Cheryl Alexander over on the internet pen group Zoss List announced...



Heartbreaking :-(

Though in the last few months are chats had been but scarce, Hal's friendship goes back perhaps 8 years. Hal was not so old.

A talented repairman who not only restored a couple hundred of my pens, but engaged in insightful, sardonic discussion and banter along the way. His work was careful, thorough, and well executed.

His Channukah cards were creative and entertaining.

Discussions about his war experience (Vietnam) were enlightening.

Something of a hermit, Hal declined offers from several of us to join in at regional pen shows. I still believe he would have enjoyed himself, but that now is moot.

Over the years shared many 3 am long missives about the state of the world and about the state of our hobby (you think on-list pen politics can be pointed???). His medical illnesses were significant.

Hal was a kind, generous, sweet man whose good work and good cheer touched many of us in this hobby.

His death leaves a void in many of our lives.

His life had challengers, more than many of us experience.

He is missed.

-david

Yes, perhaps we all should take a moment to think about a man who has made such an impression on so many.

I've heard it said it's not what we amass that makes one memorable, but the people that remember us that determine whether we've made a difference. Hal is one who will be remembered fondly for a long time....

Thanks for the words David...

Warm regards,

Gerry

I don't know how I managed to miss this news, but I did. I read Cheryl's note on Zoss a few minutes ago as I was cleaning out my hotmail account. I very saddened to read of Hal's passing. While I never met him, he was, along with Frank Dubiel, one of the first to welcome me to the hobby. I needed advice on replacing a sac in an Estie J, my first ebay pen purchase, and Hal not only provided advice, he sent me a couple of sacs and Estie nibs gratis. That's the kind of guy he was. He restored a few pens for me and his work was as good as any and better than most. He will be missed not only for his pen repair skills, but for his kind spirit as well.
Rest gently Hal.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

I missed this too . Hal was very helpful to me on a number of occasions but (unfortunately) I had not communicated with him for the past 6 or 7 years.

As we say here in the UK: top bloke.

Martin

David, I heard you talking about this last night but had no idea it was so recent. My condolences.