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Hal O'Leary Obituary
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28 Entries
Greg Brown
August 29, 2024
I had several instances' to hang with Hal. I remember each one. His office was a treasure trove of NSCD memories. See ya Hal.
Tara Phillips
December 18, 2023
I was in the Children's Hospital Ski Program. I started skiing with Hal when I was eleven years old. I absolutely loved skiing with everyone that was involved in the program. They were indeed some of the best years of my life!
Teresa Romero
October 24, 2023
I was in the disabled skier program in 1978-79 at Winter Park. I loved every minute of it. I had a wonderful ski instructor who was very kind and caring. Unfortunately I don't remember if I got to meet Hal or not. Because of Hal, a lot of disabled people got to do things they might never have had the opportunity to do.
Taressa Meeks
September 2, 2022
I met Hal in 1972. He took me under his wing when I was just 8. He taught me how to ski in Winter Part. I was privileged enough to be in the Special Olympics. I'm now 59. It's amazing that I remembered his name.
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Byron Pettingill
July 30, 2021
My wife and I were volunteer instructors in the ski program for 10 years. We had so much fun and have great memories! Hal encouraged and helped me get into the University of Northern Colorado’s graduate school to pursue a degree working with people with disabilities. I have practiced as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for 30 years .
I will forever be indebted to him for his wisdom and kindness. He truly was a great human being!
Steve Balcanoff
July 12, 2021
From all of your friends in CT, or as you often referred to us, your CT family, thank you for 40 years of wonderful memories.
Steve
Billy Dwyer
July 1, 2021
Worked for Hal as a ski instructor with adaptive ski program during the 1977-79 ski seasons.great guy ,did alot of good in this world and i am proud to have known him,worked for him.winter park will not be the same without him.Great American,SALUTE
Lee T.
June 17, 2021
My condolences go out to the O’Leary family. So sorry for your loss. Hal will be missed by many.
June 16, 2021
My condolences.
Stephanie Schell
June 14, 2021
May your legacy live on.
Stephanie D Schell
June 14, 2021
This opened the door for a lot of amputees in a lot of sports and recreational activities.
Krys Gieskieng
June 14, 2021
It really hard to adequately put into words what the NSCD means to me. I first volunteered in 1988 and had a wonderful 22 years. Hal changed my life; I will always remember him stopping by in the Balcony House to say hi or give some insightful pointers in a clinic. I still have my copy of Bold Tracks he gave me. Thank Hal we miss you.
Carla Burson
June 14, 2021
My husband, Bud, volunteered for Hal. Never a dull moment. The world has lost a hero. Carla Burson
Jenee
June 14, 2021
I am so sorry about the loss of Hal. His care and thoughtfulness as well as his contributions will never be forgotten! My condolences are with the O'Leary family. I pray that you will be surrounded by the love & support that you need. And may "the God who supplies endurance and comfort" (Roman's 15:5) be with you always.
Barbara Gebhardt
June 13, 2021
Back in the late 70's I was a Physical Therapist at Memorial at Hospital in South Bend IN. I was approached by a nurse at the hospital to see if I was interested in starting a "handicap" ski program. With support from one of our physicians and major support from the hospital I was sent to study under Hal for a couple of weeks. Then with help from the Ski Club, Bendix Words Park State and PT/OTs from the hospital, the program was born. The following year, Hal came to South Bend to see our program and speak to leaders of our community. He then donated 44 pairs of skis to our program. Hal's enthusiasm and his total support of our little program I will never forget. Years later when the National Sports Center for the Disabled was then stationed in Denver, having moved to Denver, I called Hal and he did remember me and our program, We talked for a long time however we never got together. I remember Hal with the greatest admiration and love and I feel deeply for his family. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with him and his loved ones.
Susan
June 13, 2021
What a marvelous man! Condolences.
June 13, 2021
May he rest in peace. Now, after giving these special kids "wings" to fly on earth, he has earned his Heavenly ones. Our condolences to his family.
Nancy E Lewis
June 13, 2021
We have used Winter Park’s disabled Skier program and it was a wonderful experience—thank you, thank you, thank you!! You have given many people joy.
Mary
June 12, 2021
I send sincere condolences to the family and friends of Hal O’Leary for your loss. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
June 12, 2021
A truly inspirational and giving person, his hard work for those in need will always be remembered. Sincere sympathies to the O’Leary family, may help you endure this most difficult time of your loss.
Çarmen Ànderson
June 12, 2021
Alcide Bennett
KATHY PETERSON
June 11, 2021
Hal O'Leary will always hold a special place in the hearts of our family. In February of 1984 my husband and then 15 year old son had the privilege of meeting him on a trip to Winter Park sponsored by the Sunshine Kids of Houston. Our son David was a recent amputee due to osteosarcoma. He taught David how to downhill ski. The trip was an experience they will never forget. Hal was truly a man who made this world a better place. Our hearts go out to his loved ones as they deal with the loss of such a special man. With Deep Sympathy and Admiration,
Larry, Kathy and David Peterson
June 11, 2021
Sorry for your loss, may God support and strengthen the family during this most grievous time.
Sally S.
June 10, 2021
There are not enough positive words in our language to describe what an incredible human being Hal was to everyone he met and so creative when it came to physically and mentally challenged individuals. He will be missed but will live on in our hearts.
June 10, 2021
A truly selfless and giving person who helped so many. Sincere sympathies to the O’Leary family, so very sorry for your loss. May you find the strength and comfort you need from God to help you through your very difficult time of loss.
Travis Dean
June 10, 2021
Rest in peace. Jesus has you in his hands now.
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