Tyrrell Patrick Hart passed away surrounded by his close family on June 15th, 2024. There was a shift in the world we know as he passed on to the Lord. He was able to see and talk with almost everyone close to him prior to being released into the hands of God. It was a blessing as he was so loved by so many people.
Tyrrell was born April 13th, 1939, in Grants Pass, Oregon to Robert Lincoln Hart Sr. and Ruth Margaret Kirkpatrick. He graduated from Grants Pass High school in 1957. He graduated from The San Francisco Vocational school in Watch Making on February 1st. 1962. He graduated from the Gemological Institute of America as a Graduate Gemologist in 1982. He was certified in the state of Oregon as a watchmaker and clockmaker. He designed jewelry and worked with precious gemstones and diamonds as a graduate Gemologist. He could design anything you wanted; draw it on a napkin and then create the final piece. Many of his client's jewelry will live on due to his talent and creative mind.
He married Kayleen Ann Stambaugh and moved from San Fransisco to Oregon in 1964. They opened Harts Jewelers on Central Ave. It was a mainstay for over 40 years in downtown Medford. Tyrrell and Kayleen had two children, Amy Ruth Hart and Shon Patrick Hart.
Tyrrell Hart Married Carol Kay Winger February 1st, 1991 and they shared Kay’s two Children, Doug Winger and Deb Winger. They were married 33 years. They loved their families and spent as much time as they could with them. Tyrrell was notorious for giving everyone a nickname that was unique and only used by him. It was awesome to have a pet name from Tyrrell.
He loved to camp, travel, fish, float rivers and explore various Native American sites as well as many National Parks. They traveled to almost every state. Tyrrell also enjoyed hunting. He was an outdoorsman and passed his passion to the entire family. It is still an ongoing rite of passage for grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and cousins to learn how to track, hunt, process deer, elk, pronghorn, duck and other animals that were always used for food. He also taught them how to protect the land, leave no trace, and replant when they were done.
Tyrrell Hart was a founding member of the Motorcycle Riders association, (MRA). He is known as Mr. MRA. He and 4 other best friends purchased 180 acres out of Jacksonville in 1965 so other “dirt bike” riders had a place to ride. The MRA has grown substantially and now owns a large area for its activities. Due to Tyrrell’s vision, many have a place to ride, camp, race, compete and enjoy a wonderful family friendly place for their sport. Tyrrell was active in every
type of motorcycle riding there was. He worked and raced at the motocross track, hill climbs, USDE competitions, poker runs, and enduro racing. If there was an off-road motorcycle event, he either participated, volunteered, officiated or was a part of those activities. Christmas Valley, Oregon was a particularly favorite place to ride and enjoy camping and riding with his friends and family.
He served in the US Army Training division at Ft Ord during 1959. He was a sharpshooter and trained in the rifle division. His rank was E5 at the time he was honorably discharged.
Tyrrell was also instrumental in starting the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for off road use. He served 8 years working on a committee dedicated to getting grants for land, equipment, trail making and maintenance. He was influential in getting the Oregon State constitution changed to allow for a gas tax to be used exclusively for off road motorcycles, side by side, ATV’s etc. The University of Oregon keeps statistics on the number of activities of those who enjoy this wonderful state on motorcycles and off-road activities and now have a permanent place to ride. Some say he worked on over 34 grants totaling over 2.5 million dollars for this active community. He had a passion for riding any type of motorcycle and wanted others to have the opportunity to ride this beautiful state.
Harts Jewelers was a main stay in downtown Medford, Oregon for years. Tyrrell was involved in the local chamber of commerce and other local business associations. He was known for putting up a 40’ christmas tree above the Jewelry store on Central ave. Many said it was not Christmas season until Harts Jewelers put up the tree.
He is survived by his Wife, Kay Hart, daughter Amy Ruth Hart Gantt, (Married to Matt Gantt and three grandchildren, Grayson Mathew Gantt, Thomas Woodson Gantt and Mallory Hart Gantt); Son, Shon Patrick Hart married to Dodi Hart, Doug Winger Married to Lorraine Winger and Deb Winger Married to Neil Webster.
Tyrrell’s Celebration of Life service is at the end of July and is a private event for close family and friends. Please contact Bonnie Sutphin for more information. (208)-890-1837
In lieu of flowers please donate to MRA so they can continue to keep Tyrrell’s vision alive for future generations to ride off road in Oregon. There is a MRA facebook page you can like, follow and message to donate or find out more about the club and Tyrrell.
