Horace "Hal" Halling

Meet HPH, Hal Halling—but don’t call him Horace Percival. Born August 18th, 1937 in London, England as a true Cockney. Survived the Blitz during World War II and remembered watching the RAF defend London in aerial combat dogfights, which would later inspire a career in aeronautical aviation. Earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering at London Polytechnic, then apprenticed at De Havilland Aviation for 5 years. Working at Avica UK as a Design Engineer, he met his boss’s secretary Carole and it was love at first sight. He proposed on their first date over Duck a l’Orange at the Salisbury Crest—and Carole accepted. Meeting Carole put his plans to move to Australia on hold, but travel would soon be in their future. In 1970, Hal, Carole and their two young children, Kirsten and Jonathan moved across-the-pond to the U.S. to help rebuild a struggling company. A temporary move to the States became a lifetime as the Hallings settled in Maryland, Connecticut, and eventually Dayton. Hal was immensely creative, producing over 50 U.S. patents which include high-temperature/high-pressure seal technology and flexible joints.
He was a true animal lover, who was responsible for the welfare and happiness of countless dogs and cats during his lifetime. He loved nature, taking his family on hikes and mountain vacations, always enjoyed a good laugh and a glass of Côte du Rhône. As a man who believed people deserved justice and opportunity, he rallied for and supported those who needed his help. Hal often spoke out against hypocrisy and selfishness. His credo was to be authentic, and he taught his kids the Shakespearean quote:

“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Hal is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carole, his children Kirsten (husband Peter) and Jonathan (wife Lianne) and his six grandchildren: Charlotte, Walker, Corbin, Reid, Samantha, and Keira. He was truly loved and will be sorely missed.
To honor Hal's memory, do something kind for an animal, help a person in need, or make a donation to the Dayton Humane Society. A celebration of life will be from 1-4:00 PM on Saturday, November 3 at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave., Dayton.
Wine, champagne, and food will be provided. Please visit www.westbrockfuneralhome.com for directions or to leave a condolence for the family.