Hal was born in San Diego, California, May 29, 1942.   Hal married Francie (also a Rotarian) in 1965, and they have two grown daughters, Marja who is living in Newport Beach, California, and Karin who is living in Siena, Italy. 

Hal did his undergraduate work in Biology and Forestry at Washington State University, his graduate work at Oregon State University in Fisheries and at the University of London, England in Zoology.  Following a post doctoral position in Toronto, Canada, and the high Arctic, Hal’s first job was as an assistant professor at the State University of New York, Brockport.  Hal joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1972 in Washington, DC, and moved to the Agency’s Research Laboratory in Corvallis in 1975.   He had a three year assignment as a senior scientific advisor with the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, returning to Corvallis in 1998. 

Hal was a charter member of The Rotary Club of Corvallis Morning.   He graduated from the Leadership Academy in 2000, has served as Club President, Director of International Service, Director of Club Service,  and Director of Community Service.  He has also served as the club’s Bulletin Editor, Membership Chair, Foundation Chair and WCS Chair.  Hal has served eight years on the District 5110 Youth Exchange Committee and chaired that committee for three years.  He is currently the Short-term Coordinator for Youth Exchange.  Hal was a member of the District Membership Committee, chaired the District Rotaract Committee, served as an Area Representative and is currently the Assistant Governor for Area 6.   Hal also is currently serving on the District WCS Committee and is the Chair of the Foundation Grants Sub-committee.  Over the years Hal and Francie have been host parents for several Youth Exchange students and hosted both GSE and Friendship Exchange Team members.  Both are multiple Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary Benefactors and members of the Rotary Bequest Society. 

Hal has his commercial pilot’s license and is a member of the International Federation of Flying Rotarians.  He and Francie enjoy traveling, hosting foreign students and visitors, and being with their families.