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Rotary Club's longest-serving member dies at age 96

Ryan Hall is surprised with a celebration on his 95th birthday Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, during a Rotary Club meeting at the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center at Miami University Hamilton. Ryan, who had been a Rotarian for more than 65 years, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Ryan Hall is surprised with a celebration on his 95th birthday Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, during a Rotary Club meeting at the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center at Miami University Hamilton. Ryan, who had been a Rotarian for more than 65 years, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 10:51 PM Friday, March 19, 2010

HAMILTON — Hamilton Rotary Club’s longest serving member, Ryan Hall, died Thursday, March 18.

Hall died about three months after suffering from a bout of pneumonia. He was 96.

A member of the Rotary Club since 1943 and its president from 1947-48, Hall left a lasting impact on the organization and the city.

He co-founded the Rotary Revels, which produces musicals annually and raises thousands for charity and provides scholarships for college-bound students.

“He was a very active participant until a few months ago when he became ill,” said Mary Reimer, a former Rotary president. “He was quite a gentleman. A super nice guy, friends with everyone. A true gentleman who will be missed.”

Hall moved from Indiana to Hamilton to work for Hackel Express Trucking Co.

He then was a personnel administrator for a paper company before becoming executive director of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

He retired at age 65, but remained active in Rotary and in the community, friends said.

“He was very, very sharp until the day he died. He enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed,” said Dr. Joseph Brandabur, a former Rotary president.

Calvin Lingler, 81, of Hamilton, had known Hall for nearly 60 years.

Lingler, an honorary life member of the Rotary Club, said Hall would be remembered for his jovial spirit, his contribution to the city of Hamilton and as a “silver-tongued orator.”

“He was a marvelous speech giver. He could give a speech with no notes,” said Lingler, adding that Hall often gave speeches encouraging people to shop locally and encouraging business owners to open businesses in Hamilton.

“He always had an attentive audience. When he spoke people paid attention.”

Hall is survived by two daughters who live in Indiana and Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen, who died in 1997.

Weigel Funeral Home & Cremation is handling Hall’s arrangements.

Arrangements have not been finalized, but a memorial service will be held Saturday, March 27.

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