Hal first became prominent in the Palo Alto Lions Club because of his talent as a pianist. That was back in 1973, with the concours in its infancy. At its monthly club meetings, Hal was chosen to accompany the singing of "America."

Hal was a pretty good piano player. Besides playing in local dance bands, he was fortunate enough to play with such vocalists as Frank Sinatra, Patty Page, Billy Eckstine, Kay Starr and the Mills Brothers. He was also the organist for the Palo Alto Elks Lodge for more than 30 years.

Hal was a long-time friend of Craig Calkins and helped him organize the many details involved in executing the concours. He began by performing odd jobs that nobody else wanted to do. Like setting up and tearing down various exhibits and helping to lay out the field. For several years he worked in the information booth, and served coffee and doughnuts to the field workers. He was also bartender and greeter in the Patrons Pavilion. Most important, he has sponsored a car class trophy for the past several years.

Because the old Palo Alto Hospital is now the site of the senior lawn bowling green, Hal tells folks that he was "born in a bowling alley." He was a real "faculty brat" since he was the son of a Stanford professor. He graduated from "Paly High" in 1935, and when he attended their most recent reunion, he was the oldest graduate there. Hal earned a degree in economics from Stanford in 1941. After serving as a navigator in the Navy in World War II, he was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, then returned to Stanford's graduate school of business where he earned a BBA degree in 1947.

After graduation, he worked as an accountant for Price-Waterhouse and Co. Then he was employed for 10 years as a programmer and systems analyst by US Steel. Next he was employed as a computer manager by Ford Aerospace for 15 years, where he earned retirement in 1980. He worked as a consultant for several Silicon Valley companies before his final retirement from Rosenberg Capital Management in 1990.

Hal was married to Charmien Purdy in 1942, and they had three children, David and Stephen (both deceased) and Susan. After Charmien passed away, he married Marion Farrell, widow of Jack Farrell, who also had three children, David, Tom and Nancy. Marion was the first woman president of the Palo Alto Host Lions Club.

Hal and Marion have traveled extensively all over the world. In fact, the only continent he hasn't visited is Antarctica. Many thanks to you, Hal, for a job well done. The concours wouldn't be the same without your many years of energy and commitment. All Lions Club members extend their heartfelt congratulations!