William "Willie" G. Hale

DATELINE: Portland

William Griffith “Willie” Hale age 68 of Portland passed away on Friday July 31, 2015 at his home with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Portland on July 12, 1947 the son of William B. and Sarah Griffiths Hale. Willie attended South Portland schools graduating from South Portland High School class of 1967. After graduation, Willie enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served honorably for four years. Upon being discharged he worked various jobs. On June 11, 1979 Willie became a Portland Firefighter within the Portland Fire Department, and he was a member of IAFF Local 740. He was assigned to various fire companies, and in 1983 he was assigned to Engine 3 on Stevens Avenue where he remained for 20 years plus on Platoon 3.

In 1996, along with Engine 3’s crew he received the “Deputy Chief William Steele” Unit Citation, and he also received the Oliver T. Sanborn Administration Service Award. Willie retired from the Portland Fire Department on January 31, 2006, but remained a member of Local 740 IAFF.

Upon retirement from the department he went on to work as a school bus driver for the Town of Scarborough. Willie enjoyed his job and especially enjoyed driving his students to and from school and activity trips. He was also employed part-time for Shaw’s Supermarket in Scarborough for many years. Willie enjoyed great times with his family and friends. His children and grandchildren nicknamed him “Grumpy” which he truly enjoyed. He made and kept in contact with his friends even after he retired from the fire department. He enjoyed attending IAFF Conventions with his wife, BFFL’s and good friends of IAFF Local 740. Willie enjoyed playing darts and was a member of the Maine Dart Association where he won many trophies. He put his family and friends before himself and always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed by his family and all his friends.

He is predeceased by his parents. Willie is survived by his loving wife Gail (Beking) Dennison-Hale of Portland, 3 daughters; Kimberly M. and her husband Michael Wilson of Cordova, Alaska, Michele L. and her husband Thomas Harmon of Lyman, Kristen A. Dennison of Saco, a Son, Wayne K. Dennison II of Saco, 2 Brothers; Richard Hale of Portland, Robert Hale of Rhode Island, Godson, Brandon J. Farley of South Portland, Brother-in laws, Jon E. Beking and Tom Sumner of Westbrook, Grandchildren; Kyle P. Donovan and Andrew T. Donovan of Portland and Wayne (Hunter) K. Dennison, III of Saco.

Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday August 6, 2015 from 4 to 7 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. A Celebration of Life for Willie will be held Friday August 7, 2015 at 11 AM at Woodford’s Congregational Church Portland with Deacon John Brennan officiating. Military Honors will be presented immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be private. For further information and to send a tribute in honor of Willie please visit jonesrichandhutchins.com

Gail and family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to New England Cancer Specialist of Scarborough, Seaside Nursing Rehab of Portland, Interim Health Care of South Portland, and Hospice of Southern Maine for the care they provided to Willie during his battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Willie’s memory to Portland Veteran Fireman’s Association or to Portland Firefighters Children Burn Foundation 380 Congress Street, Portland, ME. 04101.