Harold Fardal Obituary

Harold ("Hal") Fardal

Harold "Hal" Fardal passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on January 6, 2013 at the age of 82. Hal was born on March 3, 1930 in Webster City, Iowa and grew up in the nearby town of Stanhope. The youngest of three children, he took early to the pursuits of academic excellence, athletics and music. He graduated from St. Olaf College, the University of Wisconsin, and Yale Law School and also studied in Olso, Norway on a Fulbright Scholarship. Hal served in the intelligence unit of the US Army during the end of the Korean War and was discharged honorably in 1955. After law school, he moved to Seattle, where he knew only one person. He quickly found his first job in law at Keller Rohrback, where he became a partner and continued to practice until his retirement 47 years later. In 1962, he married his beloved wife of 50 years, Geraldine ("Gerry"), a singer and teacher. They had two children while living in Seattle, then moved to Mercer Island where Hal served on the local school board, ran endless miles while training for marathons, listened to hundreds of Mariners games on the radio while working in the garden, and forged countless lasting friendships. In his spare time, he enjoyed composing funny poems, managing the law firm softball team, researching his "100% Norwegian" family history, singing Tom Lehrer songs, and watching the eagles and hummingbirds who alighted in nearby trees. His motto was "Carpe diem," and he indeed seized every day, accomplishing so much even at the end of his life as he battled cancer. In addition to his wife, Hal is survived by daughter Karen of Seattle, son Mark of Hadley, MA (Kimberly), two granddaughters, his sister Ann Carlberg, brother-in-law Robert (Sally), and a large network of extended family, colleagues and dear friends. He was the definition of a good man - honest, decent, kind, generous, loyal - and will be so very missed.

A celebration of Hal's life will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 23, in the Sanctuary of East Shore Unitarian Church, 12700 SE 32nd Street, Bellevue, WA, where he was a member of the church choir and congregation for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to your favorite education-, arts-, or health-related charity in Hal's honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Fardal

9 Entries

Pete Lewicki

January 14, 2021

I will always have very fond memories of Hal, his beautiful smile and his open, friendly receptiveness.

February 4, 2013

Mrs. Fardal and Family,

I have thought about what to write for a while now and I continue to come up with the same phrases and words -- "Carpe Diem," "Seattle Mariners," and "tomatoes." I had the pleasure of enjoying an exchange of emails with Hal about Seattle Mariners baseball tickets. It was clear to me that, though retired for a while, Hal never forgot his friends who enjoyed going to a baseball game. So, he and I would put our heads together and identify afternoon games that fit their schedules. Also included in his emails were short progress reports and possible delivery dates of the sweet, neatly packaged tomatoes. He told me their names, but I must admit, I don't remember, but I do cherish the love experienced in every bite. And, finally, Hal would never fail to write "Carpe Diem" in his emails and as a result I have held these words in my spirit to remind me to seize the day and seize the moment no matter what. Blessings and peace to you all.

Rev. Valerie A. Smith

Ellen Seibert

January 25, 2013

I have been thinking of your family, Gerry and Karen, in this time of loss. I did not know Hal very well but always admired his family so much and loved playing and singing music with you so many years ago, Gerry.
Ellen Seibert

Lori Kramer

January 23, 2013

Harold always had a way of making each person he talked to, feel like they are the most important person in the room. He will be missed!

January 22, 2013

To Jerry and family: God's peace to you all. It will be a pleasure to see Uncle Harold again in a perfect world. Mark Kluzek

Patricia Malatesta

January 22, 2013

Jerry and Family,
I send my sympathy for the loss of your loving husband. I remember Hal when he so skillfully served on the School Board. The MI community benefited by his selfless service. Bless you and your family.
Patricia

Darla Marshall

January 22, 2013

Hal will be missed very much. He was a wonderful sweet man.

Sally York Brown

January 20, 2013

Hal Fardal was a brilliant nice guy, who helped Mercer Island grow in many ways. I enjoyed interviewing him for the Mercer Island Reporter and his honesty and humor were so appreciated.

Peter Lewicki

January 20, 2013

Hal was a good man. Well remembered by many who knew him. He was a regular on the 201 bus from Mercer Island into Seattle in the 70's, and participated in spirited discussions of the events of the day.

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