Richard Glenn Hall

A week ago, my grandfather died unexpectedly of pneumonia at age 85. We knew he was dying, but the sickness came over him pretty quickly, so I wasn't really prepared for him to go. I regret that I didn't talk to him more before the end. I always swore there was more time. I guess I was wrong. So I wrote his obituary, which I'd like to share.

Richard Glenn Hall, 85, Pueblo, passed away at his home on November 3, 2011. He was surrounded by his loving family. Richard was preceded in death by Jennie "Rae" Rachel, his wife of 30 years. He is survived by his children, Charlie (Delene) Hall and Tammy (Mark) Johnson; five grandchildren, Charlie Jr. (Jessica), Nick (Pam), Chris, Katie (Larry) Rice and Jeremy (Kristi) Johnson; and nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Gabrielle, Dominick, Adam, Deion, Bradley, Kiah, Nyka and Colton.

Richard retired and closed his business of 60 years, Frigid Equipment, in 1998. He served in the Army Air Corp in World War II as a Flying Crew Chief on B-17 bombers, earned the nickname "Putt-Putt Hall", and was honorably discharged in 1946. Flying was in his blood by then, and in 1947 he earned his private pilot's license. In 1948, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, and for over 25 years flew missions for Search and Rescue, attaining the rank of Captain, Major, and eventually Commander for the Pueblo Chapter. His pride and joys were his planes, his BT13 military trainer and his Supercub. Richard loved telling stories from his days as a pilot, and it was obvious that his times in the sky were the best of his life. He loved to putter around with mechanical equipment and engines, and he was fond of telling stories of his various (mis)adventures to anyone who'd listen. He encouraged people to learn at least one new thing every day.

Eternally young at heart, Richard didn't want people to dwell on their loss or grief, so he requested that he not be given a funeral. However, his family will be holding a small reception at his home in Pueblo West at 5 pm, November 5, 2011, to celebrate his life. He will be cremated and his ashes will be spread with his wife's. Together once again, their souls will fly off into the wild, blue yonder, climbing high into the sun. Online condolences, www.georgemccarthyfuneralhome.com.