Hal was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lived in Burnaby, then Surrey and finally Kelowna.
At an early age, he found passion and talent for the game of soccer. Whether Hal was playing, coaching, teaching clinics or certified as a National Referee, he was a man who was always respected for his fairness and dedication to the sport.
Hal was a proud member of the Vancouver Fire Department for over 35 years, retiring as a District Chief. He spoke fondly of the camaraderie he had with the “guys at the station”.
Hal was predeceased by his three wives, Dorothy, Pat and Anne. The first half of his life was spent in Burnaby, including schooling, his marriage to Dorothy and raising their three children.
His second marriage, with Pat, took him to Surrey, where he expanded his ‘family’ with Pat’s three grown children.
After being widowed, Hal moved to Sunrise Village in Kelowna where he met his third wife, Anne.
Hal was born an “only child” so he thrived on the love from his large family including his children, their spouses, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren followed by his “Step Families” with their children, their spouses, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Hal was a kind and good friend and neighbour. He also loved animals, especially dogs. It was through his love of dogs that he met many of his friends!
While living in Burnaby, he was a big part of the ‘Hilda Street’ gang. In Surrey, his next door neighbours became his best friends and travel buddies. In Kelowna, again his next door neighbours became his very close friends and remained so right to the end.
Hal loved live theatre, and enjoyed attending shows in Vancouver, Las Vegas and had years of seasons tickets at the Actor’s Studio in Kelowna.
Travel was a huge part of Hal’s retired life. He collected over 400 days of cruising on ships all around the world. Bus trips and junkets added to his list of adventures and he relished those travel memories.
Hal will be greatly missed by all his friends and family, from Burnaby to Kelowna.
One very special friend was Shirley, his neighbour in Sunrise Village and again in Hawthorn Park. Shirley is a fabulous cook who spoiled him with wonderful meals and treats over the years. She was also his crib playing and curling watching buddy and remained a dear friend always.
In Kelowna, for those who knew Hal, they also knew his stepdaughter, Marilyn. She was his guide and support and his truly good friend. The two shared many laughs and tears together with their unique and deep bond.
A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers at Orchard Manor. They connected with him, loved him and supported him through his life there and even more so as his health declined. They treated him like family and there are not enough words to show appreciation for the care he received.
In his final days, there was one particular memory that was special to Hal. It was his VIP adventure to Disneyland with Shannon. Hal had coffee and ate croissants while his step-granddaughter rode Thunder Mtn 10 times straight. Then together they rode Pirates of the Caribbean 12 times. No line ups at 6:30 in the morning!
Hal said that when he left this world, he was going to go to Disneyland. We hope he sees his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from there. While he has coffee and croissants, of course!
Bon Voyage, Hal/Dad/Pop
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18