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Christopher Hale Obituary
Christopher Alan Hale, 23, of Gainesville, Fl, died June 15, 2009 from a fall while free solo climbing in Yosemite National Park. He was following his dream to rock climb around the world.
Christopher was born on April 17, 1986, in Dothan, Alabama. The family returned to Gainesville, Fl when he was 5 months old. He was the younger brother of Gerard Hale III and older brother to Charles Joseph Hale. Christopher attended Stepping Stones Preschool and then St. Patrick's Catholic Interparish School for elementary and middle school. He started playing chess in kindergarten and competed nationally throughout those years, including playing in the US Open Chess Championship. He was a cub scout with Pack 82 at St. Patrick's and also played t-ball, baseball and earned a brown belt in Tai Kwon Do. It was as Chris started high school that he discovered rock climbing. He took his first trip to climb on real rock in North Carolina with the Troop 164 Venture Crew in the summer of 2001. While Chris was at Eastside High School, he was in the IB program but spent much of his time on the stage in multiple theatrical productions. He was a member of Thespian Troupe 6380 and participated in District and State Festivals. In 2003 he joined the Thieves Guilde and participated in the Hoggetowne Medeval Faire for several years. He graduated from Eastside in 2004 and was a Bright Futures Scholar. He studied theater at Santa Fe Community College and worked at Gators Dockside, but left to pursue his love of rock climbing.
In 2006, Chris moved to Chattanooga, TN the closest rock climbing destination to Gainesville. He worked at Olive Garden and climbed as much as possible to be ready for his goal of climbing around the country. In the fall of 2008 he returned his residency to Gainesville. He returned briefly to Chattanooga and then traveled to Boulder, CO to join friends and begin his climbing journey. From Colorado, he moved to Texas to work for a season as a volunteer and commercial rock climbing guide at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site near El Paso, TX. In the spring, Chris traveled to Bishop, CA to climb there briefly before continuing on to Yosemite where he arrived the first part of May. Chris stayed with friends in Yosemite Valley climbing and bouldering before beginning training to work for the summer for DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. at the White Wolf Lodge in the high country of Yosemite. Chris had plans to continue climbing after the summer in Canada, Thailand and New Zealand. Chris made many friends and touched many lives along his journey.
Chris was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Ernest and Virginia Collins, Irene Newman, Helen T. Hale and Josephine Gullo and his grandmother Carmela "Millie" Hale. He is survived by his parents, Melony Gay Collins Hale and Gerard Hale Jr., his brothers, Gerard Hale III and Charles J. Hale, his grandparents Gerard Hale Sr. and Patrica Hale, Ernest and Sue Collins and Marilyn Collins.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12 noon at St. Augustine Catholic Church and Student Center 1738 W. University Ave. Gainesville, FL.
The family prefers any expressions of sympathy to be made to the: Christopher Hale "Follow Your Dreams" Memorial Fund ; which will be established to help Chris continue to encourage others to follow their dreams. A donation box will be available at the ceremony on Tuesday. Please do not send donations to the Hale home. Another address will be available as soon as the fund is established. Please contact Milam Funeral Home for further information. MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL. 32601 (352) 376-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Hale
Christine Borchers
June 15, 2012
As I tried to sleep last night, my thoughts were of you, Gaye, Charles & Gerard. How you all get through this day I cannot understand. My heart and throughts are with you all.
tracy ford
August 6, 2011
There are no words to say there is not anything anyone can do to ease your pain. I wrote to you about our son dying in an atv accident in williston before your precious Christopher past. Aaron died in 2008 and 14 months later our Tiffany died in a car accident. There is no right or wrong way to grieve . Take time for your self crying is a way to release the poison of the pain and after losing both my babies I cry alot. If you ever need to talk contact me [email protected] I know your pain and suffering. May Chris Tiffany and Aaron shine down on us and their memories keep us going. All my love to you and family
Chris in CO
Gay Hale
June 16, 2010
The Chris Hale Memorial Fund presented Gainesville Rock Gym Summer Camp scholarships to Alex Christopy, Brandon Adams and Caleb Smith at a memorial Candlelighting last night at GRG. Thank you to all who have contributed and continue to support this effort to allow children to follow their dreams.
Chris at Foster Falls
Gay Hale
June 11, 2010
For all of Chris' friends, we are holding a Memorial Candelighting on June 15th at the Gainesville Rock Gym. Please join us if you can; if not, light a candle wherever you are and remember the generous spirit you met and whom I'm sure still touches our live.
Stacy R Bereaved Mom
April 21, 2010
Chris I had the honor of meeting your mom this past week where she told some of us about your life and how much you touched her. I know your up there watching over your mom What a great gift you are to her. HUGS to your family.
Gay Hale
April 20, 2010
I miss you but keep your spirit like a candle in my heart.
Flavia Bravo
August 30, 2009
Chris had a smile that could light up the world. He was a good friend of ours in the climbing community and pushed all of us to be better. He was kind, considerate, caring, and most of all a very loving individual. My love goes out to him and his family. Chris we miss you, and thank you for being apart of our lives.
Gary & Amy Chaffins
August 11, 2009
Gerald & Gay, We are sorry for your loss & are praying for you. Gary & Amy Chaffins
AL Garcia
August 5, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Hale, I do not know how to express the sadness that is in my heart; nor do I know how to somehow help alleviate or even understand the utter pain that you both must be enduring. I regrettably did not have the privilege of knowing Christopher but I feel that by knowing you both I have gotten to know a part of him as well. Please know that I am praying for you both and that I believe that he is with god at this very moment in a much better place.
Dear God, please bless this family so that they may find strength, guidance and peace!
Karen Baker
July 25, 2009
I remember Chris as a young Cub Scout. My family shared many fun and happy times with the Hales while we lived in Gainesville during my vet school days. We were heart broken to hear of Chris' untimely death. The Hales are in our prayers.
God Bless you Gerard, Gay, Charles and Gerard.
John, Karen, Kristen and Johnny Baker
Jennine Jordan
July 21, 2009
Dear Hale Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I always remember Chris as peaceful and passionate. What a loss for this world! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
with love and a heavy heart,
Jennine
Jim Ross-Drummond
July 21, 2009
I honestly can't remember when and where I met Chris, but it seems like I kne him for a lifetime. The last time I saw him was at the Rock Gym. He was always there for anyone and everyone with a smile and a joke, his laughter making those around him feel better. With his giving, vibrant nature, he touched more lives than he could count. Not only will he be missed terribly but he is already missed. God speed, Chris.
Michael Lybarger
July 21, 2009
I knew Chris though middle school and lost many a chess game to him. Despite the years it has been since we last met I can remember him like it was yesterday. He was a good friend and the fact that he is gone makes the world a lesser place. I love you Chris.
Jamie Gunter
July 21, 2009
I met Chris through a mutual friend, and where do you think I met him first? The Rock Gym. If there's one thing I remember the most about Chris, it's that he always encouraged his friends to succeed. Even on that first day, he was encouraging me, a person he barely even knew. I ended up spending a lot of time around him over the next year and a half, and I will always consider him to be one of my good friends. He was giving, loyal, easygoing, and always knew how to make someone smile. I'll never forget you Chris....
Ross Whitney
July 20, 2009
I traveled all over the country playing chess with Chris and his brothers, stayed the night at their house more times then I can remember. I will always remember his smile, his goofy laugh, but most of all his kindness and helpfulness to all people without thinking twice about it. If there were more people like Chris in the world, the world would be a much happier place. I love you Chris, you will always be missed, and never forgotten.
Maureen Carll
July 20, 2009
I know Chris Hale through his amazing parents, Gay and Gerard. Although I never met him personally, the loving stories shared by his family painted a picture of a young, vibrant son and friend who touched many and lived life with zest and enjoyed it fully and will be remember and missed by all, his legacy lives on.
Kathryn Mareci
July 18, 2009
I knew Chris for many years through many venues, school, friends, and finally had the opportunity to be in Venture scouts with him. I knew him as a funny, extremely kind, and thoughtful person. I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear of his death, to this day it feels quite surreal, a bad dream. I feel this great loss in my heart that he is no longer in the world to spread the kindness he always shined out.
Marcus Deack
July 6, 2009
Not a day goes by where this place doesn't remind me of him. I am very glad to have had him in my life and also am glad that he lives on in so many people. I keep you, his family in my prayers.
sheila sedberry
July 2, 2009
i worked with chris and he was a great friend as well. i am sorry for your loss and will always remeber him as a giving caring person.my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Brenda & James Crites
June 28, 2009
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Joe and Marcia Aufmuth
June 26, 2009
Dear Gay and Gerard,
We have known you only a short time but you have always expressed your love for your family. The loss of Chris though we have never met him saddens us deeply. Reading these entries shows how much he was loved by others and the affect he had on other lives. This can only come from the love of the family you created and nurtured. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Nathan Heston
June 25, 2009
I found out today, and I am so saddened to learn of Chris's death. He was an absolutely great friend and I was looking forward to visiting and climbing with him after my graduation next week. I loved his humility. I loved how intensely he would try on problems. I loved how easy he was to get along with. I loved climbing trips with him, and camping and talking around a campfire fire. I was looking forward to more of this. My heart is with you all. I am glad to know that he didn't die suffering, but died doing what he loved. I will not forget Chris or the joy of being his friend.
~Nathan Heston
Melanie Turner
June 25, 2009
To the Hale family: I had the great honor of working with your son in Chattanooga. He was one the sweetest, gentlest, most kind hearted people I have met. He was truly amazing to all that knew him. Your family is in my thoughts and my prayers.
June 24, 2009
We will miss you so much Chris...Isle of View...
ANITA CHAMBLISS
June 24, 2009
DEAREST FAMILY OF CHRIS HALE,
I KNOW YOU SON BECAUSE I WORKED AT THE LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE BESIDE OLIVE GARDEN AND HE CAN BY TO SEE ME THERE FOR LUNCH OR DINNER MANY TIMES. HE TALKED TO ME A LOT ABOUT HIS THEATRICAL BACK GROUND SO MANY TIMES BECAUSE WE ARE BOTH THESPIANS. HE ALSO TALKED OF HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY MANY TIMES, ESPECIALLY HIS MOTHER. YOU DID A FINE JOB RAISING YOUR SON AND I KNOW GOD IS TAKING VERY GOOD CARE OF HIM RIGHT NOW. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND CHRIS MADE A GREAT IMPACT ON ALL OF HIS RESTAURANT FRIENDS/FAMILY. YOU HAVE SO MANY IN THE CHATTANOOGA AREA THAT ARE PRAYING FOR YOU!! I KNOW THE LOSS IS GREAT AND CHRIS WILL BE AWAITING YOU IN HEAVEN
ANITA RICKETTS-CHAMBLISS
Tracy Ford
June 23, 2009
I do not know your son and I do not know your family but my heart breaks for you all. I wish there was something I could say or do to ease your pain. I do understand your grief, I lost my son at 3 years old just 8 months ago in a tragic accident. Aaron touched many lives in his short time here on earth and I can see Christopher touched many as well.I have tried to make sense of this all and I can't there is no ryhme or reason. I am so sorry for your loss. I attend a support group called Compassionate friends, it is a place where parents can express their emotions with other parents who have lost their children. I took a couple times for me to go but now I attend regular monthly meetings. It's my time where I can say whatever and I am not crazy they all have endure the greatest tragedy losing your child at any age. In your own time this maybe helpful for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
June 23, 2009
So sorry to hear about Christopher's death. Our prayers are with you at this time.
We are Gerry and Pat's friends.
Marilyn and Chet Ozeck
Betty Marcum
June 23, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Sheri Ray
June 23, 2009
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Sheri Ray (Nashville, Georgia)
June 23, 2009
We were staying in the park at the time of your son's death. We are very sorry for your loss and pray for God to give you strength through this difficult time.
Mrs. Dowty
Sacramento, CA
Kandi J
June 23, 2009
I worked with Chris in TN briefly. A truly warm-hearted being and I feel so privileged to have known him. My regards to the family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Maureen Carll
June 23, 2009
Thoughts and prayers to the family and many friends that he loved and whose lives he has touched and made better, forever.
Debra Jones
June 23, 2009
Dear Gaye, Gerard, Charles and Garard,
We watched Christopher in every theater event at Eastside and saw his interest and talent and comfort on stage grow. He was such a gentle and kind young man off stage, speaking to parents and other students interested in theater even when he didn't know them. We love that he was pursuing his passion and dreams and take some comfort that the beauty and splendor of Yosemite was his final vision. Our hearts and thoughts are with you as you travel this difficult path without him. He was a terrific young man and you have so much to be proud of, your memorial fund will help others pursue their dreams and continue what Chris cannot. What a marvelous gesture and legacy for Chris.
With love and support,
Britta, Ryan, Sean, Kevin & Debra Jones
Lindsay Fairchild
June 23, 2009
I worked with Chris at Olive Garden in Chattanooga. Chris Hale is one of my favorite people. I will remember him through all of my life. He is genuine, kind, gentle, and hard working. I'll miss him dearly. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Laura Faux
June 22, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Faux Family
mary parson
June 22, 2009
we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son,chris.your family is in our prayers. the parson family
Lisa Adel
June 22, 2009
Gaye, Gerard, Gerard and Charles,
Our family will always remember Christopher,in his patient, gentle way, taking the time to share his talent of chess not only with my boys but to so many of the younger students at St Patricks. He was a true gift from God. May you sense the Lord's loving presence during this difficult time.
The Adel Family-
Doug, Lisa, Josh, Jeremy, and Joseph
June 22, 2009
Gay & Gerard
Gay, I have known you since we were in nursery school together at church and had the pleasure of being friends with you growing up and when Michael and Charles were in high school together at EHS. I can not express how heavy my heart is feeling right now for you and Gerard and your boys. Your loss is something I don't understand but I know you are trusting God.
Dana Self Powers
Lyn Kirby
June 22, 2009
Gaye, Gerard, G3, & Charles - Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers as you walk through this most difficult time. In the days and months that follow, Ken and I hope that you will find peace knowing that Christopher walks with the Creator. Please call us if there is anything we can do. With love and prayers, Ken and Lyn Kirby
Bob and Patty Scire
June 22, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers
Veronica Campbell
June 22, 2009
Dear Gerard, Gaye & Sons
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Keep the faith and God will see you through these difficult times.
Kate Salvatore
June 22, 2009
Gerard, Gay and Guys,
I wish there was a way to be with you right now. Please know that we are thinking about you and keeping you all in our prayers.
Love, Kathleen, Sal, Matt, Vickie & Ethan
June 22, 2009
Gerard,Gay, Gerard and Charles,
Mac, Bryan, Richard and I were all shocked and so saddened when we heard the new of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all since that moment. I watched Chris grow up at St. Patrick's K-8th grade. He always spoke when he passed me on the sidewalk. I know he was well liked by his classmates, friends and teachers.
We hope you are able to find some peace in knowing Chris was following a dream and passion. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love,
Mac, Kathy, Richard and Bryan McCauley
Tom & Cathie Whitney
June 22, 2009
Gerard & Gay: You and your family are in our prayers. Ross, Ryan and Kyle were just devastated upon hearing the news of Chris's passing. With much love and sadness,
Dianne Williams Haygood
June 22, 2009
Gerard, Gay and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Christopher. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Wini Daniels
June 22, 2009
Dear Gerard,Gaye and Boys,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time in your lives.
June 22, 2009
To the Hale Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Christopher was very young, but lived his life to the fullest. With Love, Monty & Carol - Jacksonville, FL
Susan Hamilton
June 22, 2009
I taught Christopher at Millhopper Co-operative Preschool and remember him as a bright, sweet child who was interested in everything around him. He was a joy to have in class. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Beverly McGuire
June 22, 2009
Hale Family:
Know that we are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts everyday.
McGuire Family
Nancy Marquis
June 22, 2009
We are so sorry for the loss of your son,
Gary and Nancy Cox Marquis
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