Douglas Eugene Hale

Douglas Eugene Hale – 74, Whites Lake/New Hampshire, On January 8th, 2012, a beautiful, sunny, Sunday afternoon, my loving husband was called home to be with the Lord. He fought a courageous battle against Cancer for the past 20 months and passed away peacefully at home where he wanted to be, surrounded by a devoted wife, son, several friends, and his beloved mini schnauzers. Doug was born in Binghamton, New York and spent his childhood growing up in Kennebunkport, Maine, Madison, Connecticut, and Conway, New Hampshire. From the time he left high school, Doug knew he wanted to travel. He joined the United States Navy (Submarine Service) and resided in New London, Connecticut and Hawaii. His first posting was a diesel/electric sub, USS Becuna. The Becuna is now used as a floating museum in Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia. After attending nuclear power school, he proudly served on the nuclear power submarine, USS Swordfish SSN-579 and thought his life would end then, when the sub struck an uncharted mountain during the “Cold War” era. He was later to report for duty on the new nuclear power submarine, USS Thresher, but due to delayed paperwork, he was spared from a horrific accident when the Thresher disappeared off the Massachusetts Coast claiming all lives on board. Leaving the US Navy as Petty Officer First Class, Doug found another mode of travel he enjoyed and it was long distance driving. He traveled the 48 States and 9 Provinces of Canada with several refrigerated goods companies for close to 40 years earning many “driver of the month” awards. He was particularly proud of the 1 million and 2 million mile accident free awards he received with Marten Transport, a refrigerated goods transportation company located in Mondovi, Wisconsin where he was employed until his passing. He enjoyed kayaking, fishing, a good game of crib, watching baseball and football (Go Bucs!), and playing with his Schnauzers.

Doug was predeceased by his parents George and Hazel, brothers George 2nd, and Jack. Surviving besides his devoted wife Jeannine, are two sons, both of whom he was very proud of, Michael (Heather) Plant City, Florida, and Derek (Kristina) Bayside, Nova Scotia, grand-daughters Stephanie and Laura, Plant City, Florida, brother Frank (Sue), Barrington, New Hampshire, sister Joan Magoon, Madbury, New Hampshire, and several nieces and nephews. Doug will always be sadly missed as he was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. No visitation. Cremation under the care of J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Friends and acquaintances are invited to celebrate Doug’s life on January 14, 2012 at 11:00AM in St. Joseph’s Church, Shad Bay, Nova Scotia. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory can be made to a local animal shelter or SPCA.