Raymond Sterling Hale

Colorado lost one of its favorite native sons, Raymond Sterling Hale on March 16th, 2016 in Loveland, Colorado at 67 years old from complications that arose from pneumonia. He was surrounded by his three children and devoted sister and brother-in-law at the time of his death. Raymond was born in Lamar, Colorado on December 8, 1948. He was the second child and only son born to Zelma Thompson Hale and Aaron Raymond Hale. Raymond spent his childhood years in Springfield, Colorado. He was both a talented athlete and academic scholar. He had a hunger for learning that lasted the whole of his life and he spent many early summer days visiting the public library in Springfield. He read “Les Miserables” in middle school. He made many lifelong friends in his early years, including his “brother” Daniel Reeder. He was selected all-state quarterback for the state in his junior and senior years. His small town upbringing and the values he was taught led him to appreciate the simple things. After graduating in 1967, Raymond attended the University of Denver on an academic scholarship. He was involved in student government including serving as president of the student senate and he was a passionate supporter of the civil rights and peace movements. He graduated in 1971 and subsequently attended law school at University of Denver. Early in his legal career, Ray was one of the founding partners of Hale, Smith and Williams. It grew to be one of the largest and most-respected law practices in Fort Collins. In 1992, Ray felt passionately about leaving his career as a lawyer to embark on a new career as a middle school teacher. This second career brought him great joy and pride. As a seventh grade English and life skills teacher, Mr. Hale (as they called him) touched the lives of thousands of students…making them more interested in learning, certainly, but also making them feel seen and respected. He made a lifelong impact on many of his students, who consider him to be not only a great teacher, but also a mentor and friend. He taught at Webber Junior High School for his entire 13-year career. Ray was a dreamer and an eternal optimist. He loved talking with people, both friends and complete strangers. He loved Colorado, good food, and good music. With a bright mind, a healthy sense of humor and a talent for loving people well, Ray had a significant impact on many people. He will be forever missed with scores of friends, family and former students striving to live by his example. He was always quick to say that his life’s greatest achievement and blessing was being a dad to his three children. Family was always first for Daddy Ray. He was an exceptionally loving and devoted son, brother, and father. Ray is survived by daughter Sarah Hale Soboleski (Stephen) of Sarasota, FL, son Benton Sterling Hale (Jennifer) of Greenwich, CT, and daughter, Amanda Hale DeJesus. (Amin) of Coral Gables, FL, grandchildren Sawyer, Devin, Sydney, Porter and Rosie Pearl. As well as by his sister Beverly Hale Winsett (Joseph). Join us for a Celebration of his Life on Monday, March 21, 2016 at Crossroads Church at 5420 North Taft Ave, Loveland, Colorado 80538 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to https://act.buildon.org/fundraise/team?ftid=73748 to aid his family in building a school in his memory in Nicaragua. Checks can be made out to buildOn in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524. Student Condolences and Reminiscence: With your intelligence, passion and optimism you inspired so many young minds to be better, try harder and have confidence in themselves. You had a special way of connecting with people and touched so many hearts along your journey, including mine. Thank you for teaching me lessons in and out of the classroom. Thank you for being such an awesome person, role model, mentor, coach and friend! I truly believe that the world is a better place for having you in it, as I know myself and so many others are better people for knowing you. You will be missed by so many who had the honor of knowing you and especially those of us who were lucky enough to learn from you. Watch over us like the angel you've always been. ~ Stephanie LadMerlot Thank you for the motivation, laughter and time you shared with me. I'll never forget it. You were great friend and I will definitely miss you. I can only pray that my kids are as lucky as I was and are given the opportunity to have a a teacher like you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You left your mark in this world. ~ Keoni Mikala Sabas He taught me that even when life is tough it's not permanent. He taught me to push harder and trust myself. To think objectively. To see beyond the tough exterior of people and love them for who they are and where they are going, and gain an understanding from where they came. The ripples of impact are huge. ~Sarah Evans‎ Undoubtedly, you made an immeasurable impact on many, many kids. Thanks for making the world brighter and better. ‎~ Lindsay Mason‎ I will always remember your affection for your kids and your passion for life. God bless you. ~ Jim Macdonald‎ I will never forget how you sparked a passion for English and literature in my life. And I will never forget how genuine and caring you were towards me as a person. Even as a young student, you saw the best in me and treated me as an equal. I am forever indebted to you. The memory of you will always hold the most special place in my heart. ~ ‎Britony Orwick‎ There are truly no words to adequately express how much you will be missed and what an impact you had on so many lives. ~ Jenna McNealy‎ Mr. Hale you are hands down the best teacher I have ever had! Thank you for your passion to teach and to connect with us! You are an amazing man! ~ Ashley Crane‎ You were one of the biggest role models and inspirations us kids had to look up to. ~ Brittani Gooden‎ Mr. Hale brought good good vibes wherever he was. ~ Morgan Baptist‎ You've been a role model and mentor to more people then anyone I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Your smile, your laugh, your spirit and the way you cared about others will ALWAYS be missed. ~ Amanda Brooksmith‎ Rest in peace cousin Ray. Rest high on that Mountain with your Daddy and Momma. ~ Linda Webster Logan‎ Thanks for your editing, guidance, and perspective. You were a great man and teacher. Even though we didn't always see eye to eye, I'm better for it. Looking back, without a doubt, you were one of my favorites. You go on ahead, we will carry on your good grace knowing your influence will guide us until we ourselves are called to the next adventure of this universe. Have no doubt, you made your life count. ~ ‎Kevin Lane Butts‎ Mr. Raymond S. Hale always had such a huge impact on me . I always looked forward to his class and to see his smile. ~ Afton McGlothlen‎ Mr. Hale, you taught me that there is no situation that laughter and love can't fix. Thank you for what you have done for me and countless others. You were the embodiment of what every teacher and every human should strive to be. To say you will be missed is an understatement. ~ Darcy Darland‎ He was great soul who did many great things for thousands of kids he taught. He could light up the room and make any ones day better with a smile. He told many great stories. He will be missed deeply. ~ Tina 'Dowling' Thompson‎ In life there are a handful of people that have impacted your life to the point that they have left a permanent mark on your life. Mr Raymond S. Hale was one of those people for me. I had a hard road academically and mr Hale was one of the best teachers I ever had!!!! Or have ever known. The way he approached his classroom and his students you just don't see today. His faith and encouragement never failed me. ~ Marissa Radney-Bruce To me you were a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a friend, like a second dad and a boss. I've known you for nearly 20 years and have cherished all of them getting to know you more, hearing about your growing family and introducing you to mine. ~ Ambrosia Belchic Mr. Hale will be truly missed. He was an amazing teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Mr. Hale made me believe that one day I will finish, and publish, my book, he brought me rhubarb from his garden, always sent me the nicest birthday messages, And he was always willing to listen and give advice. ~ Erin Burk

Tributes

Raymond Sterling Hale

December 8, 1948 - March 16, 2016