Earl HALE

Lacey- Earl passed away July 30, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family, from a 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, cars and good friends.

He earned a degree from Eastern Washington University, where he met his wife of 57 years, and went on to receive a MPA from the University of Washington. After serving in the Army, Earl and Camille settled in Lacey. He began his career with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in 1970, serving as the executive director from 1987 until his retirement in 2006. Earl's career reflected his deeply held belief in the vital importance of community and technical colleges and workforce development.

In retirement, he was a consultant for the Ford Foundation, served on the Washington State Board for Higher Education and on 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 the Olympia YMCA board.

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 friends for more than 30 years. He and Camille shared a passion for travel, and he enjoyed planning their trips. 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 (Alex); and niece, Karla Smith-Jones (Terry).

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

Memorial donations may be sent to the South Puget Sound CC Automotive Program c/o the SPSCC Foundation, https://spscc.edu/foundation or to Nisqually Land Trust, https://nisquallylandtrust.org/