Hiemstra

Hal Douglas Hiemstra

Hal Douglas Hiemstra, 69, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on July 20, 2023. Hal was born to Petronella and Arthur Hiemstra in Ontario, Oregon. He earned his Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon in 1979. After graduating, Hal moved to Washington, DC, where he met his wife, Dawn Hill. They married in 1982 and together raised two daughters, Kylie and Julia. Hal worked in government affairs for more than 30 years, representing a wide range of clients on a variety of issues including transportation and the environment.

Hal was passionate about traveling, gardening, biking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Hal was also committed to his church community, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, and served on many boards and committees over the years. Known for his friendly and welcoming nature, Hal had a sincere and infectious smile, and he was always happy to help with any task no matter the size. He was a giant of a man who never stopped giving.

Hal is survived by his wife Dawn, daughters Kylie (Sam) and Julia, siblings Ted (Fran), Glen (Tracie), Art (Cathy), and Petra (Jeff), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Hal's life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor of Hal to Mount St. Helens Institute (https://www.mshinstitute.org/give/hal.html), Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (https://www.inlandbays.org/donate/), or N Street Village (https://www.nstreetvillage.org/donate/).

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

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Hal Hiemstra

28 Entries

Heather Andersen

August 22, 2024

It has been more than two decades since I left the staff of WABA then D.C. I no longer have regular contact with that part of my life and only heard of Hal's passing last week. I always considered Hal one of our most upbeat, effective, and supportive board members. I still remember his words to me when I told the board I was moving on, "I can't imagine WABA without you, Heather." Thank you, Hal. I don't think you completely knew how much I needed those words of support at that time in my life...or perhaps you intuited it.

I reconnected with WABA at the 50th anniversary events almost two years ago. I'd hoped to see Hal there, but he was busy with one of his other passions - travelling. Yet it warmed my heart to hear he was still around and still involved.

And, now, I can't imagine D.C. without you, Hal. I see you with your angel wings walking - or perhaps flying - the halls of Congress.

Tim Sommerville

July 21, 2024

In the past year, I have thought of H often. Very often. I want to step into Mr. Peabody´s "Wayback Machine", so I could spend just one more day with him on Crestview Lane...or anywhere, for that matter. One of a million memories that sums up our friendship. In spring of 1973 I was in a car wreck that put me in the hospital for a month. H came to see me every day. Sometimes twice. I hate that I allowed our closeness to slip away when he moved to the east coast. But I still felt connected to him. It is a lesson others should learn from. When you have someone that you love, respect, laugh with, cry with...hang onto them. No matter the distance.

Elizabeth Campbell

Planted Trees

Elizabeh Campbell

March 16, 2024

Dear Dawn and family-- I only just learned of Hal's passing and wanted to express my condolences. I had the good fortune of meeting Hal in the ceramics studio at Lewis & Clark and subsequently, to share a house with him in Eugene while he was in grad school. I adored him... his curiosity, kindness, intelligence, humility, humor, accomplishments... he was a quiet constant as a friend and will be sorely missed. To this day, when I look at art, when I paint... I feel his presence and am thankful for how he touched my life. May the tincture of time ease your grief and remind you of the joy he gave to those who knew him.
Elizabeth Campbell

Bernice K McIntyre

October 24, 2023

We send our deepest condolences to Hal´s family. We just learned of his passing today. As former members of NYAPC we know how kind and knowledgeable Hal was. We shared many moments working with Hal in church missions. Also Michael and Hal shared common roots as Oregonians and often shared memories. May God bless his family, Bernice McIntyre & Michael Pete in Massachusetts

Carmen D. Hunt

September 11, 2023

Dear Dawn, I am only learning of Hal´s passing today and I am so very sad to hear this. My condolences to you and your girls. I worked with Hal at Scenic America and then in the same office space with Rails-to-Trails and finally at Ball Janik. He was so much fun and such a stylish dresser. I remember The birth of both of your girls. I cannot imagine you pain at this huge loss. My prayers are with you all. He will be missed. What an amazing man. So very sorry

Carmen Hunt

Michael Fox

August 19, 2023

Deepest condolences Dawn and your entire family!

Nancy Jones

August 15, 2023

Enjoyed the memories shared at the memorial service. My sympathies to all the family.

Vicki Cram

August 13, 2023

The Memorial service was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. Hal had the office next to mine at Ball Janik LLP for many years. He was fun to work with, an amazing advocate for our clients and would regale me with delicious stories and updates of the girls he loved - Julia and Kylie. He wore his love for Dawn on his sleeve. His smile could light up a room. I am sorry I couldn´t be at the service in person but watched the live stream. Sending love to his whole family.

John Hainze

August 5, 2023

I was so sad to learn of Hal's passing. He was truly a loyal friend - kind and generous in all ways. I got to know Hal at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, where he had a Volkswagen van (the "blue whale") and introduced me to the Oregon coast (we hitchhiked). His love of travel blossomed at Lewis and Clark, when he took time off on an around-the-world trip with John Kane. He met our overseas study group in Fiji on that trip! I know Hal will be missed deeply by those whose lives he touched. Dear Dawn and Hal's family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robb Ball

August 5, 2023

Hal and I were colleagues at Ball Janik LLP for many years. On a personal level, he was very well liked and admired, for his personal warmth, sincerity, easy demeanor, reliability, honesty, loyalty and sense of humor. On a professional level all the same attributes served him well as an able, effective advocate who cared greatly about his clients and worked hard to achieve their goals. Hal was a special person in every respect, and enjoyable to be with. I will always remember him fondly.
Robb Ball

Barbara McCann

August 5, 2023

Dawn and family, I am holding you in my heart as you face this profound loss. I served on the WABA Board with Hal, leading to a lasting friendship fueled by his warmth, stories, and generosity. He even offered up his spectacular office roof deck for my book launch. He told such wonderful stories and was also a wonderful listener. And he was involved in so many activities that nurtured our community. His influence will continue to make the world a better place.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

The Bruce Hill Family

Sent Flowers

Nancy "Gundersen" Jones

August 2, 2023

Sad to hear this news. My sympathies to Dawn and all the family. My father and his father were colleagues so we were acquainted since childhood and attended Sunday School and high school together in Kettle Falls one year. He was always looked up to in more ways than one! His smile was contagious and attracted many friends. Thankful we got to meet up for coffee a couple years ago in DC to reminisce. His mother Nellie had told me be sure to see Harold if you go to DC! Nancy "Gundersen"

Laura Asiala

August 1, 2023

The very first time I met Hal, he gave me a tour of NYAPC from the boiler room to the roof. I was hooked, snd joined NYAPC shortly thereafter. He was a giant of a man in so many ways. My deepest sympathy.

Sean Hughes

August 1, 2023

I worked with Hal for close to a decade during my time on Capitol Hill, and I can honestly say he might have been the nicest human being I encountered the entire time. My heart goes out to his family and close friends. His warmth and enthusiasm for advancing policy that helped people were infectious, and will be forever remembered.

Mariia Zimmerman

August 1, 2023

Dawn, Kylie and Julia -
We are so deeply saddened by Hal's death. He was an incredible advocate for so many things and so many people. The world is truly a better place because of his efforts; but most especially because of the family that he so proudly co-created.
Sending you much love and condolences for his sudden loss. It's hard to believe he is really gone.
We are so very sorry that we cannot be there for the memorial service, but ironically, we will be in Oregon. Will send a prayer up for him there and will think of him as we see so many things that he helped advocate for and consequently help to make happen. His legacy lives on in ways large and small.

Mark Hoffmeister

July 31, 2023

I was so saddened to hear that Hal had passed away. He was a good friend in high school. I am so blessed that he and Dawn were able to make our 50th high school reunion last summer. It was so enjoyable to chat and catch up on him and his wonderful family.

Mark Hoffmeister
friend

Ed McMahon

July 30, 2023

Dear Dawn, I was so saddened to learn about Hal´s sudden death. He was a wonderful man. I know that you and your girls will miss him terribly. With deepest sympathy. Ed McMahon

Tim Sommerville

July 29, 2023

H, as I called him, was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I was blessed during our "wonder years´ and into young adulthood, to be on the receiving end of his genuine love, kindness and support. He insisted I ask his cute neighbor to go out. I did, and we´ve been together for 50 years. I knew H would be a great success in whatever he chose to do. And clearly he was. But I am also sure that the memory of how his heart touched people will be everlasting. This sounds contrary, but as sad as I am, I also can´t help but feel the same sense of happiness whenever I was with him. I love you H. My sincere condolences to Dawn, Julia, Kylie and the entire Hiemstra family.

Ana Sommerville

July 29, 2023

Blessings to you Hal, on your journey home. I will always remember you as a happy soul and just thinking about brings a smile to my face.
To your family, I´m so sorry for your loss

Jack Orchard

July 28, 2023

Hal was a professional colleague of mine at Ball Janik. Blessed with a ready smile and good senses of humor and perspective, Hal was a easy to work with, full of ideas and problem-solving skills. As a non-lawyer in a lawyers´ environment, Hal was client- (not self) oriented. He was a gentle man and a gentleman, through and through. My condolences to the family he so enjoyed.

Scott Carpenter

July 28, 2023

Harold: Forever my friend, teammate, and Brother in Christ Go Lancers, Carp

Effie S Stallsmith

July 28, 2023

Franz and I met Hal many years ago when he was with Rails to Trails and continued to enjoy his friendship through the years. He was an outstanding professional, a dedicated enviromentalist, a caring Christian, and a transit and bike/trail enthusiast. We are saddened by his untimely death and send our profound and sincere condolences to all his family. Effie Stallsmith and Franz Gimmler

Marian Kent

July 28, 2023

So many touched by Hal and his wife Dawn at our reunion, class of 72. The passing of a special man. God Bless.

Roger Sturtevant, Nova Scotia Canada

July 27, 2023

I knew Hal at the University of Oregon's Department of Urban & Regional Planning. Hal was liked by everyone. He was kind, and had a smile that you'd never forget. During two years of graduate school Hal exhibited a calmness that made the academic environment better for all. I enjoyed being with Hal in the classroom, and playing pickup basketball when we had a chance. To Hal's family, I am sorry for your loss. Hal was an outstanding individual who, as I'm learning, lived an outstanding life.

Pickett Craddock

July 27, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Hal´s death. In my mind he seems so young and active. I am sending loving kindness to all the family. I will plant a tree in his memory.

Victoria Irwin

July 27, 2023

Dawn, Kylie, and Julia, I was so sad to hear this news. Hal became my good friend in high school, where I loved his keen mind, optimism, and open friendly nature to all. He never lost that. Was so proud to see him blossom through his work and community involvement over the years. Hugs to you all.

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