Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Hale Obituary
John Jacob Hale, M.D. died July 7, 2007.
John was born Jan. 19, 1915, and was raised in San Francisco, a third-generation Californian. He grew up helping his father run a successful restaurant on Market Street. John graduated from Lowell High School in 1932 and then received a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon. In 1942, he obtained his obtained his medical degree from St. Louis University.
After the outbreak of World War II, John enlisted in the Navy under the rank of second lieutenant. He served throughout the war primarily in the South Pacific on troop, transport and hospital ships, where he treated wounded and dying soldiers. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In 1947, John married Mary Louise in Los Angeles. He completed a residency at Columbia University in obstetrics and then he and his wife returned to Southern California. He practiced obstetrics and gynecology for nearly 40 years in the San Fernando Valley. He delivered around 5,000 babies and was beloved by his patients.
After his retirement from practice, he and his wife moved to Ventura County. They joined the Saticoy Country Club and made new friends. They became members of the Ventura Yacht Club and enjoyed ocean boating very much. During the summer months, he and his family would spend wonderful and relaxing days at their mountain cabin near Big Bear Lake.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Saticoy Country Club, 4450 North Clubhouse Drive, Somis, CA 93066.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hale
Robert Roof
September 9, 2025
Dr. Hale was a wonderfully warm, caring and talented doctor. He took care of our family for many years with terrific results.
He brought my brother and I up to their place in Big Bear after we lost our father unexpectedly. His wife Mary was equally warm and supportive.
Rob Roof
Helen Marie Shebanek
May 29, 2024
Thank you for delivering a sweet baby girl and later my precious son, both happy in life. Thank you my friend and to Mary Lou for your friendship to me.
Helen Marie Shebanek
Irene Sollman
July 17, 2007
My husband Eugene Sollman was a colleague of Dr. Hales in the 1970's and 1980's. Gene recently passed away in January 2007. Many times when we were in Big Bear he would always say "lets go see John and Mary Hale"....I am sorry that we never followed through. Gene always spoke highly of Dr. Hale and used him to assist in surgery many, many times. They also shared call. I myself worked with Dr. Hale when I was a surgical technician at Parkwood and West Park Hospitals. He was always a pleasure to work with....easy going and kind to the staff. My condolences to his loving family.
Jim & Marylee Hrabovsky
July 13, 2007
Mary, We will always remember you and John as wonderful neighbors. John provided us both a great deal of advice while preparing us for the birth of our first grandchild. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dave Petit
July 13, 2007
Mary, I am so sorry that you have lost John. He will sure be missed.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Condolenses, Dave Petit
Richard Biggs
July 12, 2007
As mentioned already Dr. Hale delivered our three sons, Brint, Reid, and Garrett Biggs, and my former wife's daughter, Leigh Walter. As a new parent without much of a clue to the whole process Dr. Hale put me at great ease. His expectation of good and sense of humor made the delievery process pass with great dignity and joy. He was greatly respected by our Christian Science Practioner, Billie Miller, who worked with Dr. Hale on many baby cases. He was turely a grand gentleman and his passing is a loss to all who had the privlage of knowing him.
Barbara and Jeff Lavender
July 12, 2007
Dr. Hale delivered our son Kent on January 13, 1983. What a great doctor he was! The delivery was a little difficult but he was such a rock through the whole thing and so loving. We were so happy to send him a picture of our little guy a year after his bith to show Dr. Hale how well he was doing--no problems at all. We will be forever grateful to him for his tender care at that time and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.
Sherry Walter
July 11, 2007
John J. Hale was a wonderful man and a good doctor! He delivered four of my children...Brint biggs on 10-08-72, Reid Biggs on 11-17-73, Garrett Biggs on 07-26-76 and Leigh Walter on 11-14-83. I have such warm and funny memories of these deliveries!! He also delivered my sister's daughter. I was one of his Christian Science patients and my Christian Science Practitioner, Billie Miller just adored Dr. Hale. She worked with him on many baby cases!! He was a gentle, caring doctor and always treated his Christian Science patients with respect. He was loved by so many and our hearts go out to his family during this trying time!
With Love and Gratitude to this wonderful doctor,
Sherry Walter
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in John Hale's name
Memorial Events
for John Hale
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Hale's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
