Don Hall
1932 – 2020
Soaring high was Don Hall’s specialty. An Air Force veteran, he started his work in aviation in 1958, flying a DC-3 for Pacific Airlines. His career highlight was becoming a captain for the 747. Don retired for Northwest Airlines, flying routes to Asia.
But other things kept him grounded. He loved his family. Nothing mattered more than his children, and he was a devoted and patient grandpa.
Don was born in Oakland, then finished high school in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He returned to California, graduating from UCLA. Criss-crossing the country at an early age laid the foundation later in life for Don’s love of traveling, which he was grateful to do on a personal and professional level.
He also enjoyed bicycling and boating. Don chartered sailboats in the Caribbean, once sailing with friends to Cuba. After he left the skies, he took to the sea on his boat, “Eagle.” The San Francisco Bay was his favorite place to play, and he especially loved anchoring at Angel Island for a weekend. He found seeing spectacular sunsets heavenly.
Music was an important part of Don’s life. His tastes were eclectic – Muddy Waters, George Jones and The Three Tenors, among others. He also made music that blew – he loved his harmonica.
His varied interests extended to his love of reading. You could find a John Adams biography on his bookshelf next to “Arabian Nights” and “The Hot Zone.” One of his favorite genres was historical nonfiction.
Good food is often better than fiction and Don loved to indulge. He liked his sausage spicy, his chocolate cake bittersweet and his Bloody Marys strong. When paired with good conversation, the food tasted even better.
Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Suzan, and their daughter, Mary (Chris). Also survived by his children Michael (Connie), Catherine, Richard (Kathy) and Karen (Kevin) as well as his rother Steve (Judy), 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charities that help animals.