Earl Hale

1943 - 2025

Earl Hale

September 10, 1943 - July 30, 2025

Lacey, Washington - Earl passed away July 30 at home, surrounded by his family, from a glioblastoma brain tumor. Earl was born Sept. 10, 1943, to Betty and Millard Hale. He was raised in Cheney, WA, where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood full of boating, camping, baseball and cars.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University, where he met his wife of 57 years. He went on to receive a MPA from the University of Washington, and later completed Harvard's Kennedy Program for Executive Leaders, one of Earl's favorite experiences.

After serving in the Army, Earl and Camille settled in Lacey. Earl began his career with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in 1970, serving as the executive director from 1987 until retiring in 2006. Earl's career reflected his deeply held belief in the vital role of community and technical colleges and workforce development.

After retirement, he was a consultant for the Ford Foundation, focusing on the development of effective state systems for community colleges. He also served on the Washington State Board for Higher Education and numerous other national and state committees.

Earl was active in many civic causes throughout his life, including the Nisqually Land Trust Educational Board, the Olympian Editorial Board and more than 25 years serving on the Olympia YMCA board. In retirement, he volunteered at Mt. St. Helens and joined a local hiking club (THEM). He and Camille shared a passion for traveling internationally, and took many road trips across the U.S.

Earl loved living in the PNW, and was an avid hiker. Earl also loved cheering on local sports teams and attended Mariner's spring training with good friends for more than 30 years. He had a life-long love of cars, especially his two Corvairs.

He is survived by his wife, Camille; daughters, Beth and Diane (Les); sister, Frances Peyton; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Busch; nephew, Nick Peyton; niece, Karla Smith-Jones.

A memorial service will be held for Earl in the fall.

Memorial donations may be sent to South Puget Sound CC Automotive Program c/o the SPSCC Foundation, https://spscc.edu/foundation or 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512 or to Nisqually Land Trust, https://nisquallylandtrust.org/how-to-help/donate/ or 1420 Marvin Rd SE, Ste C PMB 243, Lacey, WA 98516.