Bryan Hall

Bryan James Hall – ‘BJ’, age 43 of Waddell, AZ passed away May 8, 2016 in the hospital with his mother, uncle, two children and their mother by his side. Cause of death was heart disease. BJ was born at Newberg, Oregon on September 16, 1972 to Adrienne E. Hall and George Patrick Hall. His adopted brother is David ‘Tino’ Ward of Lacy, WA. His childhood homes were in Newberg, OR, Salem, OR, Tualatin, OR, Lame Deer, MT and his all-time favorite, Neah Bay, WA home of the Makah Indian Nation. It was at Neah Bay and the Makah Indian Reservation where he said he lived the dream childhood of lasting friendships, the joys of beach combing, building forts, bike riding, swimming in the pacific, playing all sports throughout elementary and secondary school and much more. As a little boy he could be ‘lost’ for hours and when asked where he had been the answer was he was with his friends and spent time in their homes, they played, ate, talked, laughed, watched TV, met new friends and went from house to house while doing this. At Neah Bay the children are numerous and always welcomed by the families as if part of their own. The kids there loved BJ because he was very creative in play and activities so much so that the other kids would often seek him out or wait for him to show up to get things started. It was at Neah Bay that he developed his love and skills for play that eventually lead him to become a successful physical education teacher and coach. BJ was fortunate to have been part of a class of exceptional students throughout his school years at Neah Bay. He was a sports star, a challenge in class often debating the teachers whom he admired greatly, a solid citizen who set a good example for others, a willing volunteer and leader in the community. Throughout the years after leaving Neah Bay BJ would often speak fondly of his classmates and his valued teachers at there. After graduating from high school BJ worked on the fish dock at Neah Bay handling purchasing and the shipping of the catches of tribal fishermen. This involved large sums of money and lots of responsibility. This is just one example of the faith and trust the Neah Bay community put in BJ. It was friends from Neah Bay that eventually found the American Indian Bible College in Phoenix, AZ that led him to the next big step in his life, that of college and training in business, pastoral studies, and eventually, elementary education. In 2006, BJ received a Master’s Degree in education related studies. He graduated from AIBC in the spring of 1997. It was while at AIBC that he met his future bride, Elena Fernandez. They married the following year and daughter Alysha and son Johnathan soon followed. BJ loved his family, his extended immediate family, the Fernandez family and his school family. About education, he would often say that he didn’t go to work - only that the school chose to pay him for doing what he loved to do. Upon BJ’s passing his mother opened his cell phone and the words “I live to serve” popped up on the screen. He truly lived for his students, their parents, the school staff and the school administration. Some of his proudest moments were when former students would return or call and ask to visit with him. He truly loved them all but as a proud American he had a special place in his heart for former students returning as active duty or former military. BJ was a member of the Assembly of God Church. He was especially fond of the clergy from Neah Bay and those whom he met in Arizona. He served as the sound technician at his local church for 12 years recording the services and making certain that those gathered could hear and replay the praise and pastors’ message. The writer wishes to express special recognition to the Bret Tarver School staff and administration and the Cartwright School District for their many kindnesses and assistance over this difficult period. The family is indeed grateful. In conclusion and to share a touch of BJ’s final moments - as he lie moments from death in his hospital bed he squeezed his young daughter’s hand and waved his foot. The foot wave was a special thing they had between them as a way to say “Goodbye”. Rest in peace BJ. BJ is survived by his former wife Elena and their children Alysha and Johnathan of Peoria, AZ. His parents John and Adrienne Heinz of Port Angeles, WA. His Uncle Richard Zephier of Manderson, SD. His Aunt Francine Zephier and Uncle Jerry Driscoll both of Strongville, OH. His Aunt Denise Zephier of Bowling Green, OH. His stepmother Malasri ‘Missy’ Hall of Astoria, OR. His adoptive brother David ‘Tino’ Ward of Lacy, WA. and many cousins throughout the land. BJ was predeceased by his birthfather George P. Hall in Astoria OR, his grandparents Alvin and Gertrude Zephier, his Uncles Harold ‘Hob’ and Alvin Jr Zephier, his Uncle Larry J. Heinz. A message from BJ: To those I love and those who loved and care for me. When I am gone, be thankful for our years together. Thank you for the love each of you has shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So Grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a time that we must be apart. So bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see me or touch me, I will be near, and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile, and say, "Welcome home!" -Anonymous Celebration of life is on Thursday, May 19th, 6-9:00PM at Christ’s Community Church, 4530 W. Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ 85306. Name of officiant: Marvin Begay, Pastor, Assembly of God Church Honorary pallbearers: David ‘Tino’ Ward, Rupert Alvarez, ‘Warehouse’ Jim, Jeff Owen, Al Parga. Reed Zephier, Bill Grinnell, and the Class of 1991 – Neah Bay High School Place of internment: Peoria, AZ, Port Angeles, WA, Neah Bay, WA Funeral Home: Legacy Funeral Home – Sun City, AZ Thank you to all: To those that have come from far and near, those that called or sent condolences, those that helped arrange for and participated in these services, those that furnished facilities, food and drink, those that sent flower arrangements and, following the service, those that will please take a flower arrangement home to enjoy and remember BJ. Remember this: The dates of BJ’s life from the beginning to the end need not be the cause of tears as they are not as important as the dash between those years. General information: In lieu of flowers it is suggested that memorial donations to BJ’s children be considered. Send care of: Legacy Funeral Home, 10702 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 Attn.: Adrienne Heinz (Grandma) or to the organization of your choice. Thank you.

Bryan Hall

September 16, 1972 - May 8, 2016