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Once upon a time, there was born in Barre, Vt., a baby named Ronald W. Halsall; his mother, Alice Hebert Halsall, his father, S. Joseph Halsall. He grew up playing baseball, fishing with his Dad, deer hunting; graduating from Spaulding High School in 1955. He had appointments to both the US Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy at Anapolis, choosing West Point to join his best high school friend. Upon graduation in June 1960, he married Audrey Sumner, whom he met in high school and they began their adventure by traveling on an Army ship to his first duty assignment as a 2nd Lt. with the 69th Armor at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After 3 1/2 years in Hawaii, he was transferred to Ft. Campbell, Ky. Leaving green, warm Hawaii in the winter and arriving in cold, muddy Kentucky convinced both of them that Hawaii was the place they wanted to call home,returning permanently in 1966. He subsequently trained and worked as a safety/security consultant with Hawaiian Insurance, PACEX and AIG Insurance. With the PX system he spent a year in Vietnam. After returning home to Honolulu, he continued working trips throughout Asia. His subsequent employment with AIG Insurance had him traveling throughout the mainland, always returning home to Hawaii.
His son, Christopher was born in Hawaii. Because of his background in soccer at West Point, he coached Chris' soccer teams with AYSO and also his baseball team. He is survived by two grandsons, Chase Kama'aloha'onanalu and Zack Kaimalino. He loved dancing and belonged to Hawaii Ballroom Dancing Association, serving as an officer for the Kaimuki chapter and participating in weekly classes. He also enjoyed playing chess and teaching it to his grandsons. He got his daily exercise by walking all over Waialae Nui hill, Kaimuki and Kahala, two or three miles most days, chatting with people as he went. Everybody recognized his WP baseball cap and white hair.
His passing was totally unexpected. One week he was walking his usual miles and working in the yard; the next week he was in Emergency struggling, finally succumbing to an infection that turned into sepsis.
He was easy to like – good natured, honest, with a good sense of humor. And always ready to pack his toothbrush and head out for another adventure. He left a big hole in our hearts and we miss him every day.
Due to covid, private services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery at Punchbowl.
And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, 'Well Done;
Be Thou At Peace.'
Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
