June 19 1931—March 26, 2015
Peacefully holding his daughter’s hand, Hal died at 6:23 am on March 26, 2015 at the age of 83. Hal’s illness was just long enough for him to say goodbye to his family and many friends. The youngest of three born to Axel and Georgina Carlson, Hal grew up in Burnaby and was close to his Aunt Nell and cousins. Predeceased by his cherished brothers Bob and Harry. Hal married Kathy in 1952 where they had Tony (Tina), Tim (Donna), Mary and Karin. They lived in California where Hal had a Chevron Station and was active in Kiwanis. 
The family moved back to Victoria in 1966 and he worked in construction until 1983, when he became the Business Agent for the Painters and Allied Trades and worked until his retirement at 62. Kathy and Hal parted ways in 1981, but remained life-long friends and allies, right up to his death. Hal was an avid reader, a loyal father and friend and committed to making the world a better place. He believed all people deserved to be treated with dignity, receive fair wages and share in the wealth of this great country, and took whatever steps were necessary, including arrest on the picket line and subsequent jail time to fight for what he believed in. While a business agent, Hal become lifelong friends with Art Glass and Andre Pel and other “Brothers”—Ivan, Chris, Al, and Gary –whom he had coffee with twice a week for the last twenty years, and who visited him daily in the hospital. “Gumpy” loved his grandkids—Kate, Rachel, Seamus, Mallory Erik (Lauren), Wade (Sarah), Timothy (Emma), and their mother Michelle. Hal and Patty Mason were together the last 21 years. He was a loving support to Patty’s children Jenny and Jessica (Karl) and to her grandchildren Connor and Meghan. Hal had a big and loving heart and had plenty of love to go around. He loved Patty’s family especially her sister Annie (Greg) and Patty’s extended network of girlfriends, which he aptly dubbed the “Happy Gang.” All of our lives were enhanced by his kindness, humor, loyalty, and compassion. He taught us above all, never to shy away from standing up for what is right and how a society treats its weakest member is the measure of its worth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date–details to be published here in the weeks to come. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of North 4 at the Patient Care Centre for their tender and supportive care of Dad and of us. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
31 Responses
My dearest friend, Karin …..My heart goes out to you, Seamus, Mallory and to all of your family. I never had the opportunity to meet your dad, but I know that he was a remarkable man to have raised a daughter as wonderful as you are. Losing your father is so tremendously difficult, I know. Hugs and love sent to all of you.