In Memory of Richard Samuel (Sam) Hall, Jr.
April 13, 1940 - July 1, 2018
April 13, 1940 - July 1, 2018
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The Salem Public Library Foundation fondly remembers Honorary Director Sam Hall. Sam first came to the Foundation in 1985 as the Library Advisory Board liaison, ultimately serving as President from 1995 to 2000 and again 2012-2016. He had a lifelong dedication to libraries as evidenced by his many terms of service at the Foundation, City of Salem Library Advisory Board, and the State Library. |
Bob d’Entremont, fellow Foundation board member, recalled Sam’s service to the Foundation. “Sam’s passion for the Salem Public Library is evident in everything he does to make it better. He was a multiple time leader of the Foundation, ardent defender of the need and place the Library had in the community, and key fundraiser for every major renovation in the library over the last 23 years. The epitome of an excellent volunteer!”
Appointed to the State Library Board by two governors between 2008 and 2016, Sam served as Chair from 2011 to 2013. “During his tenure on the Board, and particularly during his Chairmanship, Sam ably led the State Library through many changes including the transition to a new State Librarian and changes in the Library’s services and governance,” said Jim Scheppke, retired State Librarian.
Appointed to the State Library Board by two governors between 2008 and 2016, Sam served as Chair from 2011 to 2013. “During his tenure on the Board, and particularly during his Chairmanship, Sam ably led the State Library through many changes including the transition to a new State Librarian and changes in the Library’s services and governance,” said Jim Scheppke, retired State Librarian.
Sam Hall, Ph.D., came to Salem in 1972 with his spouse at the time, Gretchen, and daughter, Diana, as the James T. Matthews Chair of Mathematics at Willamette University. He was part of the Willamette community from 1972 until 2005, both as professor and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He also taught in the university's general education program and developed a course in peace and non-violent social action.Following retirement from Willamette University, Sam co-mediated civil lawsuits with his spouse of 27 years, Susan Leeson. He appreciated the partnership and friendship of other volunteers for many decades at Neighbor-to-Neighbor Community Mediation and Fellowship of Reconciliation. Sam believed in civic engagement. He was an active leader on the Salem Public Library Board of Directors, Salem Public Library Foundation, and Oregon State Library Board of Directors. He also served on the boards of the Guadalupe Clinic and Neighbor-to-Neighbor.
Sam worked tirelessly as the managing member of Sustainable Fairview Associates in its effort to transform the former Fairview Training Center into a model of a sustainable, walkable community.
Sam appreciated the power of language and found poetry a particularly profound way to convey meaning. Among his favorite poet/activists were William Stafford, Joseph Brodsky, Wendell Berry and Aracelis Girmay. Nikki Giovanni occupied his interest, free time and bookshelves in the months before he passed.
Sam will be remembered for his integrity, humor, kindness, generosity, and mentorship of countless students.
Sam is survived by spouse, Sue Leeson; daughter, Diana Hall; grandson, Asher Hall; and brother, Bill Hall and family.
At Sam's request there will be no service. Instead, he asks that anyone who would attend a service think of him and do something kind for someone else. The family requests no flowers.
*Published in Statesman Journal on July 8, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesmanjournal/obituary.aspx?n=richard-samuel-hall-sam&pid=189464675
Sam worked tirelessly as the managing member of Sustainable Fairview Associates in its effort to transform the former Fairview Training Center into a model of a sustainable, walkable community.
Sam appreciated the power of language and found poetry a particularly profound way to convey meaning. Among his favorite poet/activists were William Stafford, Joseph Brodsky, Wendell Berry and Aracelis Girmay. Nikki Giovanni occupied his interest, free time and bookshelves in the months before he passed.
Sam will be remembered for his integrity, humor, kindness, generosity, and mentorship of countless students.
Sam is survived by spouse, Sue Leeson; daughter, Diana Hall; grandson, Asher Hall; and brother, Bill Hall and family.
At Sam's request there will be no service. Instead, he asks that anyone who would attend a service think of him and do something kind for someone else. The family requests no flowers.
*Published in Statesman Journal on July 8, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesmanjournal/obituary.aspx?n=richard-samuel-hall-sam&pid=189464675