Honoring
Hal Stoltz

Hal was a good human. In fact, he was great. His personality exuded such warmth that people of all ages basked in the fact that that they felt the warmth and knew that they were seen an individuals. He cared about people.
He gravitated to those in need--particularly teenagers, first as a counselor for youth living on the streets of Portland and later at a CE2 program at the high school level. He made so many positive changes in so many lives. He worked one-on-one with those young people.
He loved his family and was a genuine caring father to his three children, now all adults, and they reflect his character and goodness.
Being a part of his life in an extended family setting and in partnership with him as youth counselors in the church as well as in cherished friendship was one of the joys of my life. He was a role model for so many...always giving and caring.

He was definitely "Happy Hal"

My name is Hebba and I am originally from Egypt.

I met Hal on his trip to Egypt. He was in a large group that got divided between two Egyptologists and he ended up in the other group with my colleague and not mine. During the second week, we all shared the same boat on the river and although he was not in my group, with his character, enthusiasm, personality, kindness, and loving nature, he started to be known to me and other people in my group.

We started talking about Egypt, his leather projects, his kids, and many other topics. He and I bonded and started a friendship although we were mainly talking in the evenings after the daily activities were over.

I sent an email checking on everyone that they made it home safely to the US and he responded with a very nice email and we started to have a stronger bond. He invited me to visit him and he kindly hosted me for two weeks making me feel at home from the first moment.

I currently reside in TN and for several years he had an open invitation for me to come and reside with him until I make something of myself in this country. He offered me a place to live, offered to help me with anything he could, and gave me a safe place if I needed that. He knows that I love mustard, and he was always telling me that he would get me all the mustard that I wanted or call me to tell me that he had a new bottle of mustard in his cupboard waiting for me. He offered to take me and introduce me to different places where I could find opportunities and help me start my life from scratch in the USA.

We had a date every Sunday when we talked over the phone about Egypt, his fascination with the hieroglyphics, his leather and beads projects, his lovely girlfriend Bonny, and his children and grandchildren whom he adored and loved more than anything on earth.

He kept his door open for me for several years and the invitation was always there and renewed every Sunday. We were always joking about how his son teased him about his imaginary Egyptian friend whom he had invited to his house. He offered me a haven that any immigrant can dream of, but days kept coming and going, and I kept planning to move and get credentials in WA so that when I moved, I would be equipped and ready with something for a job. I was very close to moving when we lost.

He always treated me as a family member and like one of his children. I did not talk to him about the details of my life in TN, but knowing that he was there, made me feel safe and secure. He was a solid pillar in my life and I knew all the time that he would be there for me. We laughed together a lot and we shared great times over the phone.

For the first time, he insisted on having my mailing address because he needed to mail me a holiday card. I was getting close to moving and I kept telling him that I would be coming and can get it in person so he does not have to spend the money. finally, he fussed at me for the first time insisting on having the mailing address. I gave it to him and he mailed me a card. It was his last Christmas and I am so glad that I gave him the address as I have this card on the fridge reminding me of him every day.

I lost my family a while ago and I lost it again the day when he died.

I was best friends with Hal’s daughter Lisa beginning in 1st Grade.
Hal was always there in the background, giving good advice and being the loving father he was to the kids.
One of the more memorable pieces of advice was that Lisa shouldn’t go out with people until she was older.
When we were in about fourth grade some boys were starting to ask girls to move our desks and sit together. Lisa confidently insisted that we shouldn’t agree because going out was stupid, and we were too young. All requests were declined and we sat together with the boys puzzling at these opinionated 9 year olds.
I also remember all of her updates on his log cabin and mountain man pursuits.
Hal was the kind of father we all wish we could have had.

My family spent so much time together with the Stoltz family during the 70’s into the early 80’s that I thought we were related. Hal was always so good at letting us kids be involved and helping with any activity the adults were doing.
I remember when that canoe in the picture was brand new and taking all of us out a couple at a time for a ride. He had the biggest smile and I can still hear his laugh. And the patience he showed when teaching us something. I’ll always remember that especially when Greg and I would get a few steps ahead on a project and he would remind us to slow down and take our time.
Memories and experiences shape how you are today and I’m so happy to have had Hal and his family as part of my past. Your memories will forever live on in my heart.

My heart sank when I got the phone call that he had passed. Hal and I were high school buddies. The main thing I will say is simply, "Hal was the sort of friend that even when years had gone by without seeing each other we could pick up right where we left off." I miss you brother.

I remember one Christmas Hal came to celebrate with us in Tehachapi. The granddaughters had asked Santa for a wagon to be pulled by their Breyer horses. Well, we found a wagon but didn’t know what to do about harnesses for the horses. Hal saved Christmas by staying up each night after the girls were in bed to work leather harnesses for their horses. Hal was extremely talented with any leather work, even the tiny harnesses for 2 tiny horses and Christmas morning was all it should be. Hal was always willing to help in any way he could.

I met Hal years ago aboard the National Historic Landmark Schooner Adventuress as he and I shared an interest in tall ships and the benefits that sail training could offer to youth as they found their voice, strength of self and pathway to becoming leaders. (See photo below of the Schooner Adventuress). I can't put a date on when I first sailed with Hal on the ship though I am guessing the late 1980s or early 90's. He came along with a group from Oregon and later served as crew with Boy Scout groups. His skill at guiding youth was clearly evident and his sense of humor was remarkably effective in helping sailors feel included and to engage in an unfamiliar environment and experience on the tall ship. Later we worked together on the board of directors for the non profit which kept the ship and program available for youth in our region.
I was also fortunate to have worked professionally with Hal and get to know his expertise as a High School Counselor. I served as the School Psychologist for 25 years at Bothell High School and when Hal joined the counseling team there he brought his years of experience, professionalism and dedication to student welfare to his work. He leaves a legacy with countless students who benefited from his care and expertise. Hal always put student interests first, never wavering from that priority. He was adept at reminding everyone that would listen about the importance of appropriate attention and support to students and a focus on empowering them to meet their personal and educational goals. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with him in that professional capacity.
Hal made a mark in the world and he will be missed. I send my most sincere condolences to his children and family. He spoke of you often with pride and affection. I am confident that he will endure in the family memories.

We knew Hal and a kind and generous member of the Washington State Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Hal always had a beautiful, hand-crafted leather item for our silent auctions; he made the leather-bound journal we still use as our chapter's roster. He also created the activities for the our chapter's Boy Scout patch any youth can earn.

When the Washington Chapter hosted the Foundation's annual meeting in Richland, WA in 2014, we asked Hal if he would coordinate our vendor's fair. The task included finding vendors, setting up the space, and the care and feeding of the vendors. Hal's cheerful approach as a vendor in his own right, his friendly demeanor, and his enthusiasm helped us fill all our vendor tables at that meeting.

Hal could always be counted on to help out. He was true to his word, and he was always, always kind and cheerful! We'd like to think his spirit drifts along the Lewis and Clark Trail!

I was with the Newberg Police Department[1976-1997]-During that time I was a Liaison between schools and the department-Along the way I "discovered" Hal-I also was a Hunter Education Instructor and I got to know Hal- I had him at times come to my Hunter Education classes as a mountain man-Thru the years we would once in a while cross paths-In 1953 we Explorer Boy Scouts were at a National Jamboree in California-One day we were visiting Knotts Berry Farm-On my neckerchief slide I had a pin with four white ermine tails-A very old Indian came up to me and pointed at the ermine tails and in exchange offered me a beaded head band, it was old looking-many years later I gave it to Hal-I think the last time we crossed paths may have been at the Historical building in downtown Portland-Hal was an awesome fellow and friend and will be dearly missed-Art Pohl

Hal was an incredible person who made a difference in the lives of many students over his career. He was all about kids and getting to know their story. I worked with Hal at Bothell HS and we connected both professionally and personally. Hal always had a story to tell and it was always my pleasure to learn from him. He was so proud of his family. He will be missed.

I was sorry to hear of Hal's passing. We had only had our 60th high school reunion a few months earlier. Hal was there, with his cheery smile and engaging stories. So many of us went through our entire high school experience in Jerome with Hal. He was an integral and happy part of our class. For our reunion, Hal prepared to share, and share he did. He displayed our class page from the local newspaper with all of us in it. He also made leather bracelets for all who wanted one. I have one, and it means even more now. We have passed the word about his memorial to classmates in the area. I know of one person coming; others are not in such good health, and others of changed their contact information. On behalf of the Jerome High School Class of 1961, I lift a toast to a good man, a life well lived, and a part of our class we will sorely miss.

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Hal was a happy person, helpful to friends, and what a smile. His great ability to talk and share good deeds and thoughts of life help when needed will be missed. Hal was a good friend and class mate .We had many long talks in our after "High School" time and ventures. I know he loved his family very much. God Bless you.

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I got to ride in that canoe a few times. Once was on the Willamette, and we canoed under the St. John’s Bridge while it was still “floating on” pontoons in the river. A couple of weeks later Hal sent me a copy of an article and photo from the Oregonian of the first boat to go under the bridge, about three or four weeks after we had gone under it.

Second was going up the Columbia, and we paddled up a very shallow slough on the north side of the river, where the water erupted into a bunch of foam as we disturbed about a million salmon sunning themselves in the shallow water. I attempted to stun one with my paddle… it didn’t work out.

Years later Hal was sharing how he was feeling alone, and how he lost his Dad and Brother within months, and Mom a couple of years later. It was then I told him I was adopting him as my brother. No longer a brother-in-law… a brother. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Early on, I was inspired by Hal’s photography, especially the close-ups he took with the billows lens. Years later macro photography became a favorite of mine. Below is one of my favorites from his neck of the woods (Ballard Locks).

We first met Hal in the early 1970s when he was a mountain man re-enactor at a pageant at Champoeg State Park south of Portland celebrating Oregon history. Shortly later, we were re-acquainted when he was hired to be on the staff of the Community Experiences for Career Education program at Tigard High School. I (Larry) was on the development team at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory which was conducting research on this unique alternative high school program. All reports we received from students and fellow staff were extremely positive about the way Hal worked with students. He treated youth as responsible adults and they, in turn, would act that way, an approach no doubt fostered through his training as a counselor. Over the next years we once again renewed our friendship with Hal as the Northwest was preparing for the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Once again, Hal enjoyed presenting himself as a frontiersman re-telling this amazing story of teamwork and perseverance. In 2003-06 he became involved in the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and was a frequent exhibitor at our regional and national meetings here at the western end of the Trail. Early in his professional life, Hal had been an active Boy Scout leader and immediately saw the parallels of the Lewis & Clark story with the values of Scouting. So, he helped the Washington Chapter of the Foundation create a special cloth patch Scouts could earn by completing several challenging tasks. My wife and I agree that Hal made a significant impact on hundreds of youth and adults alike. Whenever we still use a special wax Hal marketed for use on wood items or the leather journals he had hand-sewn for us, we remember Hal’s enthusiasm, cheerful laugh and twinkling eyes. “Proceed on” was the favorite closing of daily journal entries for Lewis & Clark and we believe that is Hal’s mantra now!
Larry and Ellie McClure, March, 2024

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I spent a lot of time with Hal during my school counseling internship at BHS in 2001-2002. He was always willing to help and offer advice and I enjoyed the daily motivational quotes he posted in his office. Hal shared a lot of great advice (and fantastic stories) with me and as a young counselor looking to learn, I was very appreciative of him taking the time out of his busy schedule to help me. I never had the chance to work next to him as more than an intern but I was still able to pick his brain at district counselor meetings when he moved over to WHS and I was a counselor at BHS. My time with him feels like yesterday, so I'm sad to hear about his passing.

Hal and Mary celebrated their wedding in a snow storm. I had managed to get to Pe Ell and then got stuck in the snow. After the wedding, I chains on my car and drove back to the church to pick up Paul so we could drive back to Tacoma. Because of the snow, we had not been able to have the traditional "chase the bride and groom out of town." I was surprised to see Hal's car in front of the church. I asked Mary what was up and she said that they couldn't find the marriage license. They had taken it to the car but then couldn't find it. When I looked down, I saw it hanging out the bottom of the passenger door. The license had been dropped as Mary got in and it was dropped. So, we did follow them to the highway.

Then, when I was at Drew University, Theological School, I discovered that Hal was training to be an Executive for the Boy Scouts in New Jersey. I was able to get in touch with Hal and visit with him at the training. He agreed to be the best man at my wedding. I have been blessed with good memories.

One of my most fond memories of Hal was when he taught me to make chicken soup. Yes, it's true...I didn't have a clue, and he was SO patient and thorough that to this day it's one of my favorite Fall/Winter meals mostly because it reminds me of him!
The other kind of comical memory I have was when he tried to teach my older son and I how to make pine needle baskets. Oh my gosh! After a pretty unsuccessful attempt (for hours), I gained a whole new respect for that rare talent of his! Sure do miss him, and so very thankful to have called him friend and "brother."

It's interesting that the photo of Stanley Lake is the backdrop for this page. I hiked the Sawtooth Wilderness with Hal when we were both in the Scouts in Jerome. I know he loved those mountains and I lived about 15 miles from the lake for 25 years.

Hal was a good and loyal friend during our Junior High and High School years. We were both interested in the outdoors and the magic of electronics. We both were students of the Fur Trade Era and Native Americana. Hal sent me a medicine pouch he made. I put mu "medicine" in it an still treasure it.

Hal grew up to be a good and decent man who accepted the challenges that life presented and remained a good person with a rollicking sense of humor. He raised a great family that I only remember as children. They are rightfully glad that Hal was their dad and we are all better people by having him as a friend. His spirit lives on!

I think I was assigned to a different high school counselor and I thought they were just for scheduling classes, but when I passed by those offices, Mr. Stoltz was frequently smiling and generous with his greetings. I was drawn to his charisma. I wasn't really having any scheduling problems and I wasn't sad or troubled about anything, but I found other reasons to just stop in for the confident, cheery vibe and encouraging ways.

When I went off to college I reflected on those times. I wrote to him to thank him for his positive influence in my life and he wrote back signing the letter, Hal. Now we were friends! I have a few letters from him in my box of treasures I have kept over the years that have survived. I looked him up again when I wanted to share some happy news. I read him a letter he wrote me. We seemed to cheer each other at different times. I invited him to my wedding reception and he came!

When he and Bonnie were traveling , they accepted my invitation for afternoon tea. This is when I got to see how respectful he was to Bonnie.

Whenever I called, he would laugh a deep laugh and seem genuinely surprised at the timing. He made me feel like at that moment, I was the most important person to him. I knew he did that with everyone and it endeared me to him even more.

One time, I called him and he was not feeling well, but he still had his positive outlook and you could feel the smile through the phone connection. He had a happy attitude even when a little complaining could be justifiable.

He told me about a store with 1000s of beads. He was looking for them for his Mountain Man handicrafts that he sold on Etsy. He told be about his grandchildren and how his Grandpa name was "Happy." Of course it was!!! He spoke fondly of hiking with Greg and how proud he was of all his children.

I always wanted a close relationship with my own father, but he wasn't able to really talk about lots of things. Hal could. He was the Dad I needed in this way.

Though we rarely spoke about religion or his connection with God and others, we both knew that we were striving to live in harmony with what we knew to be true. He was a man without guile and a terrific, active listener. How I miss him, but the sound of his "Happy" voice will continue to give me encouragement throughout my lifetime.

I knew Hal and his children from long ago when both of our families were active in the First United Methodist Church in Newberg. We were on the church softball team along with my Dad, Carl Freeman. I attended the Champoeg Pageant several times while I was in high school and college and enjoyed his portrayals of Ewing Young.
In the early 1990s we were co-workers as summer rangers at Fort Clatsop (today's Lewis and Clark National Historical Park). In more recent years he was active in the Washington chapter of Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and for many years he made buckskin pouches and other items (some of which were sold by the Fort Clatsop Bookstore). He occasional volunteered to help with special holiday events in the park over the years.
Hal loved history, living history skills, and entertaining the public and he was a good friend and co-worker to many. He was sharpening tools in the park's Canoe Building video (which still plays on a TV in the visitor center lobby) from about 1991 and leads the group laugh at the end of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKnD9ixM0eM

He was a great storyteller and here are two stories from his time as a living history ranger at Fort Clatsop. Once, at the fort, a visitor asked him what time it was. He pulled a pocket sundial out of his pouch and spent some time lining it up with the sun so the shadow fell on the dial then stated what the current time was. People overhearing this conversation checked their watches and gasped at the fact that he was exactly correct and asked how he did it. He told us later, he had just looked at his watch before the question was asked so he knew the correct time!
Chief Ranger Curt Johnson, and some others (Dick Boss and Jeffrey Birmingham?) and Hal were in buckskin costume on the day the park visitor center was dedicated in 1991 after an expansion that tripled the size of the building. They were ready for the ceremony to start (politicians and dignitaries were gathering) as they were to march in with a military color guard and fire off the flintlock rifles they were carrying. They were gathered in front of the visitor center sharing stories and laughs with each other and Hal decided to spin his Harpers Ferry Short Rifle like a baton. This caused the metal ramrod to fly out and land on the new roof and roll into the new gutter. A sheepish Hal reached into the gutter and retrieved the errant ramrod and he carried the nickname "Ramrod" ever since!

Sally Freeman
Park Ranger
Lewis and Clark NHP

His camp kitchen, Hal's special camp breakfast, and the "Taj Ma-Hal." I learned a new knot - AND got to see him beat his granddaughter at cards (a true accomplishment). Great camping trip with Hal.

Dad had the biggest laugh, and he was always ready to use it. No joke was too corny!