so, it's 5 years! Since this had to happen, we are so grateful to God that it ended in the presence of our Savior. That's a win in spite of how it looks in the flesh. Now, I have to say, I saw a recent Christmas photo of Karibi. He's just you through and through, and even better, he's become the young man you'd have desired him to be. Karen has done beautifully well for your family name. Rest well brother.

Dave,

I didn't know until recently that you had left the surly bonds of earth until recently.  I didn't...couldn't believe it so I went to the internet to see if it was true. Regrettably, it was. 

I didn't know how many friends you had Dave as most go through life with a straggling few.  I didn't know how many lives you touched...or saved..but it seems like more than a few.

I didn't know you were fighting the good fight when you were. Had I known, I would have been there for moral support, if nothing else.

Dr David Hart. What a perfect name for a cardiologist, I thought when I first met him. I was in primary care at the time and referred many a patient to Dr Hart.  When patients would ask me if he is nice or good I'd reply "He's outstanding and you'll love him!".  I was never wrong on that score as patients confirmed that.

I didn't know Dr David Hart that long, but my mother raised me to have a good judge of character and if I had to use a single word for him, it would be character.  

We would have lunch together occasionally and I always looked forward to those get togethers as Dr Hart always made me feel better.  His big smile and casual attitude made it so.  But of course, I didn't know what his body was brewing. 

Dave, to say you'll be missed falls way short of a part of any meaningful epitaph so I will refrain. What I will say because I DO know is the world is truly a lesser place when the world lost the beautiful character and soul of Dr. David Hart.

 Dr. R. Colucci

My fond memory of David Hart is that of a caring senior boy when I was a junior student in boarding school at Federal Government College Port Harcourt.  

He regularly gave me useful advice of how to adjust to boarding school life.

Adieu my dear senior. 

David T Hart ….O….David T Hart

Among great men you stood apart

You touched many lives in your unique way

Cardiologist, basketballer and DJ

Never forgotten by anyone who met you

You had that impact in whatever you did do

A howl, a leap, a radiant gap-toothed smile

You couldn't miss them for many a mile

Everyone had his or her own special pet name

You made us all feel special and none the same

The glint in your eyes bespectacled or not

A part of you no one ever forgot

On the chessboard you were nifty too

As you were on the dance floor and kung-fu

As friends of yours grew balder with age

Your hair grew longer, the masterful sage

I quote a Nigerian nostalgia note you penned last year

Goody-goody, gala, treetop, cabin biscuit and Nido not here

You hankered for English fish and chips with a saveloy

The global diversity moulding you and giving so much joy

One thing is for sure Dr David Hart

You’re Hart by name and full of Heart

The beat goes on with a soul like yours

Beyond EKG, pacemakers or clinic doors

How you kept turning adversity into strength

A skill honed through faith and biblical length

Karen your lovely and loving bride

A rock to you who brought immense pride

Your lovely fruit live on among us

Radiating far beyond Ohio, Columbus

It takes a really special person to earn such respect

To challenge our faith and make us reflect

Two score and six years before you shut your eyes

Age you showed is merely a mask or human disguise

If you were to shout down from heaven above

Your words would confetti us with comfort and love

You would probably tell us not to cry for you

But to make our lives meaningful in whatever we do

Fila we salute you O ..Dr David T Hart

You sure made a mark and played your part

Karen we bow and thank you with a spiritual round of applause

For kindly sharing your soul mate with ever so many of us

To the children, dads can be so embarrassing when in school

But never forget the world thinks your dad is really really cool

So cool that even God wanted him in his heavenly team

A big player we remember with a twinkle, glimmer and gleam

“I am seriously thinking of going home to do some work” you said

Your words beyond comprehension to the simple earthly head

Home you are David….yes home you finally are

Shine and twinkle on you special and precious star!!!

David,

You lived a life worth living by anyone. You touched lives across the ocean, in many amazing and wonderful ways. You lived a life that made a difference in numerous ways, you were a great man and everyday people think about you they will cherish the different ways you touched them.

You left a LEGACY that will always be remembered. God knows why he called you home although we may wonder why. Rest in Peace.

I had the pleasure of being one of Dr. Hart's trainees.  By far one of the best physicians to ever teach me.  truly a remarkable human being.  Will be greatly greatly missed. 

I was lucky to meet David a few years ago with a crazy bunch of guys that play basketball every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 5:15. David joined our bunch and quickly became the other "Dr. Dave." (We already had one Dr. Dave in the gym.)

I remember him coming in the gym with great hair and a great smile. Without knowing anyone in the gym, he quickly became friends with everyone and had a truly contagious energy. 

If you never had a chance to see David on the court, you missed an incredible site! While not as practiced with a ball in his hand as a scaple, he gave his all and loved improving and learning. We had many talks over the years of what you should do if someone is setting a ball screen on the backside..."stay out of the way!"

He always wanted to learn and actually won one of our unofficial MOST IMPROVED PLAYER awards. He went from one of the guys most feared to guard (because of the bruises you would walk out with) to one you hated to guard because he would go after offensive rebounds like he was possessed.

Just when his basketball skills were improving, he didn't show up for a while. We all talked and questioned why, but with many of us, we don't have a lot of contact with each other after 7:00 a.m. and nobody knew why he quit playing. When he came back to play after his first battle, I remember having to cross the gym to make sure it was him. He was much lighter and didn't have the great hair any longer, but we quickly realized it was him after hearing him speak with a smile (and watching him shoot!)

I am not sure how many times he came back but when he did, it was always with a smile and an incredible desire to fight his disease through friendship and physical activity. I remember him saying to me something like "what else am I going to do...I need to keep active and keep fighting...playing is like my therapy." His physical strength had lessened, but his mental strength was visible from across the gym. You could see him fight through pain and exhaustion in order to get better for his family and friends.

Many of the stories here show exactly the type of person we saw early in the morning two days a week. He was one of us "crazy old men still trying to play basketball" that people around town talk about.

I am not sure what he said about us, or if he even mentioned it, but we all talk a lot about him. We are all much better people for getting to know him!

And Dave...wherever you are, you still need to quit fouling and work on your jump shot!

Thank you for playing! You will be missed!

David sent me this picture about 18 months ago. A cousin of his had found it and sent to him. A group of 6 medical students/close friends - simply referred to themselves as ASHAWI: Lekan Ajai, Akinola Smith, David Hart, Kunle Ayonrinde, Alex Williams (RIP), Chuks Ikemba. This picture might have been taken in 1985 or 1986, as Alex is not in the picture. From left to right, Ikemba, Hart, Ajai, Ayonrinde. Sitting, Smith. It is full of unspoken memories. Now there are 4 of us. God brought us together for a reason, and I'm sure we will all meet again. Sleep peacefully, my friend. Sleep peacefully.

Kunle Ayonrinde

This is truly a sad passing.  Dr. Hart, you always knew how to brighten someone's day and bring a smile to a face.  As your PCRM at the Ross, I loved when you were on service and we would get to round with you.  My favorite memory is the time when the frame on my glasses broke and I had to wear my prescription sunglasses so that I could see.  You came in the next day wearing sunglasses (which you did all through rounds).  How that made me laugh.  I missed you when you left OSU and I miss you now that you've left this earth.  May you find peace in your next life and may we meet again,

David lived up to his name "Hart" He was truly a man that was carring and loving to all he knew, just full of life!  Working with you made the day so much better and fun!  Then our kids played College Bound basketball over the summer together,  It was great to see you there with your boys.  You had such joy on your face watching them play.  I still find myself looking at the door each time it opens for you to walk in with a big smile and open arms, never letting on that you may not be feeling well,still happy with nothing but positive words to say. 

"I feel a warmth around me like your presence is so near, I close my eyes to visualize your face when you were here, I endure the times we had together they are locked inside my "Hart", as long as I have those memories we will never be apart.  Till we meet again David I will hold them tight."

I'm sure you are "Crack-a-Lacken" up there right now!  (Mill Run Joke)

Karen & Kids, May God hold you all tight through these hard times.

Till we meet again...."RIOS" as you said.

I had the pleasure to work with Dr Hart at the OSU Circleville office. The first day I met him I thought how am I going to understand him with that accent.  As days went by not only did i understand his accent I also understood he was a brillant doctor. Dr Hart was also wonderful friend to myself and my family.  I will miss you Dr Hart.
 

 

This picture was taken April 9, 2013 at the school track meet.  David and Karen were there to cheer on Karibi who was running track.   Karibi, you had some awesome sprint times and your dad was quite proud of your effort.  It was a sunny day and even if it weren't, David's infectious smile could brighten anyone's day.  I clearly remember standing on the hill with David overlooking the track when I asked David if I could take his picture. I'm so glad to have known David for even a short time.  To Karen and the kids, I know David is watching over you from Heaven above. 
Rich Szabo 

My brother David!! “Magavee Stone” that’s what he called me,  who knew that summer we saw you was going to be the last? we have known you for well over 20 years, Golozo so much longer and it was at your wedding that I ended up meeting and eventually marrying Golozo, you have been an integral part of our lives, whether admonishing me with “hey, hey my friend”, or simply advising me as only a big brother will do, or just in there with me teasing my dear sister Karen regarding the “principle of the shrimp” or “Frizzy Hair”, or taking on your best dish ever in the kitchen “beans”, to be helped sometimes with that “Shito”, those were the days in Camden….the memories

You always had that glint in your eyes so full of life itself.  Karen, Karibi, Sonari and Damiete,  Your Husband, Your Dad, was a great man, larger than life and loved you very much, God will comfort you and be with you, it is well with you!

We shall miss you David; Golozo, Reni, Keji and I, but we rest assured that you are resting in the Bosom of our Lord. 

David Went to Jesus, Goodnight David……

Adekunle, Betty, Reni and Keji Ajayi

David T. Hart, M.D:  I know you as "Fila" at University of Ibadan Medical School. We played Chess at Alexander Brown Hall at University College Hospital. We are both American-trained Cardiologists and belong to multiple professional Cardiac organizations in USA.

You came into this world like a shining star. In 47 years, you have accomplished what most people will not achieve in 100 years. You became a doctor at age 21! Most people do not even know what they want to do in their life at age 21. Despite the academic rigors, the physical demands and unlimited agitations required in this profession, you always had internal fortitude to always move forward with big smiles on your face, even in the face of adversity.  I never saw you without your infectious smile.

Only God knows why you left us so early. Maybe you have completed what He sent you to do on this earth. Specifically, you worked really, really hard on this planet, my friend. He said, it is time for you to rest. God has called you home to come and rest.  Rest in peace, my friend.  May God rest your soul and May you rest in everlasting peace.  Amen.

 Abraham A. Ariyo, M.D. (1988 U.I. Medical School classmate)

I was given the great opportunity to share an office with David at OSU.  Singing, smiles, and yes 50 push ups in the office every morning before going off for the long day in the EP lab.  Seriously!  What a guy!  Your laughter and infectious smile will always be remembered!

David - such a fun vibrant guy and so tenderhearted.  Great personality!!!!.  You had a special greeting and a personal relationship with everyone. " Da Toni" is how you hailed me.  I remember how you called me to the side on my wedding day, many years ago, and like a big bro gave me a few nuggets of wisdom( in pidgin of course.)  You are truly a great loss!!! Rest in God's perfect peace, Fila.  May God give extra special comforting to Karen, your children and loved ones.   

As Biola said, in 'David speak' my name was Kanwuli!! Always said with great joy and gladness. This wonderful man who has left us had a wonderful knack for making everyone feel wanted, loved, cherished. Its been five years since I saw him but I have too many good memories. From the days of malibu and pineapple juice to many outings in the old ramblng green plymouth voyager van that I used to drive back in the day. When I dared to sit with the guys watching football or basketball or some sports coverage on ESPN, David would tease me and tweak me to get into some heated argument, just to make me feel welcome.

That's the thing I loved most about David. He awlays always always made you feel welcome. In his company,you never felt you didn't belong or that you were different. There would be something you shared, even if it didnt make sense to anyone else.

I am happy and grateful to God that I got to experience the phenomenon that was David. I am happy that I got to share in the joy and laughter he brought into so many lives. I am glad he has left so many of us, individually and collectively with great memories. I am glad that he has gone to a much much better place. And I know, if there is laughter in heaven, surely David will be in the thick of it, giving a command performance.

What a wonderful friend and co-worker! I had the priviledge of working with you at Berger, FMC, and Adena. I remember teasing you saying "Are you following me" You always greeted me with that contagious smile! Your love for what you did was also contagious. Watching the look on your face when you "got it" was unforgettable. Your love of what you did was so apparent that it made me fall in love with it too! You made work so much fun! It came full circle when you became my daughters cardiologist. I knew what was going to happen, but had never been on the opposite side of the table.  Even though she was 23, she was still my baby, and a scared little girl, on that cot waiting for her EP procedure. You made us feel as part of the family. SO considerate and concerned. You made a very scarey day bearable for this mom. When she returned a few months later for her ablation, you were just as caring! You made my whole family comfortable. You were a wonderful physician, a wonderful friend, and will NEVER be forgotten. May God bless your family during this time. I pray for comfort for them.  

This is going to be short.

It was a late night. Karibi, Sonari, and I were sneaking downstairs for popcorn for our movies/tv shows. While in the process of popping, and getting drinks and candy, Uncle David came to the kitchen. We were all a little scared because we had been caught, however, he simply asked us if that was all we wanted, and let us go on our merry way. That was the uncle I remember, and will sorely miss.

My brother, David! 

I have gone through all your pics, read as many of the threads on FB as possible and re-read our messages to one another. The latter particularly tickled me – “The Jap” you hail me as usual and as only about 5 or 6 people know that moniker. I guess many more will now. You then add “Ajani”, as again, only those 5 or 6 people know. On my last birthday greeting from you, you played with it and went with “Ajani the literary marauder”. I had a laugh about it then and I smile even now. I called you my “Egbon” (older brother) as you were two days older than I am and I acknowledged that I could not create those two days to gain them back in time. Now, I wish I could create days and conjour them back but, alas, I cannot.

Many moments have crossed my mind as I have run many a marathon in my head over the course of the day. Was it Café Wha, Downtown Manhattan, or was it several of us renting a van to head out on a weekend night shortly after I arrived the US and you and yours (my sis’) welcomed me into your home – my first home in the US. The moments you, Tami and I would take turns cutting each other’s hair or Ms K. cooking us up a meal. I also once remember arriving NY at 1am from Chicago for a job interview without my luggage arriving with me. You put in a few calls to your colleague who was a little smaller than I was and hey, presto! There was a suit. I still recall us laughing at my gait from the suit pants that were somehow and somewhere too tight. Unrelated to the suit pants, you teased me often about the way I walk, going on about the “movement” and then got me into “King of the Hill” and the “Simpsons,” a testament to your wit and sense of humour. 

Many have written wonderful things about you as the day’s gone by - a testament to how you touched people on this side of the great divide. I will not repeat them but I, like most, know each one to be true. Terms such as wonderful, kind, warm, brilliant, great friend, colleague, mentor, honor, joy, privilege, fun, caring, loving and more have all been used to describe you. Most especially, we know you to be a fantastic family man, loving and caring husband, father and brother. Even from your workplace, the same terms are used to describe you. Simply put, you were amazing!

You wrote me once while we chatted that “I am so glad that after our long winding waka (walk), we finally found God and Jesus. No greater joy than that”. My response was that “The waka (walk) [was] long and windy and one lived but [there's] nothing like coming into the knowledge of God”. Our God needed you by his side at this time, my brother, and it is something that we cannot take issue with. Till we meet again. Till we meet again. God bless and keep you well until we meet again. Amen.

Dave, you were an incredible guy and we saw life from the same perspective, happy go lucky and laughed all day long.  Rememeber the joke about tall boy...... dont take Dave?  

My parents were so shattered to hear about your passing, I remember our exchanged visits when they came visiting me in Michigan, after our vist to Columbus you remarked how this was the closest it has ever felt to being with your mum and dad who you lost when you were younger and how you would have wanted them to see you succesful and you're glad my folks saw you accomplished they sure were proud of you Davo.  Guess what Dave, we all saw you! You were a shinning star nobody could miss you, the joy and laughter you spread was simply infectious.  I have been reading with gladness and pride how good of a physician you were as a colleague and a healer.  

God Bless you Dave, I pray that He grants you eternal rest.  I have shed tears because I never got to say bye, I never even knew you fell ill again. I will miss you Davo, you never met my family, we were always going to catch up at some point!  Till we meet again my bro!