I loved grampa and still do. It is so nice to hear about this website about him.

I am very honored to was asked to put together today’s slideshow of Pat Hall’s life.  Looking at the pictures of my dear friend I appreciate what a wonderful life Pat created and how many people he touched.  Also, how photogenic Pat was!

I met Pat early in my Buddhist practice.  
We both married our wives in the same year.
He has two kids and I have three.
And Pat, Debbie, Kendall and Royce became close friends to our family.
With the SGI Boys and Girls group, we went camping several times, including Sunset beach, Big Basin, and Pinnacles National Park.  We had so much fun and I learned a lot about camping from Pat!

Also, one 4th of July, our family took at trip with the Hall family down to Mexico, Baja California, just south of Tijuana.  Two mini-vans, and our two families.  I had my worries, but Pat navigated us just fine!

And that is my fondest memory of Pat – I could count on him!
He was there to help me with any questions I had. 
Whether it was a question on Buddhism, or how to fix something in my home!
He really was my “go-to” guy!

A few years ago he encouraged my wife and I to join he and Debbie on watching plays with a theater group the Stage in downtown San Jose.  It was a small venue, close to the stage and the actors, which made it so much fun.  We would have dinner together before the performance.  Looking back I’m so frustrated COVID interrupted this wonderful time we had together.

In the last years of his life, Pat was sick, but you would never know it.
He continued to keep active.  Continued to be there for me.
I am so glad he got a chance to travel the USA with Debbie in their RV, during a pandemic!  Way to go Pat!

The Cat Steven’s song “Oh Very Young” says, 
“You’re only dancin’ on this earth for a short while”.
I am so fortunate to have had Pat as a dear friend during this “short while” and I will miss him dearly!  

Thank You!


Dear Debbie, Kendall & Royce 

My deepest condolences for your loss. I have known Pat for a very long time & have beautiful memories from SGI Boys & Girls Camping trips with kids. He was always very supportive & encouraging. I remember his smiling face & presence always at the SVBC.  He will be deeply missed. 

To the Hall Family,
We love you all very much. Pat was an amazing fighter and truly loved up to the ‘never give up spirit’. We will never forget everything that he has done for our community and SGI family. We will miss him very much. Sending lots of love to your family.

Best,
Tami & John 

When I think about Pat, I see his bright smiling face. Pat was funny, full of life, very supportive, encouraging, had buddha nature, seeking spirit,  just to name a few.
I remember Pat sharing about his road trip on a trailer with Debbie and family and both planting seeds along the way. Because Pat has chanted while he was alive, he has attained Buddhahood in his present form, in the same way that stones change into jewels. "White Horses and White Swans," WND-1,1064. 

Dear Pat Hall san 
Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Thank you very much for your help. Pat san was very supportive of my pilot training.Even when I was having a hard time training, Pat san encouraged me to do your  best.
I wanted to go to America, but I have the rest of my training in Japan, so I'll do my best. I realy respect and really thank you.




Thank you, Pat, for your amazing and hard work for Kosen-rufu in our neighborhood and beyond! You were always at the centers (both by the O'Conner and SJC) to welcome all the SGI members and guests with your bright smile, and you took care of our centers so well for many many years! Thank you so much!!! I will surely remember the days I worked with you as a chapter team for the rest of my life.  Please rest well until your next mission starts, Pat!  :)

When I picture a "Lion for Kosen Rufu," Pat Hall is the face of that courage and strength. His dedication, faith, and sincere efforts to promote Buddhism in our community is unmatched. He will always be remembered through the lives of all those that he touched, and whose faith he encouraged. He was a true Bodhisattva of the Earth, and I know that he danced all the way to Eagle Peak on his journey  home. He will be deeply missed, but what a shining example he set for us! Thank you, Pat. My deepest sympathy to Debbie and the family. I know he is deeply missed.

Patrick Hall was my Chapter chief in 1998 when I returned  from LA and was appointed a district leader in San Jose District. 

Before I met Pat, I thought I was chanting ‘abundant daimoku’ daily and did not see any need for filling in squares on a million-daimoku graph, in the style of most daimoku enthusiasts.  
 
Then I heard Pat say  “ You really don’t know how little or how much you are chanting  unless you keep track.”  

I followed his simple advice.  He was right.   I soon realized that I was not chanting as much as I thought I did. 

From then on I kept track and challenged myself to meet daily daimoku goals.  Through this discipline, I overcame many hardships and made the “impossible” possible.

Thank you Pat for that memorable clearcut guidance which I follow to this day.

Peace!
Udhaya

Hi Pat,
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your dedication to our West Valley Chapter for SGI-USA and kosen-rufu. I believe you were the pillar of Silicon Valley. We now lost it, but we will stand up for future as like you did. This is my determination. I will send daimoku to you forever, because we're connected each other since the remote past. Take a rest and see you again.
Yukinori

Pat is always calm and made us laugh. 
 He is  a man who lived up to the vows he  took as a young man. He helped us many times when we were on a team together. I really trusted him. And I really appreciated his support.  I would like to carry on the spirit he left behind.
I pray for his life every morning and evening. 

I would like to express our heartfelt condolences.
I came to the US in 2018, but Pad He gave me a job to paint the exterior of his nursing home since I did not have working permit. All I could do was pray at the Center every day. It was very helpful that Pad gave me that kind of support. I will never forget your kindness of that time. Thank you very much. I am confident that we will be able to work together for Kosen rufu again in the future, somewhere in the world.

What I remember most is Pat's beautiful smile, so friendly and warming.  I am sure his  smile is forever etched in your hearts.  May that memory comfort you.  May we all recognize that smile in our next lives.  Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 

Farewell good friend. I have many fond memories from over the years and will cherish them. You taught me much about what it means to take action in caring for the safety and wellbeing of others. I will miss Pat, his humor and his thoughtfulness. But I'm sure he is already planning his next adventure in the spirit expressed by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda:

"We need to cultivate a state of life where we can thoroughly enjoy ourselves at all times. We should have such joy that even at the time of death we can declare with a happy smile: 'That was wonderful! Where shall I go next?'"

I am fondly remembering Mr. Halls efforts with having the opportunity to meet and work with the family at boys and girls activities.  Watching his sons grow and participate was an encouragement to me as a parent. They really spoke their own mind and also seem to always have fun.
Thank you to the whole family for the beauty that radiated.

Pat was a great mentor and friend who had stood beside me when I did not have a job. I used to go to his home for chanting. I am very grateful for his presence in my life. I am sure Pat is in a better place in his journey - fulfilled his duties in this world. 

I know that this must be a difficult time for Debra and her family. I have them in my thoughts and prayers for healing from this great loss...

I am very sorry to hear this news. I didn't know Patrick but I am also an SGI member in Livermore CA. I read Patrick's experience in The World Tribune a few years ago about his health issue. I also have a blood disorder and his experience really encouraged me. I have been chanting for him ever since and occasionally googling him to try to see if he was ok. That's how I found out. Patrick was a true champion for kosen rufu. My condolences to the entire family.

I am very shocked, and it took me so many days to gather my thoughts and write my memories with Pat.

I remember him saying that "SGI community center in Silicon Valley is the most welcoming and open to its visitors in the US," and he did a lot to make that possible. He spent lots of time and energy behind-the-scenes to maintain a peaceful Buddhist community in South Bay, and I learned a lot from him about how to become a reliable and sincere person.

Pat and his family had also welcomed me to their home for Thanksgiving dinner a few times, several large gatherings, and even when I asked them to help me revise my personal statement for undergrad. My deepest appreciation to him and his entire family.

I practiced together with Pat for many years as a fellow "comrade in faith" in the SGI Buddhist organization.  How to describe Pat?   He was steadfast, he was a pillar, and he was always there to support.  More than anything he was the champion of our community center. Pat took care of maintenance, and he organized the men and young men's telephone coverage.  There are so many events that could not have happened without him.  It all stemmed from his sincere devotion in faith.
He also  told  me about the On Lok organization for disabled seniors,  which I was able to introduce to my disabled brother.   Pat exemplified the bodhisattva spirit of helping others.  I will surely miss him. 
I surmise he must be preparing for an urgent mission in his next life and he will be eagerly waiting to meet again.  I believe his greatest wish is the happiness of those he had to temporarily part with.

Thank you Pat for all your contributions!! We will meet again on the great journey of kosen-rufu!

My condolences and best wishes  for his family.








Dear Debbie,  Kendall and Royce,
     
     Pat was such a brilliant person. He always had a smile on his face, and he greeted,  listened,  and encouraged.  
     Pat wholeheartedly led the Elementary School Division for so many years, well after his own boys had outgrown the group.  He was also a great district leader alongside you, Debbie.  I'll always remember the delightful meeting in your home. 
     What a loss, but Pat is unforgettable;  his spirit will live on in everyone's hearts. 
     May the passage of time bring you comfort and peace. 
                                         Love,
                                         Cyd, Derek and Hashim

Pat was always calm, warm, and positive, encouraged members, and had a strong sense of responsibility. This is the picture when we had a BBQ party after the MD meeting at Anil's in Cupertino on Sep 25, 2010. It's really enjoyable memory. Shinichi Hirano

I am so shocked to learn that Pat passed away. I LOVED Pat! We worked together as technical writers back in the early 2000s and had such fun. We'd go out to lunch in his big Cadillac and just laugh like crazy.

So terribly sorry for Debbie and the boys. Pat was such a dedicated member and great human being, and although I didn't see him often, I always loved running into him at the community center. I'll look forward to his memorial.

It has taken a while and a great deal of emotional reflection to write this. I dearly miss my brother, Pat. He enjoyed life to the fullest always pushing the boundaries of life while embracing family above all. He was the youngest of the first four brothers born within seven years of each other.  Conan, our youngest brother was born seven years after Pat. 

After our parents divorce, Pat moved to Texas to finish his schooling there before joining the Army in California. After his discharge, he moved to San Jose to attend college and begin his careers in tech. Pat always had an Entreprenurial flair and courage to challenge the unknown.  

He and his wonderful wife Debbie raised two outstanding boys, Kendall and Royce. We all miss him deeply.  I think about him every day. 

Dan

Dear Debbie and family, 
I am so sorry for the loss and please accept my deepest condolence. Pat will be miss dearly. Thanks to Pat for his dedication & commitment to fight for kosenrufu in San Jose, we are able to enjoy the garden of Soka family in San Jose now. Pat has been a person I know whom always support behind the scene to make the meeting goes smoothly.  Again, sorry for the loss and please take care. 

Sincerely
Cherry 

The entire Etcheverry family mourns with the Hall family at this difficult time. We've known Pat since the 70's and often laughed at his keen wit and have always been comforted each and every time we saw him at the community center, many times, behind the scenes making sure everything went well. He was extremely insightful, possessed a strong buddhist practice and always looked out for others. He was a Pillar of Faith in our community and we will miss him dearly! 

Ikeda sensei wrote a poem titled, “ Waterfall”.
One day Pat and our Men’s members sang the song, I thought this song is for Pat. 
“The Waterfall”

Like the waterfall, fierce
like the waterfall, unflagging
like the waterfall, unfearing
like the waterfall, merrily
like the waterfall, proudly
a man should have the bearing of a king.

Pat lived like waterfall.
RIP Pat.    

Pat is one of the first people whom I know after starting my Buddhist practice with SGI. He has taught me many things from practical knowledge of how to take care of our community center to the spirit to care for others as human beings. I am truly moved by his spirit to support everyone around him. I also deeply respected how he uses faith to win in everything. His spirit to keep the Gohonzon as the center of his life is unparalleled. It is honor to get to know Pat, learn from him, and be inspired by him. I am excited to continue our eternal journey to make the world better place with him over and over again. 

We were shocked and saddened to hear about Pat. He was such a humble person to encourage people. I learnt a lot from him. 
Suyu and I always enjoyed the interaction with Pat and Debbie in the SGI meetings at SGI San Jose center, Pat's home, zoom meeting or personal conversation.
Please accept my deepest condolences. 

Pat always, always had a cheery smile on his face accompanied with an all is possible kind of attitude. In fact I can safely say that I dont ever recall seeing him not smiling.  My  last few meetings I had started calling him papa bear especially when he would greet me  with a bear hug. Even though I was not in daily touch with Pat and Debbie, I always have the fondest memories of visiting their house, amazing celebrations, strong, strong daimoku, meetings etc I still cant believe that his mission is over but his spirit and ever winning attitude will always remain and continue to inspire me. Really miss Pat!! Warm regards, Jaya Krish

Hi Pat’s family,

I want to say sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and Pat’s loved ones.

Pat was very kind to everyone in the group. He helped me during bell toban by opening the door for me at the community center.

He will be missed by many!

Love,

Lien

I always think Debbie and Pat are our lighthouse. When we see you or  hear your voice, we are very relieved. You pray and take action for others’ happiness all the time. I have learned a lot from you both.  I‘ll never forget your smile and fighting spirit. Thank you so much.

I met Pat and Debbie when I was going through a hard time in my life years ago. He had always been so supportive and gave me lots of encouragement. His fighting spirit and stories always made me think I could keep going and win my obstacles. Pat is a senior in faith, a friend, and a person that I looked up for. I am so fortunate to know him and had good memories practicing Buddhism with you all these years, which I will always cherish. 

Dear Debbie and family,
 Lucia and I will miss Pat terribly. He took such great care of the community center for all of us and I always felt comfortable being there because of it.  I hope you feel better again soon.
Sincerely,
Kevin, Lucia, and family

Pat was a pillar of the Buddhist community, that goes without saying. One memory that stands out is when I saw him outside a house burning somewhere by Julian in San Jose, way back in the the 90s; my group leader Greg Dilley's house was right up the street, which is why I was there. He said, "I'm out of rhythm." That's it. No complaining, no displaced anger, nothing. He took responsibility, and he proved he could overcome that setback. The end. I am trying to honor his courage, his example, by continuing to fight NO MATTER WHAT. Thank you Mr. Hall. 


I knew Pat since I was a pre-teen in the 70"s and have always looked up to him. He was a Humanistic man with a quick wit. He was a great SGI leader and even while I was learining about Buddhism, he spoke it to me to the level tat I could understand. He also added humor to it as well. I will miss him, but I have become richer in life from knowing him. Go to that Peak Pat!!

OBITUARY

Patrick Churchill Hall

May 7, 1951 – July 22, 2022

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

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