Raymond Wescott Hart

Raymond Wescott Hart, Star, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the age of 75 from complications related to Diabetes. He is survived by his wife Cathy Hart, daughter Kara Morris, son Kristofer Hart (Bessy), and stepdaughters, Kristen Arehart Hopkins (Justin), and Lindsey Arehart Blankenship. He leaves grandchildren Nicholas and Jacob Morris, Santara and Drizzten Hart, Ella and Samara Hopkins, Nadia Hogg (Bret), Olivia Maes and Gracey Blankenship. He was blessed with his first great grandson this past February, Arthur Morris.

He was born to Raymond William Hart and Cecelia Longley Hart in San Gabriel, California on December 19,1950, joining sister Jolyne. Two sisters Starlyne and Francyne came later and completed the family. Growing up in Vista, California, he not only spent time surfing, hunting, and fishing but developed a great love for birds while helping his Grandpa Longley raise canaries.

Ray and his first wife Debra made Boise their home and had two children. They later divorced.

In 1974 he started work at MK Rail (later becoming Motive Power Industries) where locomotives were built and rebuilt for the global market. He primarily worked in the paint department. His career there lasted nearly 40 years.

He married Cathy Bean Arehart in 1990 and gained two stepdaughters.

His passion was anything artistic which was very evident in the meticulous creations he made. He could paint anything and not only painted vehicles but beautiful murals on cars and motorcycles, hand saws and even an old pickup door. He made beautiful pencil and chalk drawings for friends and family, and later in life focused on the re-creation of World War II models. He had the innate ability to not just assemble them but to bring them to life by adding many personal touches.

Reminiscing, the kids and grandkids smile at his uncanny ability for offering unsolicited advice and somewhat questionable humor to a serious conversation.

He is also survived by sister Jolyne White (Jerry), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Starlyne Manchester (Ross).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.