Louis "Lou" Hala
Sep 7, 1945 -
Jun 28, 2020
Col. Louis "Lou" Charles Hala Jr. (USAF Ret.), 74, of Eagle River, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at home with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lou was born on Sept. 7, 1945, and raised in New York City to the late Louis Charles Hala and Hildegard (Timm). He attended Evander Childs High School in the Bronx and spent many summers at his grandparents' cottage in Moodus, Conn. After graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in economics from the City College of New York, he married the love of his life, Andrea Frances Lopez, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
Lou proudly served in the Air Force for more than 30 years working in aircraft maintenance and logistics at various air bases in the U.S. and Middle East. He first came to Alaska in 1973 on assignment to Eielson Air Force Base, driving the rugged Alaska Highway with Andrea and their dog, Maggie May, in their Toyota FJ40. Lou and Andrea left Alaska five years later with two sons and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, along with a love for the state and plans to return to raise their boys. The majority of his career in the Air Force followed the F-15 fighter through cold weather testing, maintenance and major upgrades. One of Lou's favorite assignments outside of Alaska was at the Flight Test Center on Edwards AFB in California. His last military position was as Director of Maintenance Engineering at the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters on Hickam AFB in Hawaii where he retired in 2000, having earned the rank of Colonel.
After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to Alaska and applied his leadership, communication skills and dedication to work in a civilian career with Alaskan Native corporations. He excelled and passionately pursued his work with people and corporate subsidiaries all across the country, as well as supporting projects that benefited the village of Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island. Having fallen in love with Alaska in 1973 for its beauty and stark departure from the busy streets where he grew up, he enjoyed working on the logistical challenges of a remote village and learning about Alaska Native heritage and culture. He spent the last 15 years as NIMA Corporation's President and CEO until his death.
Lou was a wonderful Papa to his grandchildren and uncle to his nieces and nephews. He cherished his time spent on the Kenai River with family where he was able to relax, fish, tell stories and "connect." All those that met him know that he approached all interactions with respect and professionalism. He also enjoyed following his beloved New York sports teams, especially the NY Giants and Yankees.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Andrea Hala of Eagle River; sons, Kurt Hala and Scott Hala (Rhonda Oberhauser); grandchildren, Kolton, Kennedy, Kelsey, Eli, Addison and Elena; sister, Ginny Hala; stepgrandson, Tyler Flowers; nieces, Vanessa Saracena (Mark Broek), Emily Raymond (Scott) and Lindsey Saracena (Anthony Cortina); nephew, Jordan Saracena (Christina Warchola); and numerous other close and dear extended family members. Lou was preceded in death by his baby sister, Gayle.
All are welcome to the visitation to celebrate his life and share memories on July 8, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home, 16421 Brooks Loop in Eagle River. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Fort Richardson National Cemetery; attendance is limited to family only, due to current health mandates.
In lieu of flowers and to celebrate Lou's joy of family, we ask that you please gather with those closest to you and let them know how much they are loved.
