Gerald (Gerry) was born and raised in the small town of McKinleyville, in Humboldt County, California. Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, doctors, and nurses at St. Joseph Hospital, he passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. In his 85 years, he experienced life fully, felt deeply, and was cherished in return.

Throughout his life, he valued the foundation provided by growing up in Humboldt County. He never imagined the remarkable life he would eventually lead. As a young man, he worked at local mills, service stations, area farms, and at the family restaurant known as the Bella Vista Inn, now Six Rivers Brewery. This was his home for the first ten years of his life, and in later years, when dining there, he would exclaim, “You are now sitting in my bedroom.” Living close to a steady flow of customers and being surrounded by friends and family, he learned how to work hard as well as be social with a great variety of people. It was there he developed the skills of a lifetime. He was a people person to the end and loved telling stories of the adventurous life he led.

As a young man, Gerry’s free time was spent playing sports or exploring the outdoors. In high school, he was an integral member of the 1957 undefeated Arcata Tigers football team. In one legendary game against Crescent City, he broke off five teeth during a tackle but didn’t miss a single play. It was an early glimpse of the true grit that defined his character. He loved to go hunting, enjoyed fishing, and also spent time water skiing on Big Lagoon. One time he even water skied from Eureka to Trinidad on the open ocean with lifelong friends Don Miller, George Berry, and Don Daniels.

Later he attended Humboldt State, where he met his wife Carol in the pottery studio, “helping her center her pots.” It was a love that would last three days short of 64 years. They were a dynamic duo that shared a full and meaningful life.

After they married, Gerry joined the Air Force, where he became a cryptologist. In his work, he was exceptionally gifted at seeing patterns and connections that others missed. He attributed his special skill at decoding to his dyslexia. Recognizing his abilities combined with his desire to serve his country was a union that would shape the journey of his life’s work. He was stationed in Texas, Germany, and was later recruited by the National Security Agency (NSA) in Maryland. He loved the challenges of his job and the people he worked with.

Throughout the course of Gerry’s career, he was recognized as a gifted leader and received numerous awards. They include three NSA Meritorious Civilian Service Awards; the Exceptional Civilian Service Award; a National Intelligence Medal from the Director of the CIA; and a Presidential Rank Award from President George H. W. Bush. He received the Cross of Honor from the Federal Armed Forces of Germany for his work at NATO and a special recognition from England’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. As a crowning achievement, Gerry was inducted into NSA’s “Hall of Honor” in 2016.

Gerry and Carol moved back to Humboldt County to rekindle childhood friendships and start new ones in their old stomping grounds. His retirement was filled with giving back to the community from which he started. When he was not outdoors, his activities included serving on the Board of Directors of the Clarke Historical Museum, the Eureka Rotary and then Mad River Rotary Club. He was also active in the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Humboldt County Pioneer Society. He was integral in supporting fundraising events and service projects.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol; sons Greg (Marja), Dan (Chris); and daughter Lisa. He also has five outstanding grandchildren. He was extremely proud of them all and excited about the future they will shape. He is also survived by one brother, five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, cousins, and numerous special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father George Hale and mother Matilda Ricci Hale.

Gerry was a force for good in the world that will be greatly missed. He loved his family, his home, and his country. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the people he touched, and the values he instilled. Memorial donations may be made to Clarke Historical Museum on behalf of Gerry Hale. The museum is located at 240 E Street, Eureka, California 95501.