Jan Raymond Hale

June 14, 1943 - June 24, 2020

Jan Raymond Hale, 77, of Traverse City, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Munson Hospice House in the presence of his family. Jan was born on Monday, June 14, 1943 in Saginaw, the son of Barbara Joyce (Bailey) and Raymond J. Hale. He attended Saginaw High School and after graduation continued his education at Delta College, the University of Michigan for his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Indiana University earning his Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He married the former Carol Jean Parr on Friday, August 21, 1964 in Ann Arbor. An educator, Jan taught in Livonia for 3 years prior to coming to Traverse City. He taught math and computer programming at Traverse City Central High School for 28 years. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1998. For a short while after retiring, Jan taught some classes at Mill Creek in Williamsburg. He had a great passion for sailing and had earned the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License for 100 Ton vessels. He enjoyed volunteering for the Inland Seas Education Program and was a Captain on the Tall Ships Madeline and Inland Seas. He received the Maritime Heritage Award in 2019. Jan enjoyed doing home restorations on historic homes as well. He is survived by his wife Carol; sons, David D. (Jena) Hale of Houghton, Matthew J. (Lindsey) Hale of Traverse City; his grandchildren Jason, Mike and John Ackerman all of Houghton and Pearl and Erinn Hale of Traverse City. Also surviving are his siblings, Joseph S. (Sally) Hale of Lake City, Brooks (Linda) Hale of Merrill and Joy Ann (Jack) Landskroener of Finley, OH; as well as his nieces and nephews, Kirk, Kelly, Joey, Lisa, Leslie, Jack and Jennifer. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends and family may visit with the family on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Due to the circumstances, everyone is being asked to follow all guidelines for the health and safety of everyone. A private celebration of Jan's life will take place in a family setting. The family has asked that Jan be remembered through contributions to his favorite charities, The Maritime Heritage Alliance, 13268 S. West Bayshore Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 (online www.maritimeheritagealliance.org) or to the Inland Seas Education Association, 100 Dame St. #218, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (online www.schoolship.org)