Obituary of Robert Wallace Hale

HALE, ROBERT WALLACE "WALLY" (1935 - 2014) - WOODSTOCK, NB R.W. “Wally” Hale, 78, of Fredericton, NB, passed away peacefully at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on Sunday, February 23, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Woodstock, NB on September 16, 1935, Wally was the only son of the late Robert and Evelyn Hale (nee Palmer). He described his childhood in Grafton, NB as “divided among a one-room school, the woods, and Cousin Ern’s shingle mill. Talk about fun, though!” He later attended public schools in Woodstock and the University of New Brunswick. Wally worked for a number of Woodstock area businesses in various capacities before joining the Canada Border Services Agency where he worked as a customs agent at the Port of Woodstock for over twenty years. Living by the creed “anything worth doing is worth doing to the hilt” Wally was a keen hunter and fisherman, avid bird-watcher, competitive pistol shooter, journalist and professional photographer. In later years, he combined his aptitude for technology with his passion for genealogy and local history, leaving a rich legacy of transcribed research materials which are now part of the New Brunswick Provincial Archives collection. Wally also published several works, the most ambitious of which was Province of New Brunswick Probate Records, 1785-1835 published by Heritage Books Inc. Those who knew Wally will remember him as an entertaining raconteur with a wealth of colourful stories collected over a lifetime. Wally is survived by his wife, Irma Trueman; two sons, Michael (Debbie) Hale and John (Ann) Hale; step children, Sherry Porter, Jayne Ashton, Andrew Griffiths (Wendy), Nancy Griffiths (Steve) and Joanne Griffiths (Jed); grandchildren, Robyn Hale, Deidre Hale, Brendan Hale, James Hale, Sean Hale, Katherine Hale, Willow Scullion and Chelsea Griffiths. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (nee Ash); his daughter, Frances Scullion; step-daughter, Lisa Porter and granddaughter, Ashley Porter. At Wally’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at 305 Reynolds Street, 3rd Floor, Social Room on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 3-5 pm. Donations in Wally’s memory may be made to Hospice Fredericton, the Carleton County Historical Society or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com