of exploration, and adventure in his children.

He will be missed by many, including many lifelong friends who greatly enriched his life. He will be especially missed by Sandy, his wife of 54 years, and his daughters Kimberly Hartnett Weisenfeld and Kori Escobar. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Ellie, Casey, Abby, Lily, Quinn, and Lanie, and two sisters Kathy Hartnett and Margaret Hartnett.

A memorial service at sea and a celebration of life will be held on future dates.