Harold William Lynde, Jr., known to his many friends and loved ones as “Hal”, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, in Mansfield, Texas. He was 91 years young. Hal was born on May 22, 1933, in Orange, New Jersey to Harold and Clara Lynde Sr. and grew up in nearby Maplewood, NJ.  He earned his baccalaureate and master’s degree in geology from the University of Michigan, and soon began a lengthy career in both the private and government sector.  His various jobs allowed him to live all over the United States and satisfied his curiosity for cross country travel. During Hal’s time at the University of Michigan he met the love of his life, Joan, while both were volunteering in the campus library. Hal and Joan were committed to serving others. The list of volunteer activities they were involved in is lengthy but one that Hal particularly enjoyed was participating in youth and adult mission trips   Over the years he went on 18 youth mission trips and mission trips to Africa and Nepal.

Hal’s love for the outdoors began at a young age, spending his summers growing up attending Eagle Camp in Vermont with his family and being active in the Boy Scouts of America.  He enjoyed camping and often loaded his family into the old orange VW van to vacation and travel across the United States. He had a passion for the west and was a river rafting enthusiast. In his 50’s, a consulting job opportunity took Hal and Joan to Colorado, where he discovered cross country skiing, biking and a newly found interest in cowboy poetry. During his 60’s and 70’s, he looked forward to week-long bike trips with his son, Hal III, often tackling the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains with a vigor that inspired all who knew him. Throughout his years, Hal delighted others with his famous “Chuck Wagon BBQ” dinner, fresh baked bread, homemade pies and delicious cookies. Hal was an avid reader and book collector. He enjoyed belonging to a men’s book club with Denver friends for many years. In recent years, Hal and Joan moved back to Texas be closer to family.

Hal was an active member of St. Thomas United Presbyterian Church in Houston and Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver, where his faith and community spirit thrived. His commitment to his church and his love for helping people were constant guiding lights in his life.

Hal was preceded in death by his devoted wife of over 60 years, Joan Barber Lynde, as well as his parents Harold William Lynde Sr. and Clara Lynde. He is survived by his two brothers, Kenneth Lynde (wife Helen) and Richard Lynde (late wife Karin), and his children, Ann Marie Cook (husband David) and Harold William Lynde III (wife Danna). Hal was the proud grandfather of Brian Cook, Justin Fox (wife Erin), Whitney Fox Moore (husband Daniel), and Harold William Lynde IV (wife Arden). He was affectionately known as “Grampa Hal” to seven adoring great-grandchildren: Ben, Charlotte, Stella, Annie, Mary, Margaret, and Virginia.

Hal will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of adventure, love for the outdoors, and dedication to his family will endure in the memories of those he leaves behind.

– Submitted by the Lynde Family