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
Tony, Tina and Family
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.
I shed a tear today reading of Hal’s passing. My deepest condolences to all the family especially Tony and the boys. I will never forget Hal’s friendly face and how he always greeted me with a smile or a joke and treated me like I was someone special. He will be greatly missed !
Donna and Tim: I’m sorry to hear about your loss. From the obituary, your father sounded like a strong and principled man. I’m sure you will miss him.
Dear Tony and family,
Our deepest condolences over the loss of your precious father Hal. Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this difficult time. He had a wonderful life, enriched by the love of his family and friends. Take care of yourselves. Nigel, Renza and family.
I am so grateful that our paths crossed in this lifetime. Hal was such a good man! I will miss his kind demeanor and ability to make whoever was in his company feel so very special. Rest well Hal.
Hugs
Julie Spooner
Our condolences to all of Hal’s family and friends. Hal was sharp and witty and so sweet to my sis Patty and our nieces. We have great memories of our family trip to Vegas where it was hard to keep up with him. He so loved Edmonton winters! I swear his spirit passed through here this week…only to kick up yet another spring snow storm for his enjoyment. We loved you Hal and you will be missed by us all.
So sorry to hear of Mr. C’s passing. While my meetings with him were infrequent, he was always quick to recall a time many years ago when I was a meter reader and I was in his yard as he was under his car cussing and yelling at whatever broken part was frustrating him.
He was quick with a laugh and always was a welcoming man.
May his time with all of you bring cherished memories.
Kelly & Kim
xo
Hal had a wonderful way of making everyone feel so special with his warm smile and attention to whatever you were saying. I loved the support and respect he gave our friend Patty. He will truly be missed by our Happy Gang. ” Say not in grief, he is no more, but in thankfulness, he was.”
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the families. Hal was a loyal, compassionate and dear friend to us and many, many others. There was never a dull moment when he was around. Our Coffee Klatch meetings won’t be the same without Hal presiding over us. He will be sorely missed.
Love Frieda and Art Glass
Wishing you strength during such a difficult time. We have many fond memories. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Melanie and Lee Williams
Kurtis, Kristen and Kourtneay