Obituary: Richard “Dick” Hart
September 7, 1939 – February 20, 2026
Richard “Dick” Huson Hart died on the snowy morning of February 20th in Grand Junction, Colorado. Snow appeared like a parting gift to the parched State he loved after a historically dry winter.
Dick was born in Denver on September 7, 1939 into a family with deep Colorado roots. His parents and grandparents were respected attorneys, physicians, professors, and elected officials in early Denver. He lived his life with pioneering spirit, a deep commitment to family, and a desire to serve others.
His early childhood was spent in Denver with summers at a family house in Buffalo Creek. His parents raised him with great appreciation for Colorado history and the State’s spectacular mountains, valleys, and rivers. His early days were filled with adventures–too many to recount.
He told stories of a summer trip spent with his mother in an old jeep retracing the path of the 1776 Dominguez-Escalante expedition to farflung corners of the State. He climbed mountains with his father, who was credited with first ascents in Colorado and Wyoming. After WWII, the family acquired canvas army surplus rafts and floated rivers throughout the West. Late in life he lamented missing one family float trip through Glen Canyon before the dam was built. He couldn’t make that trip because he was driving his VW bus up the Alcan Highway when the trip came together. Those were just a few of the stories.
At twelve, Richard’s parents put him on a train to Washington, Connecticut where he attended prep school at the Gunnery and rowed crew. He attended Yale, like three generations of his family before him. He loved mechanical things, especially cars and bikes. He dreamed of being an auto engineer and studied in Germany. While there, he biked all over Europe. Ultimately, though, his love for family and Colorado lured him home.
He attended law school at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1965. He worked briefly with his father at Holland & Hart in Denver and Colorado Springs, but he wanted to be in the mountains. In 1971, he moved to Vail and began practicing with law school classmate Doug McLaughlin.
It was an amazing time to be in Vail. The town was filled with young folks from all over the world lured by desire to build a community centered around love for the mountains. People came for snow piled high in the winter. They stuck around for idyllic summers. There was entrepreneurial spirit, opportunities for anyone with an idea and some work ethic, and lots of parties.
In Vail he met the love of his life, Jane York. She owned The Gourmet Cheese Shop downstairs from his office. He was smitten. Their early romance was filled with adventure, including sleeping with Howler monkeys in Tikal and driving from Colorado to Cabo San Lucas and back along the Old Baja Road before it was paved. There was some misadventure too, including hide and seek with federales in Mexico. So many stories….
In 1972, Dick and Jane got married. She hung a sign in the Cheese Shop window: “Gone to JP [Justice of the Peace], back in a bit.” Afterward they drove up the old Red and White Mountain road with their St. Bernard, Brie, and picnicked under blue Colorado skies. It wasn’t a big affair, but perfectly fitting. Later on, their parents were surprised to find out. When McLaughlin and others heard about the elopement, they cracked champagne and bet on how long it would last. After 54 years of marriage, Jane recently said she was ready to collect on those bets.
Kids came in 1975 and 1977, Sacha and Peter. Dick had more flexibility in his schedule and took on much of the baby caring. There was a crib next to his desk in the law office. He’d sometimes tote the kids over to Donovan’s Copper Bar after work.
In 1980, Governor Richard Lamm appointed Dick as a District Court Judge for Colorado’s 5th Judicial District. His territory covered Eagle, Summit, Lake, and Clear Creek Counties. Luckily, Dick loved to drive. The job involved lots of driving, much of it over mountain passes in raging snowstorms. At the time, Leadville was the largest town in the District and Climax Mine was the biggest employer. Vail was small, but growing. The Beaver Creek ski area hadn’t yet opened. Dick spent 26-years in the job and saw extraordinary change in the 5th Judicial District. The kids’ friends called him “The honorable.” Nobody could have worn that title better.
In 2006, Dick retired in order to spend more time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Dick and Jane moved from Vail to Carbondale, following their daughter Sacha and longtime family friends. Dick spent several years working as a Senior Judge and as a mediator. He joined Boards, including Alpine Legal Services and the Third Street Center. He loved Carbondale, loved seeing Mt. Sopris standing sentinel over the Valley, loved the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers, and he loved the small town vibes that reminded him of Vail in the early years.
In 2022, Dick and Jane bought an old house in downtown Grand Junction and moved again. They made the move to support their son Peter who had a serious accident in 2021. Dick was apprehensive about leaving the mountains, but grew to love the long shoulder seasons. He loved tinkering in the garden shed, reading on the porch, and taking walks. There were lots of family dinners, dog walks, grandkids’ soccer games and concerts. Dick got himself involved in Rotary. He loved to play cards and board games with his kids and grandkids.
He’ll be remembered for his kindness, a hint of mischievousness in his eye, a rolling laugh, strong work ethic, and a desire to do right. So many adventures and misadventures throughout his 86 years left his body worn out, much of it was titanium. But he was tough as hickory and did not complain of his discomforts. He was a selfless father, a doting partner, a great provider, and a dear friend to all who knew him well. His wife, Jane, daughter Sacha Logan ( Michael), son Peter (Katy) and grandchildren Misha Logan, Liza Logan, Joona Hart and Asa Hart will miss him forever. Donations in his honor can be made to HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction or Wilderness Workshop in Carbondale.
