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WESLEY KEITH HALL
Known as the "Underwater Indiana Jones", esteemed marine archaeologist Wes Hall of Wilmington, NC passed peacefully at home the evening of Monday, August 27. The cause is thought to be sudden heart failure. Wes was 59.
Wes made a difference in this world through the science he conducted and the lives he touched along the way. Friends around the globe remember him as an honorable man with a kind heart, determined spirit, zest for adventure and history, and an enjoyable sense of humor. He loved his family above all else.
Wes was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on November 21, 1952. His family moved to Jetmore, Kansas where he lived until he graduated from high school. Wes served in the United States Marine Corps until 1974 achieving the rank of Sergeant. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Arkansas and his Master's degree in Maritime History from East Carolina University in 1977.
Wes founded Mid-Atlantic Technology and Environmental Research in 1992, a marine survey, remote sensing, and coastal resource management firm that serviced the major ports and shipping channels along the Eastern Seaboard. His achievements include recognition from several states for his maritime heritage work, discovery of the 1677 French fleet in Scarborough Harbor, Tobago, and extensive work with author Clive Cussler's non-profit National Underwater and Marine Agency. Most notable was his 1995 discovery and identification of the Civil War era submarine, the CSS Hunley, in Charleston Harbor.
In his book, "The Sea Hunters," acclaimed adventure novelist Clive Cussler described his good friend Wes as "the kind of guy who would walk through a hurricane, a forest fire, and an earthquake while maintaining his set little grin, then step up to a bar, order a beer, and ask the bartender where the action is." Ralph Wilbanks, friend and professional associate of 40 years, said, "Wes was a great field archaeologist. He developed new techniques to get the job done more efficiently and cost effectively. He was a great guy to have on your side."
Wes is survived by his parents Lola Hall, Cliff Hall and wife Virginia, loving wife Boni Hall and step-sons Parker and Pierce Morgan, sister Katherine Attarzadeh and husband Ghodrat, son Myka Hall and wife Rene', grandchildren Chase and Meadow Hall, niece Chloe Bangs and nephew Alex Harmon.
A Celebration of his Life will be held Friday, August 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carolina Marine Terminal, 3330 River Rd., Wilmington NC 28412. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his name to: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or N.U.M.A., P.O. Box 5059, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by With love and beautiful memories, Boni.
This photo of Wes, cropped from a larger group photo published in The Royal Gazette newspaper (Hamilton, Bermuda), was taken in the fall of 1983 when he worked on the wreck of the Civil War Blockade Runner Mary Celeste off Bermuda. Wes was about 30 years old. Although I lost touch Wes after graduate school many years ago and didn't learn about his passing until yesterday, I remember him well. He was a true gentleman. He was also an asset on any project, partly because he could fix almost anything. I truly regret not having kept in touch with Wes, but I'm proud to have known him. "Fair winds and following seas," my friend. I'm sure you're missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know you.
William Stuart Morgan III
December 2, 2014
I served with Wes in the USMC while based at Charleston, SC. We both spent a lot of time searching the ocean and rivers for artifacts and the elusive Hunley. I had not heard from Wes until I read Clive's book and called the Dive Shop in Charleston. Who did I get on the phone but Ralph Wilbanks. I spoke to Wes several times about old times. We always planned to get together but sadly never did. I am saddened by his passing as I just found out about it. He will be missed by me for the rest of my life. I have several photos of us ....mainly getting ready to dive. Will miss you buddy.
Jim Armstrong
September 24, 2014
I'm just learning about the loss of Wes. He has always had a sacred place in my heart, for 40 years now. I am so sad and so sorry for the family. Hard to not think of Wes out there, somewhere, living large as he did. My heart breaks for Boni, Lola, Cliff, Myka.
Vicky Rudy
December 24, 2012
November 10, 2012
Boni: My name is Scott Chipman, I grew up in Jetmore, Ks. with Wes. The Kansas Heritage Center is doing a story on Wes and asked if I could provide them with a recent digital picture of Wes. I did not have one and was hoping you could send me one at: [email protected]
It is my understanding that they are wanting to include him in a book about famous Kansas people...including Dave Ballard (Titanic fame) who was from Wichita, Ks. I think about Wes often, as I know you do.....He was a fine man.
November 9, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Wes. He was a wonderful man, I was knew Wes when he began Mid Atlantic Tech, his drive, ambition and zest for life was contagious. He will be missed terribly.
Maggie Howard
September 29, 2012
Dear Boni & family, We never had the privilege of meeting your husband Wes but heard only good things about him from members of your family. We were so sad to hear of your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary & Don Waller
September 13, 2012
Dear Boni and Family: I want you to know how sad I was to hear of Wes's death. You have my sympathy and prayer that God will comfort you. Wes and I grew up together in Jetmore and spent many hours entertaining each other as children until we graduated high school in 1970. He was a fine person and his death has come as a hard blow to all of us who new him. Wes was a wonderful person and long ago friend......I will not forget him!
Scott Chipman
September 9, 2012
Boni: Just today have I learned of Wes's death and I am so sad. Sad for you and the boys and for our world to lose a great friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May his memory always be cherished and his life an example to be followed.
Linda Snider
September 6, 2012
Boni, Ross called to let Richard and I about Wes and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ross always loved the time he spent with Wes and was so greatful for all his help with his senior project. Wes was truely someone special. Ross hopes to visit you soon. Love, Susan Wittmeier
Susan Wittmeier
September 4, 2012
Would someone who attended the service please email me and tell me about it? I loved Wes with all my heart for over 20 years and found out about his passing too late to make it to the service. I would have loved to share that time with others who loved him as well.
[email protected]
Joanna Harris
Joanna Harris
September 4, 2012
Thirty-five years of friendship just wasn't long enough. Thank you, Boni, for the most beautiful and appropriate memorial service....on the river he loved, in a circle of friends.
Mary Ann
Mary Ann Werner
September 4, 2012
Wes was a fine man, a true gentleman, they didn't come better. It was an honor to be his friend and I will truly miss him.
Roy Peake
September 3, 2012
The world has truly lost another great person, we here in Trinidad & Tobago will all miss him dearly.
Wayne De Silva
September 3, 2012
Boni, My sister Linda, told me of your loss. It sounds as if your husband was a wonderful man. Know that my family is thinking and praying for you and the children during this time.
Pat Jones
September 2, 2012
Boni, You and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers.. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Tena Owings Musgrove
September 1, 2012
I can't imagine the project in Tobago without Wes. I am glad he at least saw it begin. He was exceptional professional and fantastic friend. I shall miss you, Wes!
Kroum Batchvarov
September 1, 2012
Wes was a true friend the bubbles in the champagne the world will be a dimmer place with out him in it.will truly be missed.will often be talked about. never forgotten!
Robbie
September 1, 2012
May the God of all omfort give you peace at this time.
September 1, 2012
I was shocked when Cussler called with the sad news of Wes' untimely death. We reminisced at length about the early years searching for Hunley. He was a great shipmate and real professional. His death is a terrible loss to his family, friends and professional associates. NUMA has lost a wonderful member of our team.
Clyde Paul Smith
Special Projects Director and Trustee
National Underwater and Marine Agency
August 31, 2012
"an enormous spirit, with a little grin,and a twinkle in his eye that made you feel as if he could see right through you, but accepted you as you were anyway" What a perfect description of the Wes. On Behalf of the Rockly Bay Research team in Tobago thank you Wes for your tenacity, your expertise, your wisdom, your humor and especially your patience! Your pack will truly miss the one and only "Lone Wolf"!
Jason Paterniti
August 31, 2012
August 31, 2012
I knew Wes when he was the Admiral's driver in Charleston (I was the Admiral's assistant). He was a super person then and was head and shoulders above other drivers. Never knew about his role in finding the HUNLEY. My deepest sympathy is extended to his family.
Sara Baker
August 31, 2012
This is very sad new. Wes and I worked on many projects together and I will miss him greatly. Although we hadn't crossed paths in several years, I always knew that when we did, it was like we had just seen each other the day before. He was truly one of the great archaeologists and an even better human being. I am proud to have considered him my friend. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jim Allan
August 31, 2012
Our friendship spanned more than 30 years....and a finer man I have never known. He will be missed always....
Shari Corn
August 31, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
August 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rugenal Anderson
August 30, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Jonathan Guetta
August 30, 2012
Boni,
I'm saying prayers for you and your family. I can't find the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that I'm thinking of you, Pierce, and your family.
Tiffany Forsythe
August 30, 2012
Boni my prayers & thoughts are with you & the family. Remember God is right there with you as you go through the passing of your husband.God will never leave you. Stay strong & keep the faith.
L'Tahnya Canty
August 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
My oldest/dearest/truest/"bestest" friend in the whole word. Oh, the stories 20 years can tell. I wanted 20 more. *sigh*
Tyme
August 30, 2012
an enormous spirit, with a little grin,and a twinkle in his eye that made you feel as if he could see right through you, but accepted you as you were anyway. a beautiful man, a wonderful, devoted husband to my sister, boni, who made her feel what a real love story is supposed to be. i will never get over knowing him and losing him. our family was profoundly honored to have him in my sister's life, in our lives. he will always have residence in our hearts. there is no other like "our" wes. we love you, and we loved how you loved our beloved boni and her boys, and the girls.
tina parker carlisle
August 30, 2012
i will never get over meetinghim, knowing him and losing him. by far, one of the most authentic individuals i will ever have the honor and pleasure to know and love, as a brother. our entire family will continue to be profoundly affected by his life and his love for my sister, boni and her family. wes will always have residence in our hearts.
tina parker carlisle
August 30, 2012
Wes and I were housemates at ECU during grad school and were colleagues since then. There was not a finer guy to work with in the field. The newspaper tribute captured his fine qualities perfectly. He was calm and thoughtful as an archaeologist and I always appreciated his sense of humor and character. Whenever we talked he would always speak of Myka with pride and love. I will miss him.
Bruce Terrell
August 30, 2012
Boni,
Thinking about you at this time and know the days ahead will be full of questions. Let the friends and family help and draw from their support and strength.
Linda Jordan, Burgaw North Carolina
August 30, 2012
Wes' contributions to archaeology were many, and he along with Ralph they were the guys to go to get the job done. Only they could have and did find the Hunley. Wes' friendship, calm and professional style, and the warmth and humanity that was apparent whenever you dealt with him defined what a fine person he was. I will miss you, colleague and friend. Travel safely across the bar.....
Jim Delgado
August 30, 2012
I always enjoyed time spent with Wes, whether at conferences, in the field, or after hours. Wes was good company and a fine archaeologist. I will miss him. My condolences go out to his family.
Christopher Amer
August 30, 2012
My thoughts are with you Myka, so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was amazing man. I see alot of him in you. Hugs & kisses.
Pam & Glenn Corkum
August 30, 2012
My heart breaks for you and your family, Boni. May God wrap you in His loving grace and help you through the days ahead.
Karen & Jim Booth
August 30, 2012
I am very sad to learn of Wes' passing! Wes was a cousin that I admired greatly growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Paul Hill
August 30, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss of Wes. He will be missed by many of his colleagues. Fair winds and following seas, Wes!
Chuck Meide
August 30, 2012
Simply at a loss to describe how I feel right now. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Wes' friends and family.
Brian Jordan
August 30, 2012
I am greatly saddened to learn of your loss. You will have the thoughts, love and prayers of my family to help you cope with this trying time. God Bless you and your family.
Jim Washington
August 30, 2012
I am just so saddened by the loss of your precious Wes! I pray you will find the strength to help you through this difficult journey. Lean on family and friends for support.
Cheryl Church
August 30, 2012
I hope the love and support of family and friends help you through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Susan Hahn
August 30, 2012
Boni I'm so so sorry for your loss. There are not words to express my sadness for you and your family. May God keep you close!
Mary Hoagland
August 30, 2012
Brenda and I are so saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague. Wes was one of the most dedicated archeologists that I have worked with over the past 30 years. His kind spirit, his smile, and more importantly, his presence, will be sorely missed.
Bob Johnson
August 30, 2012
I have never worked for a finer man. Wes was a gentleman and he will be missed greatly, but never forgotten.
Ryan McInnis
August 30, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
August 30, 2012
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