Salem - Harold, or Hal as he was called by most, accomplished so much in his 88 years of life and was loved by so many. He was a farm-boy, an outstanding student, a World War II veteran, an often awarded professor, a highly regarded ordained minister, a great husband and father and a world wide traveling man.
Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Hal acquired a strong work ethic and a strong faith that were the driving force throughout his life. As soon as he graduated from high school in Ackley, Iowa in 1939, he was off and running. He took time out to enter the Air Corps in 1941, and served his country for 5 years. Upon his return and eager not to miss a bear he quickly acquired his BA from the University of Dubuque in 1949. Hal then went on and received his Bachelor of Divinity and then his Masters in Theology from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1952 and 1959, respectfully. A Masters degree in radio and television (1966), followed by a PhD in Broadcasting and International Communication (1973) from Indiana University were his next accomplishments. Hal was also well published through papers, articles and chapters in books in the fields of journalism, international communication and broadcasting.
With all these degrees in hand, Hal wanted to share his knowledge in countries that had fewer opportunities available. He believed that knowledge should be shared to help others become more independent. His life work is a testimony to his belief that people with the right information and the means to communicate could help create beneficial change. Fortunately his wife, Elaine, who he’d met while in seminary in San Francisco and married in 1950, shared his beliefs. As he trekked all over the Middle East and Africa, working and making a difference, she happily travelled by his side, sharing his many adventures.
From 1953 to 1963 Harold was professor at Beirut College for Women in Beirut, Lebanon and simultaneously produced educational radio programs for broadcast in Lebanon, established an educational media center for private secondary schools and served as the Broadcasting and Audio Visual Secretary from the Near East Council of Churchs. While in Beirut, Harold and Elaine’s daughter, Gayle, was born
In 1962 Hal became the Associate Program Director for a large short wave education/religious radio station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also provided radio program production training in eleven African, Middle Eastern and southern Asian countries. Following his 3 years in Ethiopia he was asked to join Kenya National Radio and Television where he developed new programming and training for the production of educational radio an television programs. He coordinated religious radio and television programs, developed a resources loan library and administered a literacy program. Hal also produced the first dramatic sound film with an all Kenyan cast during his three years in Nairobi, Kenya.
Harold returned to the United States in 1969, taught first at Indiana University, then at Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he remained until his retirement in 1993. He was never satisfied with just one job, however and during his time in Ohio he was an interim pastor for many churches across the state. Hal was honored as a Hays-Fulbright Professor in 1975 and enjoyed a year as a professor at Cairo University and the American University of Cairo in Egypt. Then, in 1981 Hal was asked by USAID to direct the Liberia Rural Communication Network and serve as the Principle Research Scientist for the project. Never one to turn down opportunities, he accepted the position and traveled to Liberia where, once again, he made a difference and created positive changes.
When Hal retired in 1993 he and Elaine moved to Oregon to be closed to their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. Try as he might, he did not settle into retirement. Shortly after moving to Salem, Hal began teaching courses at Linfield College in McMinnville and George Fox College in Newberg. He kept up his writing and contributed chapters to books on journalism and international communication and provided information and material for professional articles. Hal also continued to be an interim pastor for many grateful congregations throughout Oregon, just as he had in Ohio.
Hal touched many lives around the world. He and Elaine often played host to students wherever they lived, and were especially supportive of the international students attending colleges in the United States. Hal was a great conversationalist, a believer in people and always ready to lend a helping hand, never satisfied with sitting still. He found ways to make meaningful contributions in any way he could. Hal built a full, rich, experience-filled life through hard work, strong faith and a fearlessness of new adventures. He was also fond of the comics and jokes and always managed to work them into his conversations. Life was an exciting journey for him and he lived it fully. He was active to the end and left this world a better place because of his contributions and his leadership
Hal passed away peacefully with family at his side, January 24th, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, daughter, Gayle, son-in law Hadley and two granddaughters, Charissa and Heather. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Sadler, and brothers, Marvin and Lee Fisher, numerous nieces and nephews and friends around the world.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 2:00 pm at:
Westminister Presbyterian Church,
3737 Liberty Rd S.
Salem, Oregon 97302
The family suggests memorial contributions to Westminister Presbyterian Church, or
Fisher Scholarship
Bowling Green State University Foundation, Inc.
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.