Harold Frank Margolin

On February 2nd 2011, Harold Frank Margolin, age 78, passed away in his home in Santa Cruz CA, watched over by Marcia, his beloved wife of 58 years.

Born in 1932, Hal grew up on a dairy farm in Hudson, New York with his parents Rudolph and Sonia, and his sister Alice. When his father died, the three moved to Israel to join his mother's family. His intense love for this extended family and Israel itself fueled a passion for world affairs, and resulted in extensive travels throughout his life.

After returning to the States, Hal attended college at NYU. His best friend introduced him to a visiting cousin, Marcia Diane Zimmerman, they fell in love, and he subsequently followed her to her home in California. In 1951, as a result of the Korean Conflict, Hal was drafted into the Army. He returned to the east coast where Marcia joined him and they married in 1952. They endured a two year separation while he was stationed in Germany, serving as a corporal with his company, which ran the Berlin Airlift. Following his discharge Marcia joined him overseas for their belated honeymoon. They traveled throughout Europe for six months, and visited Israel, where he was able to introduce his new wife to the family he loved so much. They then settled in California to begin their new life together.

Hal and Marcia both attended UC Berkeley, where he studied the Economics of Transportation. While in Berkeley their daughter Robin was born, and following their graduation, after relocating to Southern California, their son Jeffrey was born 2 years later. Hal embraced fatherhood with a sense of responsibility and purpose. He was a proud and loving father, sharing his perceptions of life and the world with his children. He involved himself in all aspects of their growing years, and supported their choices in life unfailingly.

In his professional life, Hal embraced the demanding world of the garment business. He held executive positions with a number of high-profile companies both in Sales & Marketing as well as Operations. With the knowledge and expertise he gained during this time, he moved into his ultimate career, founding his company, Yucca Trail Sportswear in Venice, CA., designing and manufacturing leather clothing.

During the late 60's and early 70's, while raising his family and building his business, Hal's interest in world affairs and politics came to the forefront. He was vehemently opposed to the war in Viet Nam, and began to involve himself in the world of activism, committing himself to such groups as The Individuals Against the Crime of Silence". This involvement was the beginning of a lifetime of community and social service, where he was able to contribute his energy to the causes he embraced.

After a number of years, Hal and Marcia decided to seek a better quality of life for themselves, their children and their employees. They found and fell in love with Santa Cruz, and along with many of their employees made the move in 1973. Hal was an innovative, compassionate and generous employer who respected the individuality, creativity and integrity of his employees. He created a one of a kind workplace environment that became a model for many young entrepreneurs.

Santa Cruz offered Hal many outlets for his interest in social reform and community activism. He became involved with Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center serving as a business consultant and Board member. He also served on the Board of Live at Home Foundation, and other groups. Additionally, his long experience in the business world propelled him into acting as a consultant to many small businesses in the Santa Cruz area. After the onset of his health issues he discovered the organization that became near and dear to his heart for the remainder of his life, the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana, or WAMM.

In the ensuing years, Hal's health was complicated by multiple issues. He fought valiantly to hold onto the rich life that he and Marcia had built together.

We'd very much like to acknowledge the compassion and professionalism of Heartland Hospice, who helped take care of Hal during his last weeks. We also want to express our love and gratitude to all of our wonderful friends throughout the community of Santa Cruz.

Most importantly, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Valerie Corral of WAMM and her team of generous, selfless and steadfastly supportive compassionate caregivers. These loving friends helped usher both Marcia and Hal through his profound end of life experience, and will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service for Hal will be announced at a later date. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Hal and share condolences with the family.