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Frank Howard Hall

April 9, 1924  - September 14, 2007

9/18/07
In part from the Grand Rapids Press

Frank Hall, of Jackson, formally of Sparta, MI, went to be with the Lord on Friday September 14, 2007 at the age of 83.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette "Nettie" Breen-Hall of 45 years; son, Matthew Howard Hall, of Holiday FL; daughter, Laura May Hall-Knapp of Rockford, MI; five grandchildren; one great-grandson.

Frank was known world wide as a skilled dog sled builder and as a dog team driver for many years. He was active in the International Sled Dog Racing Association and the Great Lakes Sled Dog Association.

He was an avid hunter from his personal hunting blind on a tower on his own land to Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska and Canada.

He served in the Navy during WWII. Funeral Services will be held at the Algoma Baptist Church in Sparta, MI on Tuesday September 18, 2007 at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends at the Chas. J. Burden & Son funeral home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. as well as on Tuesday from 12 to 1 p.m. just prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place in Algoma cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may send contributions to Hospice of Jackson and Oaklawn, as well as International Sled Dog Racing Association.

There is a lovely photo memorial of Frank's life at http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2046417 from Chas. J. Burden & Son. Click on the "View Movie" link.

9/20/07: Message from Denny Hitchcock

I became friends with Frank in 1963 at the first race in Minnesota. I was working as trail help and he was one of the "big shots" there to help us get racing started in Minnesota. He was as friendly with me as he was with another good friend, world champion, Art Allen.

Throughout the years, although we didn't see each other often, I always felt Frank was a good friend, and proud to call him one.

I'll never forget one race at Kalkaska in the early '70's when I was out on the trail helping the open drivers after I had run the 7 dog race. My position was at a corner where the teams left a field with a 90 degree turn onto a hard packed road. Every driver before and after Frank slid across the road and maneuvered back to the trail. Frank turned the corner. I bought my first Hall sled later that day. I bought a few other sleds from Frank over the years, but no memory of a sled is as vivid to me as the day Frank turned the corner onto a road in Kalkaska when everyone else slid across the road.

Thank you for always being a true gentleman in our sport and a good friend to all. Rest peacefully, my friend. You will be missed.

Denny Hitchcock

9/19/07: Message from Judy Bergemann

I connected with Frank early in my racing career (circa 1973).  My first "real" dog sled was a Hall Beginners Bolted Sled that served me well for over 20 years.  Oh, the things I put that sled through! I clearly remember taking out a (thankfully dead) jack pine while riding the whip sled in a double sled hookup on a very winding trail. The sled survived--the pine tree was cut off at brush bow height!

Over time we acquired several other models of Hall sleds along with many assorted parts. Although I've ridden several brands over the last 30+ years, during my racing career I was always most comfortable on one of my "Halls." Maybe because that's what I started with...maybe because they just fit me better than others.  Whatever the reason, I credit Frank for many miles of joy and fun I spent behind a team of dogs.

We will miss you.  The sport will miss you.  Thank you for your hard work and contributions to sled dog sports.

/Judy

Additional memories of Frank can be found on SDC Talk!

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