Wilson Inlet section renamed Hart Cove in honour of “humble” and “quiet” community pillar Jim Hart

A section of Wilson Inlet has been renamed in honour of a “humble” pillar of the Denmark community, James (Jim) Hart, who died in February 2022 at the age of 93. The cove is located behind 107 and 109 Minsterly Road, Denmark. Mr Hart’s widow Ethel remembers Jim and his shenanigans fondly, recalling a boat he made out of tomato cases in the 1960s. “He lived here all his life and never went away very much, and his whole life has been out here on the water,” Mrs Hart said. A pillar of the community, Mr Hart was a volunteer fisheries officer, tow truck driver, ambulance driver, volunteer firefighter and football and tennis player. Mrs Hart and their daughters, Jennifer Berliner and Susan Franz, described him as a quiet and humble man who would rarely put himself forward for accolades and recognition and was quite happy to fly under the radar. “He was always helping people,” Mrs Hart said. Ms Berliner recalled a time when he lost his false teeth in the inlet and made her husband go out and dive for them. Rain, hail, or shine, Mr Hart would take family and friends down to the cove to fish every day and every afternoon. Mrs Hart said the family were delighted by the naming of the cove. “Jim would be beside himself, we all are,” she said. “We’re so thrilled to bits, and he would have been too, but he never would have expected it.” The family looked at having the section named after Mr Hart before he died in 2022 but found they could only submit posthumously. The submission to the Shire of Denmark council described Mr Hart as a beloved member and contributor to the community, and a show of more than 450 people at his funeral was a testament to the high regard he was held in within the Denmark community. The section was officially renamed after the shire received confirmation of approval from Landgate. Shire president Kingsley Gibson said the Denmark community was lucky to have individuals so dedicated to the community. “Community members like Mr Hart are the ‘Hart’ and soul of our town,” he said. “It is only fitting that this cove in Wilson Inlet be named in his honour, as it serves as a long-lasting reminder of his remarkable contributions and legacy.” Mr Hart is survived by Mrs Hart, his two daughters and son, Darryl Hart, and nine grandchildren.