Rick was born August 14, 1952 in Houston to Henry H. and Marie Jeanne Boulian Hartman. He attended Holy Ghost Elementary School, and then went to Strake Jesuit High School for two years before transferring to Bellaire High School where he graduated in 1970.

Rick worked most of his life as a photo retoucher for various companies, including San Jacinto Engraving Company. An accomplished artist, photographer and musician, Rick's art work included sculptures of wood and bronze, architectural models and photocompositions. His photographs and photocompositions mostly reflected his love for nature and wildlife. Rick played several musical instruments, but he was primarily a guitarist.

Rick died at home on March 2, 2014. Survivors include his parents, Henry and Marie "Meb" Hartman of Anderson; brothers, Deacon William "Bill" H. Hartman and wife, Sylvia, of Spring and John P. Hartman of San Carlos, AZ; sisters, Carolyn M. Westmoreland and husband, Charles, of Conroe, Margaret M. "Peggy" Younkin and husband, Justin, of Anderson and Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" White of Longview; his former wife, Lori Dunne, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a great number of friends.