Richard ‘Dick’ Hall of Vulcan, beloved husband of the late Elaine Hall, passed away at South Health Campus in Calgary on July 3, 2022 at the age of 88 years.
Dick was born in Leeds, Quebec on Aug 31, 1933 to William and Emily Hall. The family moved west when he was about 5 years old. After being in Alberta for a few years, they finally settled in the Blackie area.
Dick did not finish much school as he was designated to drive his dad around who was a blacksmith among many things. He was granted a special license at the age of 12 to do this. At about 18 he started working for Dan McNiven Sr of the Vulcan area as a hired hand on his farm. At 24, he married Elaine Bride and started his life long work on the farm west of Vulcan owned by his father-in-law Harold and his father Wilbert. All lived on the farm at that time, only one house had running water. Four children followed Sherry, Marty, Julie and Rick.
Dick and Elaine worked and lived on the farm and soon had land of their own and started getting into livestock and horses. They eventually leased land on the forestry west of Turner Valley and had at one time approx. 300 head with a handful of horses too.
Dick and Elaine both enjoyed camping a lot in the foothills and at the cow camp in later years. They especially loved taking their grandsons with them. Dick also loved rodeo and would travel to the smaller rodeos nearby and watched them on TV as well. He was a cowboy at heart. Dick was always ready to lend a friend or neighbor a hand and always had a beer should you stop by.
Dick suffered from Lewy Body dementia in his last 5 or so years and was a resident at the Seasons Retirement Home in High River since 2019. The pandemic really restricted his visitors but he made friends there and always knew most people that were allowed to visit even recently.
Dick is survived by his sister Jesse McNiven, daughters Sherry Thompson, Julie Hebbes, sons, Marty Hall and Rick Hall. 8 grandchildren Josh Thompson (Chay), Jeremy Thompson (Megan), Justin Thompson (Samantha) and TJay Thompson (Jill), Lindsay Walker (Thomas), Courtney Hall, Gracie and Laura Hebbes. He had 12 great grandchildren Summer, Skye, Brendan, Mackenzie, Lane, Soren, Hadley, Briar, Rhett, Marisa, Ella and Maisie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick was predeceased by his wife Elaine, his parents, brothers Aubrey and James, sisters Annie, Ruby and Caroline.
A Funeral service will be held Monday, July 18, 2022 at 11 am at the Vulcan United Church. Interment Vulcan Cemetery. Casket bearers are Josh Thompson, Jeremy Thompson, Justin Thompson, TJay Thompson, Lindsay Walker and Courtney Hall. Honorary bearers are Gracie and Laura Hebbes.
In lieu of flowers tributes in Dicks memory can be made to Vulcan Health and Wellness Centre (Box 28, Vulcan, AB) or the Vulcan United Church, Box 275, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My condolences to the entire Hall family. Dick was a great man & a wonderful neighbour to grow up down the road from. Good memories!
He will be missed.
– Trish Dugdale-Vachon
Dear Sherry, Marty, Julie and Rick,
Know that we are thinking about you at this time. Your Dad was a great guy and, whenever we were near him, he always had a big smile and great story to tell. We were sorry to hear of his passing but, to use an old well-used vision,…we know that he has gone to join his old cowboy friends in the sky and once again ride his favourite horses and round up his cattle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children and grandchildren.
Sincerely, Leighton and Penny
Dear Sherry, Marty, Julie and Rick,
Know that we are thinking about you at this time. Your Dad was a great guy and, whenever we were near him, he always had a big smile and great story to tell. We were sorry to hear of his passing but, to use an old well-used vision,…we know that he has gone to join his old cowboy friends in the sky and once again ride his favourite horses and round up his cattle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children and grandchildren.
Sincerely, Leighton and Penny
Sorry I could not make it to the service. Dick will truly be missed
I could not make it to the service. Please accept my condolences to the whole family. He will be missed.
Deepest Condolences to Families and Friends of Richard! The Walkers remember his happy and giving attitude to every one he met. We pass on our love and strength to Marty , the family and all who knew and loved Richard.
Steve and Patricia Walker
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Dear Julie, Marty, Rick & Sherry,
Very saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. Although many years have gone by since I visited your farm, I remember coming to visit Julie back in the day and Dick was always so happy and pleasant.
My sincere condolences on your Dad’s passing.and hoping your fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
My sympathy goes out to all members of the Hall family at this sad time!
Dear Sherry and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. I did not know your dad well when we lived in Vulcan over 25 years ago but I do remember you, Josh, Jeremy, TJay, Justin and your mom. Your dad sounds like a terrific cowboy and you have some great memories of his pioneering days and ways. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Theresa and Gerry Henderson
Thank you, that’s so kind to remember us.