Gerald M.“Jerry” Hale, 73, of Nampa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from a short battle with brain cancer.  Jerry was born in Nampa, Idaho, July 11, 1939 where he graduated from Nampa High School in 1958.  After high school he joined the Army for four years.  In 1961 he met the love of his life and soon to be wife of 50 years, Sharon Eckhout.  They lived and raised their two daughters in Nampa, Idaho.  Jerry became an electrician and owned his own electrical business for 40 years.
He volunteered for many charitable organizations. Jerry loved the holiday season, and people would come from miles around to see his Christmas displays. Anyone who knew Jerry knew he was an avid hunter.  His game room was filled with trophies from around the world.  He traveled abroad to Africa several times, New Zealand, and all over North America.  His passion was hunting and preservation of those rights.  He served as president of the SCI Treasure Valley Chapter and regional representative of Safari Club International.  He enjoyed the free fishing days at Atwood ponds where he would spend time with under privileged children teaching them to fish. He spent many years on the trapshooting circuit and enjoyed shooting skeet with his grandchildren.   He loved to mentor many young people.  Jerry didn't know a stranger.
Jerry was known by his friends and loved ones as a character.  He loved a good joke and could take one too.  He threw fantastic pig BBQ's for his family and friends.  One year the fire department showed up and put out the fire.  He spent the rest of the night getting the fire going again for the next day's big event, but there were no hard feelings as he invited the firefighters to the BBQ. He loved his friends and would give the shirt off his back to any of them.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  His life was his family.  He is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife Sharon Hale and his brother Bob Hale, his children Shawna Hale, Jari Rivers, son-in-law Scott Rivers, Grandchildren, Kayla O'Harra-Stookey, Krista O'Harra, Brandon Rivers, Halee Rivers, Sierra Wold, and two great grandchildren, Skylar Stookey, and Grayson Rivers.
