Jeffery Craig Hale

Jeffrey Craig Hale of Providence, Utah, passed away at home on the morning of September 14, 2016. Immediately after his passing, the heavens welcomed him home with a brilliant show of lightning and chorus of thunder, followed by a cleansing rain. An aspen tree in his front yard fell, as if the earth shared our feeling of his passing: “A mighty tree has fallen, and the forest will never be the same.”

Craig was born on May 20, 1946, in Brigham City, Utah, to parents Lt. Col. Blair A. Hale of Star Valley, Wyo., and Eleanore Pastore Hale of Denver, Colo. His parents instilled in him a love and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and a commitment to home, family and country. His mother, with whom he was especially close, taught him an appreciation for music, poetry and the beauties of nature.

A scholar and lifelong learner, Craig graduated from Clearfield High School in 1964. Always proud to be a Falcon, he served as Student Body President of the brand-new school. Craig served an LDS Mission in Argentina, where in addition to sharing the gospel, he gained a love and appreciation for the Spanish language and the Hispanic people. Following his mission, he attended Utah State University, where he served as Academic Vice President (‘69-’70). Craig received his Bachelor’s degree in 1970 from Utah State in Political Science. He earned a Master’s of Latin American Studies from Stanford University in 1971 and a Master’s of International Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University in 1972.

At Utah State, he was blessed to meet his beloved companion Martha Farrer (daughter of Kenneth and Jane Dibble Farrer of Logan, Utah). Craig said for him it was “love at first sight.” They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on July 30, 1971. Together they are the parents of nine children. Martha continually supported and sustained Craig in his work and church assignments, be it moving their family to a new state or running the home when Craig was serving in a demanding calling. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1999, Martha worked selflessly by his side, caring for and assisting him. As Craig’s health declined, it was Martha who made his many hobbies, interests and desires to serve possible. We know he will be forever grateful for her Christ-like charity, which never failed.

A loyal patriot, Craig served his country for 30 years as an officer in the Directorate of Operations with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He served in a variety of increasingly responsible positions befitting the excellent and well-respected officer that he was. For his outstanding efforts and contributions to the Agency's mission, he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal upon his retirement in December 2003.

Craig was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in every calling he was extended: Young Men's President, Scoutmaster, Seminary Teacher, High Councilor, Bishop, Ward Organist, Home Teacher and enthusiastically lending his tenor voice to the ward choir. When asked what his favorite calling was, he never hesitated to say “Primary Accompanist.” He served for several years in the Logan Temple baptistry and had great joy from doing temple work for his ancestors. Craig truly gave of himself in the service of others.

Craig had many hobbies and interests, most notably, playing the piano and organ, doing family history research and temple work for his Italian ancestors. The holidays found him stirring a pot of his famous Christmas candy while listening to the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Craig was never idle. He filled his days with work, service, memorizing passages of poetry and scripture, and planning next year's garden.

After retirement, Craig and Martha moved to Cache Valley and purchased a home in Providence, turning an orchard of fruit trees into a breathtaking yard and garden. The yard was Craig’s favorite place to be, and it’s difficult to visit their home and not picture him puttering, moving a sprinkler or plucking an unwanted weed. He once said, “I think the reason our garden does so well is because we give so much of it away.” He loved to share both his produce and his knowledge of gardening with others. A neighbor once asked if he thought there would be yard work in heaven, and he replied, “I hope so, because I sure do enjoy it.”

Craig loved teaching English at the English Language Center (ELC), where he and Martha devoted countless hours as teachers and volunteers. Craig’s ability to connect with people regardless of their economic, religious or cultural standing set him apart in helping students and refugees feel comfortable in class. The “J. Craig Hale Volunteer Award” was named after him, honoring volunteers who have served at the ELC for at least 100 hours.

Craig’s children will remember him for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and his great love for people. He created an environment of learning, faith and love as he righteously served his family. He always gave wise counsel and taught them to serve others. Because of his example, they will carry on his legacy of earnestly striving to do good among men.

He is survived by his beloved wife Martha of Providence, Utah and nine children: Jonathan, Andrew, Amy, James, Timothy, Catherine, Peter, Marie and Emily, their loving spouses and 20 dear grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Hancey, and brother, Eric Hale.

The family thanks the nurses and staff members of Sunshine Terrace Rehab and Hospice for their compassion and care for Craig, as well as their many dear friends and neighbors who served him and his family so selflessly. We extend our eternal thanks and love to Gordon Ward, who, in the closing weeks of Craig’s life, sharing many of the same trials, became a true friend and brother.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Providence LDS Stake Center, 360 E. 450 N. Because of some road closures and detours, please consult the following link for a map: https://goo.gl/MjycXf , Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan. Friends and family may call at the mortuary on Thursday, eveining on September 22nd from 6-8 p.m. or at the Stake Center from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the English Language Center of Cache Valley 1544 N. 200 W. Logan, UT 84341. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .