Harold Burton Hambley

Harold “Hal” Burton Hambley was born in Merced to Harrison Morton “Mort” Hambley and Irene Shaffer Hambley on November 26, 1928. He was followed 20 minutes later by an identical twin brother, William “Bill” Morton Hambley. They were welcomed by their brother Bob (12) and sister Dorris (10). Their mother was the 9th of ten children of Merced pioneers Richard and Katherine Shaffer. The boys graduated from Merced High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Hal, known as “Burt” through high school, was sent to Japan as a court recorder and Bill was sent to Korea but was later transferred to Japan. Upon discharge both boys attended Modesto J.C.

Hal graduated from Fresno State University with a B.A. in accounting in 1952. He was in the ROTC through college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. (later Captain) in the Air Force Reserve. He went to San Francisco to work as an accountant for Safeway Stores. Credit unions were in their infancy at that time, and he became manager of the Safeway Federal Credit Union (FCU) for17 years. After a short stint at Mare Island FCU, he became manager of the Ampex Corp FCU in Redwood City (10 years), and then manager of Merco FCU in Merced (14 years), retiring in 1993.

Hal married Joyce Williams in San Francisco on New Year’s Day 1954. They lived in the Bay Area for 27 years, primarily in Alameda and Redwood City, raising three children: Douglas, Linda, and David. He was active in family life with Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, swim meets, etc. The family hosted several exchange students and visitors through these years, from places such as Japan, Chile, and Europe. After returning to Merced in 1979, Hal and Joyce were very active with the square dance club Boots & Slippers. Hal was a longtime member and past president of the Greater Merced Kiwanis club. He especially enjoyed working at Kiddieland and running the Gator ride. He was also active in his church, and volunteered at the Merced County Courthouse Museum and Playhouse Merced. Hal is remembered as a generous, honest, and caring man with a wry sense of humor.

Hal was predeceased by his parents and siblings. He and his twin brother passed away within two weeks of each other. Hal is survived by his wife; children Douglas (Charling), Linda Hellesto (Jeff), and David (Heike); grandchildren Scott (Bailey), Heather (Andy), Emily (fiancé Michael), Donovan, Verena (Jesse), and Melinda (fiancé Zach); and great-grandchildren Cora, Shepherd, and Rowan.

Interment will be held privately. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Merced, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, or the charity of your choice.