Hall celebrates 90th b-day

RANGELY I As the world continues to move ever more rapidly, it is grounding to take the time to reflect on the wisdom and experience of someone who has overcome challenging times with grace and humor. Norman Hall Sr., reminded me of this as he reflected on his journey starting with his birth on April 30, 1932, in Torrance, California. He and his mother relocated to Indiana in his first year where they lived until he left for the Navy in 1949 at the age of 17. He tells the story of how he had the choice of reform school or serving his country with a chuckle, but humbly remembers the second chance opportunity  offered to him. His service took him to Japan, Alaska and the Mediterranean Sea while helping him gain perspective as a young man in the world during the 1950s as the world was beginning to rapidly develop and increase in production. Hall served in the Navy until 1954 and cites his favorite place as Venice, Italy because he enjoyed its engineering style as a sinking city. 

In 1957, when he completed his service, he found a fulfilling purpose in family life. He married his precious wife Mary, which he still affectionately calls her even after her passing 24 years ago. Together they began their beautiful family of five children including three girls, a son, and an adopted daughter. The family now spans more than five generations and includes 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He recalled many precious memories including how his son, Norman Jr., surpassed him as a master mechanic while still in high school when they owned a small engine shop in Rangely. Norman shared a cherished memory of his daughter Brenda at a year old on the deck of a Navy ship being doted upon by fellow seamen while grinning ear to ear. He thanks Brenda for her dedication to helping him remain independent and strong. One of Norman’s favorite things is when the grandchildren seek his guidance in their lives, which happens frequently as the generations look up to him as a source of wisdom. Love has grown and been passed down from generation to generation. Norman has remained engaged in the community as he raised his family with Mary and since recovering from her passing. He lives vivaciously and puts his heart’s energy into all that he does. 

In Indiana, he worked for a furniture store that hosted a TV show called “The Houston Hollis Show.” He was the announcer and introduced each episode and the guests. Norman remembers taking classes to improve his English and dictation to be the best he could be at his job. His career brought him to Craig to run a furniture store. Norman and Mary moved to Colorado in the 1960s as Rangely began to experience a major boom. Hall has worked in furniture stores between Craig, Rangely and even Meeker when he took over a store there for a year when the owner was drafted. Hall worked in law enforcement, graduating from the police academy in Rangely when CNCC was called Rangely College and serving as the security supervisor there in charge of training interns. Serving Rio Blanco County as a sheriff’s deputy was one of the highlights of his career, he says, which he did for more than 30 years. Norman has held many successful sales jobs, as well, selling Rexair Rainbow vacuums, insurance, ATVs, and snowmobiles, and he even served as a judge in Colorado. He has been an employee of Moon Lake Electrical Association and even worked in the oilfield for a day. 

As he approaches his 90th birthday on Saturday, he participates in the community part-time at the Rangely Automotive Museum. Norman shared that the museum has five vehicles under restoration at this time that they hope to have ready to showcase at the Memorial Day season opening. Norman shares his faith through volunteering to teach the Book of Psalms at his local church, the Living Water Assembly. 

His advice to up-and-coming generations is to “stay busy” and always strive to keep moving forward. He has seen many tumultuous and prosperous times over the decades. As a witness to current events, he hopes that the country will find a way to “get back to the basics” as the way forward. Norman expressed deep gratitude for his family and cherishes each one of them. He is hard-working, dynamic, and certainly lives “way outside of ordinary.”  

There will be an open house to celebrate Norman’s birthday on Saturday, April 30 from 2-4 p.m. at the Assembly of God church located at 204 E. Rio Blanco Ave. All are welcome to attend to share their love for Norman and his family.