Harold Hasler "Hal" Ries Obituary (1928 - 2022)

Harold "Hal" Hasler Ries passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at his home in Lake Havasu City surrounded by loved ones after a short stay at the hospital. He was born in Akron, Ohio on April 8, 1938. Hal shared a blended family with Shirley for the past 42 years. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two sons Harold (Valerie) Ries, Christopher Ries, four step-children Kathy Ries, Stephen (Michelle) Ries, Cindi (Tim) Mason, and Darren Stokes. He has five grandchildren, Kristopher Milland, David Ries, Morgan Ries, Kellen Mason and Amanda Mason. Hal's professional career included 30 years working in the telephone industry in various departments and locations within Southern California. After retiring, he opened his own telecommunications business which he ran until moving to Lake Havasu in 2002. During this time he was extremely active in the Telephone Pioneers, a volunteer group of employees dedicated to helping their community. He volunteered many hours working with the blind helping out at "Beep Baseball" games and repairing the reading devises at the Braille Institute. After retiring to Lake Havasu, Hal and Shirley enjoyed 17 years of traveling, usually during the summer months, in their motor home across this beautiful country. They were also fortunate to travel abroad to Hong Kong, Cuba, Bahamas, South America and Canada to name a few. During the winter months he stayed active as a member of the Daybreakers Lions Club and the Desert Hills Fire District Auxiliary. Hal loved this community and was very active in his volunteerism. He held many offices within the Lions Organization including President and Zone Chairman. He was a "puppy raiser" for Canine Companions for their service dog program. He loved working as Logistics Chairman for the Balloonfest for several years and spending time with other like-minded volunteers. He also loved his Firefighters at the Desert Hills Fire District. He felt they were his extended family. You could always find Hal greeting everyone at the door at the monthly pancake breakfasts put on by the Auxiliary. In his early years, he loved camping and water skiing with family and friends. He also played local sports like softball and bowling. He bowled for 25 years in the LA Telco Metro bowling league. He has many friendships that have lasted for the past 50 years from these early days. During his last three weeks, he was cared for by some remarkable doctors, nurses and aides at Havasu Regional Medical Center. The nurses and aides could not have been more attentive and caring. It was a blessing that he received such compassionate care from these dedicated medical professionals. Hal will be missed by many, as he was a very loving and genuine person to all that he met. He would always greet a person with a great big smile and a warm heart. A celebration of life is being planned for February 11, 2023, at the Desert Hills Fire Department, 3983 London Bridge Rd. beginning at 11:00am. Sharing your memories of Hal will go far in the healing process. As his granddaughter said, "He never met a stranger." Rest in Peace Sweetheart.