David Hale was not a man who let life's trials and tribulations weigh him down. He approached his seven decades on earth with an easy sense of humor and an perpetual curiosity about the world around him. Even as cancer gradually stole his energy and vigor, he refused to relinquish his optimism and passion for life. David passed away peacefully in his sleep November 2, 2011 at his East Bakersfield home, surrounded by his immediate family. He was 73. He was a husband, father, grandfather, dancer, golfer, astronomer, computer buff, reader, lifelong learner, lover of the outdoors and friend to many. David Martin Hale was born January 7, 1938 in Taft, the son of Lecil and Bernice Hale and brother to Bette. He grew up in Bakersfield, and except for a stint away for college, called the town home his whole life. He attended North High School, graduating with the first class in 1956. He moved to San Francisco for six years, earning a degree in Spanish from San Francisco State College. While there, he met the love of his life. Back in Bakersfield, his career spanned more than 30 years, most of that with the County of Kern, where he worked in data processing. An avid reader, he had a special interest in the sciences. But he also kept up with current events and cherished a good dinner-table debate about politics or social issues. He was a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts for 10 years, a volunteer activity that allowed him to enjoy many outdoor activities with his son, such as camping and sailing. He was also in the Naval Reserve for eight years. A special passion was astronomy. He co-founded the Kern Astronomical Society as a teenager, and then revived it as an adult in 1972. Not content to keep his love of the cosmos to himself, he went on to teach astronomy to hundreds of students over the course of 20 years at Bakersfield College. Mid-life, he took up golfing and dancing, both passions he shared with his wife, Margarita. He spent many glorious evenings on the dance floor with his partner in life, and many afternoons on the golf course with friends and family. The couple belonged to the Bakersfield Smooth Dancers and the Dance Steppers. So great was their love of dancing, that when they moved to a house in Northwest Bakersfield years ago, the couple made sure the living room was spacious and had hardwood floors-two necessities for practicing dance moves at home. David made friends easily and had a ready smile and polite greeting for everyday strangers. He loved to laugh. But he didn't like to call attention to himself-except when telling one of his frequent jokes, the cornier the better. He was comfortable in his own skin and didn't worry much about what others thought of him or how he lived his life. He encouraged others to take a similarly easygoing approach to life, urging those close to him not to worry so much about the small things. Adversity was just a fact of life, not something to get you down. David is survived by his wife Margarita, sister Bette, daughter Lysa and son Greg, as well as six grandchildren: Alexander, Toby, Jonathan, Clare, Bridget, and Ellie. Services will be held Monday, November 7, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary. A visitation will take place Sunday evening from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross or UNICEF.
Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.
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