Richard F. “Dick” Hall

Dick passed peacefully, December 13th, surrounded by family.

He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in his hometown, Falls City, NE. Dick earned his Bachelor of Science from Rockhurst University in K.C. MO, followed by a Masters in Chemistry at the University of Utah. Following graduation, he was employed by Hercules Corp, working in propellants. Dick and family spent two years in Florida while he worked for Olin Corp. They returned to Utah, and the beloved skiing, when he joined Hexcel Corp to work in composites. He retired from Hexel as an IT Manager.

Dick was an avid skier. He learned to ski as rehabilitation after recovering from injuries sustained in Viet Nam. He skied in Germany with other amputee skiers demonstrating adaptive equipment designed at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Colorado. His move from Missouri to Utah for graduate school allowed him access to ski slopes. Dick continued to ski, became a nationally ranked ski racer and taught other amputee skiers.

He was the ultimate sports fan. Dick also dedicated much of his life to coaching. Dick’s coaching career began in Falls City with a baseball team. He continued coaching in Utah for over 30 years including baseball, football and lacrosse.

After retirement, Dick dedicated himself to additional volunteering. He joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Ambrose Parish where he was a fourth-degree knight. Dick volunteered at the Lee Kay Gun Range. He enjoyed deer hunting with his Viet Nam brothers and pheasant hunting with his brother, Mike, and nephews. His favorite hunting achievement, with the assistance of sons and friends, was a moose in Idaho. (Affectionately named, Walter.)

As a gifted storyteller, Dick is remembered by children (young and grown) for his tall tales about alligators and as the master of knock knock jokes.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Richard M. and Vivian Hall; sisters, Josephine Mez, Mary Jane Hall, and Margaret Hall.  Dick is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Richard Jr. (Alis), Christie, Daniel (Jen), and Matthew (Madeliene); two brothers, Mike (Lana) and Pat (Pam); and six grandchildren.

A vigil will be on Thursday, January 30 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. The recitation of the rosary will be given at 6:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 31 at 10:30 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 E Redondo Ave, Salt Lake City. Richard will be laid to rest following mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 275 U St, Salt Lake City.