He was born to cherished parents Rosel Hyde and Jane Pearl Read Hale in Oakley, Idaho on April 15,1930 in the home his grandfather built.
He was the youngest of seven children. His childhood stories of life in Oakley have been a source of much laughter and delight to his family.
He served his country in the Army during the Korean War as an anti-aircraft operator at Fort Totten in Queens, New York.
After the war he served a mission in Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Returning to Oakley after his mission, he continued his courtship with the woman he knew he was destined to marry; Thelma Marie Poulton.
They wed on July 5, 1957 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and started their life together in Provo, Utah where Rod attended BYU.
In 1960 he received a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy. They moved to Salt Lake City where they raised their four children.
Rod was an Eagle Scout, sharing his deep appreciation of nature through many camping trips, hiking and motorcycle rides; imprinting his love of the outdoors on his children.
Above all, he loved the Savior Jesus Christ with devotion leaving us an unwavering legacy of faith.
He is survived by his children Dal (Andrea), Heidi Macey (Rex), Gretchen Hale, Derek (Rana), his sister Rachel Cunningham, his sister-in-law Kathy Poulton, fourteen grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his grandson, parents, wife, one sister and four brothers, all of whom we believe greeted him on the other side with a joyful celebration.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 29th at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Chapel (3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT) at 12pm, followed by a funeral service at 1pm.
Interment will follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery (3115 E. Bengal Blvd. Cottonwood Heights, UT) where Rod will rest beside his beloved bride Thelma.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary. For more information, please call 801-466-8687.
