Alan Clair Hale

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Beloved Rupert musician and educator Alan Clair Hale passed away on April 20th in Kaysville, Utah at the age of 89. He was born on March 27, 1934 in Pocatello, Idaho, the fourth of seven sons born to Lyman and Luella Hale.

Alan’s life-long love of music began when, at age 11, his parents finally surrendered to his persistent pleading for piano lessons. After graduating from Pocatello High School in 1952, he attended Idaho State University. Surrounded by a gaggle of girls as he played piano in the foyer of the LDS Institute, Alan spied his future bride of 70 years, Carolyn Ostler, across the room. They married in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 18, 1953. Alan supported his new family as a member of the Idaho National Guard until graduating from ISU with a BA in Music Education and Piano Performance.

With college behind him, Alan began his distinguished career at Irving Junior High School in Pocatello and American Falls High School where he taught instrumental and choral music. Eventually the Hale family relocated to Rupert, where Alan directed choral music at Minico High School and inspired students for 17 years. Mr. Hale was best known for producing consistently excellent choirs. 

After retiring from teaching, Alan actively participated in the Mt. Harrison Heritage Foundation, serving on the Board of Directors and performing in the production of numerous musicals and symphony concerts. Alan particularly enjoyed conducting and playing tuba in the Magic Philharmonic Orchestra, and performing at the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree. He was also a member and is a past president of the Rupert Kiwanis Club.

Alan was preceded in death by his daughter Virginia (Kevin Jones), and son Martel (Eva-Lu), as well as his parents and six brothers (Gerald, Verle, Norman, Garen, Leon, and James). He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sons Randall (Janet) and Kelly (Mary-Margaret), 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, with three more arriving soon.

A celebration of Alan Hale’s life will be held Friday, April 28th at 11am, with a viewing beginning at 10am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 526 F Street in Rupert, Idaho.

Rupert 3rd Ward chapel services will conclude with burial in the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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