Donald Eugene Hall's Obituary
Donald Eugene Hall
1925-2014
Don was born in Maxwell, CA and grew up in the small town of Williams, CA. The Hall family had emigrated from Ireland, by way of Australia, and settled in Northern CA.
After Don graduated from Williams HS in 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces, serving as a gunner on B-24 and B-29 bombers. After his discharge in 1946, Don joined the California National Guard, becoming a commissioned officer and commanding several Infantry units.
Don got married in 1952. He and his wife Peggy produced four children during their marriage: David, Janet, Donald, and Andrew. Don taught his sons to play golf, and taught all of his kids the joy of catching a nice rainbow trout from a cold mountain stream. Although Don and Peggy divorced in 1990, they continued to effectively partner as parents until Peggy’s death in 2010.
After the war, Don became an accountant for Crane Company, but later found his true calling as a salesman of plumbing supplies. His career in the wholesale pipe and supply industry spanned 40 years, and Don earned many awards for his sales and management prowess. Don was also a mentor to a legion of young salesmen across the United States. He was a proud member of Rotary for many years.
Don finally retired at age 75. Despite failing eyesight and encroaching dementia, he lived independently in Arizona until 2006, when he came to the Pacific Northwest to live with his son Dave and daughter-in-law Sheryl. Don lived in several assisted living and home care settings until his dementia progressed to the level requiring specialized care. Don became a resident of the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil in March, 2013, where he received compassionate and expert care until the minute of his death.
Don Hall is survived by his children: David Hall (Sheryl) of Steilacoom, WA; Janet Gabbard (Michael) of Elsinore, CA; Don Hall (Sheila) of Manor, TX; Andy Hall of Phoenix, AZ. Don is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise Howe, and brother, Kenneth Hall, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, Don Hall was famous for his ready smile, sociable personality, and Irish tenor, breaking into song at every occasion. He really treasured being on any golf course. His family, friends, and acquaintances will truly miss him and his excellent qualities.
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