William Robert Hart Obituary

William (Bill) Robert Hart passed away at his home on May 24, 2010. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends. He and wife Barbara (Sundberg) spent 58 happy years together. Married in June of 1952, the couple enjoyed their time whether it was at Helen Lake, his in-laws camp; at their camp, built by Bill, on Squaw Beach in Big Bay, or supporting Marquette Senior High School sports. Together they raised two daughters, Kathy (Greg) Hart Smith and Claudia (Rick) Hart Orr. Bill loved spending time with his four grandchildren, Matt Hart Orr of Marquette, Melissa Orr of Ann Arbor, MI, Andrew Hart Smith of St. Andrews, Scotland, and Jenn (Suneil) Hart Chander of Huntersville, NC. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild Chander in December.

Born September 26, 1926 to Louis and Essie Hart, Bill was a Marquette boy. He loved telling stories about his days on Bluff Street and could recount where families lived and landmarks of old Marquette. In high school Bill proudly wore the red and white of Graveraet High School where he was a football, basketball and track star. Just after high school graduation in 1944, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Cinnabar and the USS Onslow in the Pacific. 

In the fall of 1947, Bill enrolled in Northern Michigan College with dual majors in Industrial Arts and Physical Education. While attending Northern, Bill again took to the athletic field in football, basketball, and track. Elected most valuable football player in 1948, Bill served as President of the Tri-Mu Fraternity and as co-captain of the 1950 football team. 

After graduating Bill received offers from the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers but declined so he could take a teaching position at Graveraet High School where he also served as Varsity Football Assistant, Junior Varsity Basketball and Head Track Coach. 

In 1953, Bill was appointed Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. He was elected Coach of the Year in 1957 and the team was awarded the Barber Trophy after finishing the season undefeated, the first team in 35 years to do so. The following year Bill was named to the Detroit Free Press All State Football Board. 

Bill also had an outstanding record in track, going undefeated in dual competition for a period of six years. His teams won Conference Championships in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1962; Regional Championships in 1953, 1959, and 1964; and U.P. Championships in 1953, 1959, and 1964. Bill started and coached the first wrestling and cross country teams at the high school. 

Always supportive of athletics, Bill organized the first Marquette Booster Club. In 1960, he served as President of the Upper Peninsula Coaches Association. Bill was a member of the Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee from 1965-1980 and served as President of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), the first from the Upper Peninsula in 1978. 

During his busy athletic endeavors, Bill also continued his studies. He received his Master of Science Degree from The University of Michigan in 1955 and his Educational Specialist Degree from Northern Michigan University in 1978. Bill remained true to his love of education and served the students and parents of Marquette as a teacher and administrator. He was named principal of Marquette Senior High School in 1974. 

On January 19, 1979, Bill’s life was forever changed when he was one of two survivors of a plane crash that occurred when he was downstate in his capacity as President of MHSAA. After treatment, he went back to assume his duties at the helm of Marquette Senior High School. He was inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. In 1983, Bill received the Charles E. Forsythe Award by the Michigan High School Athletic Association at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. This award is given for outstanding service to interscholastic athletics in the state of Michigan. 

Bill retired as principal in 1980. Never one to sit still for long, he discovered a new passion for carving waterfowl. His ducks and other birds are highly prized by those who own his artistic creations. He continued his love of fishing, often finding peace in those early mornings on his beloved Lake Superior. It was his joy to spent time reading, especially biographies and the works of Reverend Robert Schuller from whom he drew inspiration. 

The school system again honored him by naming the high school football stadium for him. Bill was thrilled to once again speak words of encouragement to the football team during this ceremony. He was proud to watch his granddaughter, Melissa, cheer in “his” stadium during her own high school career. 

Throughout Bill’s life, he enjoyed the companionship of many dogs, from his first dog, Trixie, to his beloved beagles, especially Chappie, and his daughters many dogs. They always knew they count on him for special affection and treats. 

Bill is survived by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. His sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Hart Karwoski also survives him as do several nieces and nephews. The family will greet visitors from 2:00 to 4:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Marquette with a celebration of Bill’s life at 4:00 with a luncheon to follow.