Richard James Hale

Richard James Hale, passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 after an afternoon of prayers, and with family by his side. An Arizona native, Richard was born in Morenci, Arizona to Henry and Ruby Hale.

In his early years, he owned a Service Station called Richfield, enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also loved racing motorcycles in the desert, music (country and bluegrass especially), and taught himself to play the guitar and banjo.

Richard dedicated his career to the Fire Service, retiring as a Fire Captain for the Glendale Fire Department in December of 1997. His career included many notable contributions: he was in the first paramedic class for the Glendale Fire Department and was recognized as a skilled and experienced paramedic by his peers. He was a precepting paramedic who mentored paramedic students across the valley. Richard was in the first hazardous materials class; and assigned to the Phoenix Fire Training Academy as a Recruit Training Officer for the Glendale Fire Department.

Following the loss of his son Tim, a Phoenix Fire Fighter who lost his life in a line a duty death, Rich became heavily involved with the grief side of fire services. He began maintaining firefighters’ gravestones, and speaking to the recruits looking to become firefighters – something that later became known as The Hale Muster, which is intended to continue on as a part of his legacy. In retirement, Rich attended the Western School of Horseshoeing as a student to learn the art of shoeing horses, and later became a volunteer teacher. Honing the skills learned there, he developed a love for making custom hunting knives, learned the art of engraving, had articles published and has been featured in magazines. From his love of mentoring, he taught others techniques to improve their own skills both in online and in-person forums.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doloris Mae Hale. Richard and Doloris had two children – Timothy and Tonja, and also raised their niece, Elizabeth. Richard loved his family more than anything, and found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher and Judith Hale with their daughters Hallie and Hannah, Jacob Hale and his son Silas, Joshua Hale, Justin Hale and his wife Cidney. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ruby, son Timothy and daughter-in-law Karen.

A memorial is planned for Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Serenity Chapel located at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. The service will be followed by a placement at the Bell Tower from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Local 493 Fire Fighter’s Union – specifically the Member Services Division. Donations can be made online at: https://493foundation.com/products/donation-to-493-firefighter-foundation?variant=48042043310399 or sent via mail to: United Phoenix Firefighters Association, 61 East Columbus Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.