John Hall

John Wylie Hall 83, died January 14, 2013 in a traffic accident in Paris, France where he had lived since 2006, after moving from San Francisco where he has dozens of devoted friends.
John was born July 16, 1929 in Staten Island, New York, graduated from Oglethorpe College in Atlanta, Georgia and studied at Columbia University. He enjoyed a career in advertising in Los Angeles at Hall, Butler and Blatherwick and in San Francisco with Wylie, Wilson and Munn. A master at taking on new challenges and in response to the AIDS epidemic, he sold his agency in the early 1980s to obtain a nursing degree from the University of San Francisco. He practiced nursing in San Francisco hospitals during the worst of the epidemic. During his years in San Francisco he served on several boards and committees including the Statewide No on 6 Campaign which defeated the ballot issue that would have allowed the firing of teachers thought to be gay. Throughout his life, John always challenged the status quo. He was a passionate advocate for ideas and causes in which he believed.
A teacher at the American Business School of Paris, he taught several classes in advertising and consumer behavior. One student, writing to John's family, referred to what she had learned from him: "I give Professor Hall an A++"
But for all his achievements and ability to take on new challenges, John will be remembered by his family, friends, and students as a brave, charming, funny, loving, deeply involved friend who kept in touch with those he knew in all parts of the world. He was devoted to his many friends of Bill W. He loved opera, symphony, ballet, film, and theater. He loved life.
He is survived by his four children, Pamela Rocklin, Debbie O'Neil, John and David Hall, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Laura and his brother Bob.
John's children are deeply grateful to Timothy Lone, one of John's extended family, who has commuted from Luxembourg to Paris to oversee official, legal, and personal arrangements.
John's ashes will be scattered in Paris by his family on February 16 in the memorial garden of Pere-Lachaise cemetery, followed by a gathering at the American Church.