July 14, 1927 - February 11, 2023
Hale began his adventurous life in Blue River, B.C. In 1935 he moved with his parents, Laura and Stanley Harrison and older sister, Eleanor to Vancouver, where he later studied his passion for mechanics. He worked in garages throughout the war, fixing motor bikes and riding a Harley.
In 1948 Hale moved to Kamloops to use his mechanical skills to help his sister and her husband at their small sawmill. In 1950 he continued his growing interest in airplanes, and became an airplane engineer as well as a pilot. He worked several years for Queen Charlotte Airlines who were breaking into new territory serving the post war boom up and down the BC coast. He emigrated to California in 1957 and established an aircraft repair shop at Santa Monica airport, maintaining newly popularized personal aircraft. In 1963 he moved back to Blue River along with his prized Cessna 180, which he had flown throughout Mexico and Central America.
He was happiest when he was flying. A talented mechanic, designer and machinist, he gave unselfishly and generously of his time, talent and wisdom to help others fulfil their dreams.
After working for BC Hydro for many years he retired from the power plant in Shalalth to the Sunshine Coast in 1988. His new passion became sailing his beloved catch, the Alatar.
He leaves behind three step-children, Keary Conwright, Dean Conwright (Lorna) and Audrey Lanoue (Ron); seven nephews, Stanley Coster (Anne), Michael Coster (Norma), Greer Coster (Pat), Angus Coster (Leanne), David Coster, Leo Coster (Sandy) and Ian Coster (Catherine); one niece Lorna Gresham (Hugh); and many dear friends.
Hale loved the Sunshine Coast and shared friendships he found in the Pender Harbour Power and Sail Squadron, at Friday lunches with the boys at the Village Restaurant, and monthly Brunch Bunch meetings. However you came to know Hale, he always found something in common with everyone.
A Celebration of Hale's life will be held at Coopers Green Hall, 5500 Fisherman Road, Halfmoon Bay on Saturday, April 29 at 2pm. For further information please contact 604-886-0548.
