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NICK HART Family remembers Medford Marine killed in motorcycle crash 21-year-old had served in Persian Gulf Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 3:33 PM Updated Apr 6, 2015 at 4:36 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 3:33 PM Updated Apr 6, 2015 at 4:36 PM » Social News Nicholas Hart loved physical challenges, something U.S. Marine Corps recruiters assured him he would find if he joined up. Soon after graduation from South Medford High School in 2011, Hart reported for duty, glady anticipating the rigors ahead. "We were a little taken back, but not surprised because he enjoyed a physical challenge," said his father, Jeff Hart. "He was drawn by the challenge and by the quality of men the Marines developed. He was always very physically fit, active, and a rock climber." The 21-year-old corporal, who had served in the Persian Gulf and other far-flung posts, was most recently stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. But on March 27, with less than two months remaining on a four-year enlistment, Hart lost control of the Suzuki motorcycle he was riding near the junction of California Highway 76 and Interstate 15, and died in Falbrook from the injuries sustained in the crash. "Nick had great fun, but he knew his boundaries," his father said. "When it was time to work, he got the job done. He was very light-hearted and always had a smile on his face. He was a quick study and knew when to focus on the job." Hart was a radio operator in Banshee 3, of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was deployed on expeditionary units serving in Australia, the Persian Gulf, off China and Hawaii. Most recently, prior to his return to the mainland, Hart was posted to Okinawa, his dad said. "He had a leader's personality and was happy to help in training other people," Jeff Hart said. "Because his name was Nicholas and he was very giving, his friends in the Marines called him Santa." Nick Hart wasn't into the more traditional sports, but did play middle school football. Fencing, jiu jitsu and Ultimate Frisbee were more to his liking. "Nick liked working on motorcycles too, he was mechanically inclined," his dad said. The elder Hart said his son had only recently acquired the Suzuki, although he had previously owned another motorcycle. He liked working on cars, too, Volkswagens in particular, Jeff Hart said. Father and son fixed-up VW Bugs, one of which Nicholas drove during high school. The Marine married the former Mary Elizabeth English on Sept. 8, 2012. The couple planned to move to Eugene next fall, where he was to begin his studies in biochemistry at the University of Oregon. In addition to his wife and parents Jeff and Lisa, Hart is survived by sisters Crystal and Tiffany Hart, of Medford; grandparents Marvin and Norma Hart, of Medford, and Sandra Harms, of Boise, Idaho; and great-grandmother Gladys Babcock, of Boise. Private burial services will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery, and a memorial service will be held at noon Friday, April 10, at Applegate Christian Fellowship. By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 6, 2015 at 3:33 PM Updated Apr 6, 2015 at 4:36 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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