Fred Hall, who was a mentor to many SRM folks (and others, too) died peacefully at home on December 5. 

As a 17-year old, Fred joined the Marine Corps toward the end of WWII, and served in the USMC through Korea and Viet Nam. He stayed active in the Reserves until he retired as a Major in 1987.

His personal life reflected his dedication the Marine Corps Hymn “in the Air, on the Land, and Sea”. In the AIR, Fred was a pilot with commercial and instructor’s licenses.

On the LAND, Fred developed the first ecology program for the USFS, and was a prominent range ecologist in eastern Oregon. His pioneering work on forest ecosystems, grazing/browsing monitoring, photo monitoring, and forest health have stood the test of time and are used today. Fred was a scientist, creative innovator, and inventor with a passion for “getting it done”. When he needed a way to determine slope angles back in the ‘60s, he created his own inclinometer.

As a teacher, mentor and parent, Fred was a colorful and dynamic presence in the lecture hall, camp or field. He taught plant ID, how to walk a trail in the dark, how to do a 100-point plot, dig deep holes to test soil, and a respect for the High Country. An evening around the campfire with Fred was an evening to remember.

On the SEA, Fred was a blue water sailor and navigator, finding his way across the open ocean with a sextant and celestial navigation. He loved to cruise the San Juan Islands and lived on his sailboat for years and later in his houseboat with his wife Ginger.

A celebration of life is planned for early summer. Visit Fred’s memorial at legacy.com.