David Hale Obituary

David Hale

David was born on 12/13/40 in Guadalajara Mexico to Adolfo and Isabel Okun Hale. His family, including older brother Boris, moved soon thereafter to Mexico City.As a youth he spent his social life happily centered around the Jewish sports center.
His first move was for college at the University of Berkeley in California to study architecture. After graduating he moved to southern California to work for Robert L. Barnett and Associates. It was at Barnett where David met Jan Van Tilburg. Van Tilburg left Barnett in the early 70s' to start his own firm. David followed shortly thereafter, and worked with Jan for a few months before moving to San Francisco, and taking a job with Gensler. It was in 2011 that David launched his own architectural firm in San Francisco.
David's career encompassed both residential and commercial projects. He was often his own developer, buying property , designing and building homes that showcased his prodigious talent. Though inspired by Luis Barragan, and Ricardo Legoretta, Hale's designs were richly detailed and uniquely his own. These homes often included David's custom furniture designs, both free standing as well as built in. He was an award winning architect, and his work was published in prestigious journals.
In the early 1980s' he met Michael Hackett, the man who was the love of his life and soul mate. Early on they formalized their relationship in a commitment ceremony in a home designed by David in Tiburon. Years later in 2009, they were married at their home in the Marina. Together they traveled the world, cherished their home life and parented Gio, Reggie, Argos and Cuca (their 4 legged children).
David's cultural curiosity was immense, and he took full advantage of that which San Francisco and the Bay Area had to offer. He pursued art and architecture exhibits, as well as the performing arts, and was especially fond of the symphony and opera, David's taste was sophisticated and refined, and his keen intellect, and a passion for beauty helped feed his soul.
David was passionate about animal rights and the conservation of endangered species. He volunteered for Wild Aid and championed the Wildlife Conservation network. Awareness and sensitivity to the plight of endangered animals was heightened by David and Michael's many trips to Africa and India. David was especially concerned with the plight of elephants, rhinoceros, and the large cats.
David was the definition of a thoughtful, sensitive, compassionate, and artistic man. He was deeply loved by his friends and family, and is very much missed.
He is survived by his husband Michael, their beloved Kerry Blue Terrier, Cuca and his three nephews Jaime, Marcos, Arturo and their families.
In lieu of flowers donations in David's honor may be made to" Wildlife Conservation Network" (WCN) wildnet.org. In Mexico, donations may be made to Refugio Franciscano. [email protected]

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Hale

4 Entries

Fedora

January 25, 2023

My Dear Michael Just found out of this page........and want to leave my thoughts. I met David in 1979 selling him an alarm clock in a store I used to work In embarcadero center while studying my master degree in Architecture in Berkeley. David did not buy the clock but we became great friends ever since. David was fun, a gentleman, great sense of humor, we used to have lunch together at least once a week, I miss him LOTS, but Michael has become now my buddy and when I see Michael I see David in him so that makes me feel so good to have met both of them. I miss him, and I know is difficult for Michael, but his laugh and sweet memories will keep David alive for us..........forever.

Sharon Ponsford

October 17, 2018

I first met David & Michael in the late 90's, when we were considering adding a Kerry Blue Terrier to our family. We corresponded, mostly by email, and mostly about our dogs for many years.
Our friendship grew much closer when David & Michael started spending summers in the Sonoma Valley, where we live, many years ago. My husband, Chris, and I saw them nearly every weekend. We discovered that we had much more in common with David than just a deep love and appreciation for all animals. Art, classical music, books, a love of the natural world, travel & even being vegetarians. We often shared meals together at their place or ours.
David was a Class Act & a Perfect Gentleman. No matter what the occasion, he was always beautifully dressed & knew how to act. He had a wonderful sense of humor and often cracked a devilish smile.
Chris and I loved him and will miss him so. He was a wonderful friend.

Gayle Grace

October 15, 2018

I met David shortly after adopting "Duffy", my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. David pulled up in his car, jumped out, and started asking about how I had acquired her. I knew of a breeder in SF who had just had a litter, and shortly after, David and Michael brought "Gio" into their lives. Duffy and I were so fortunate to be a part of their adventures, and then continue to keep in touch beyond the lives of our beloved Wheaties. I shall always cherish David's kindness and encouragement.

Karen Rosenbaum

October 14, 2018

David and I were close friends back in the late 60s when he lived in the College Avenue apartment above me. We were born on the very same day. Once we figured we were born the same hour! I have such fond memories of him. Once we celebrated our birthdays at the pretty new restaurant Chez Panisse. I had an ornamental red pepper houseplant, and he would eat all the peppers off it. When he returned from visits to Mexico, it would take a while to readjust to bland California "Mexican" food. I treasure some birthday presents he gave me. He always had such wonderful taste. A little glass music box that plays happy birthday is on my dresser, and I play it still.

We lost touch the past decades, and then I found Nancy Rubin, and she gave me David's contact information. I don't know if he remembered me from my letter to him. I hope so. What a good man he was!

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results