Harold "Hal" Booth

HAROLD (HAL) BOOTH Passed peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2003 at the age of 72, after a lengthy illness. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Hal has lived in California since 1957 and has been a resident of Fremont since 1961. He is survived by his wife, Beth, daughter, Andrea, son-in-law, Ananth and granddaughters, Tara and Ava, son, Greg, daughter-in-law, Janet and their soon to be born granddaughter, Rebecca. Also surviving Hal are nieces and nephews living in Missouri, Iowa and Georgia as well as many dear friends throughout the country. An accomplished artist and teacher of Watercolor painting, Hal has enjoyed drawing since childhood. He worked as a commercial artist in Kansas City for several years before moving to California to teach. he completed his undergraduate work at the University of Kansas City and received his Masters degree in Art from San Jose State in 1959. His many years of creative expression include work in Serigraphy, Oil, Acrylic and Watercolor painting. Hal taught Art at San Lorenzo High School from 1959 to 1988. After retiring from teaching, Hal began his creative endeavors full time doing many Watercolor commissions and several mural paintings. In the local area his work includes the Historic Niles painting on exhibit in the Fremont Niles Library, views of the Mission San Jose and Pleasanton areas and several Bay Area historic homes. Hal's Watercolors are currently on exhibit at the Studio 7 Gallery in Pleasanton, the Artruckee Gallery in Truckee and the Firehouse Gallery in Murphys. During the past forty years his work has been included in exhibits in various locations throughout the United States. In 1993 Hal began teaching Watercolor workshops. His experience working with adults brought him great pleasure and he was privileged to teach in Southern France, Colonial Mexico and many northern California communities. Hal's other interests included the digging and collecting of antique bottles, reading historical novels and throughout the years, an avid interest in sports. While living in Kansas City he played semi-professional baseball and during his teaching career coached High School Baseball and served as a Little League coach. His exceptional talent, his friendly and fun manner and his enthusiasm for living will be missed by both family and friends. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Hal's life at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5th at the Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward. Those wishing to make a donation in Hal's memory are asked to do so to a non-profit -agency or charity of their choice. HAL BOOTH MEMORIAL ART FUND Donations may be made to support art instruction in Bay Area schools and community programs. Checks should be made payable to the HAL BOOTH MEMORIAL ART FUND and sent to the Hal Booth Memorial Art Fund, c/o the East Bay Community Foundation, 200 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, California 94612. The Booth family is sincerely grateful for your interest and consideration in continuting Hal's dedication to creative instruction for students of all ages. Chapel of the Chimes 510-471-3363 "Service of Marked Distinction" www.chapelofthechimes.com