Obituary: Brian Joseph Hall

Brian Joseph Hall, 28, passed away on February 9, 2012 in Ashland, Oregon. Brian was born August 6, 1983 in Landstuhl, Germany to John and Marsha Hall. Brian attended Carson High School in Carson City, Nevada where he met his sweetheart, Kathleen Mateas-Hall. They were married in 2006, and lived in Ashland while they attended SOU and earned their Masters of Teaching degrees. At the time of his passing, Brian was President of the Eagle Point Education Association and a well-loved teacher at White Mountain Middle school where he taught with humor and wasn't afraid to do something unconventional for the sake of a memorable learning experience (see: wearing a judge's wig to conduct grammar "court"). Brian was an incredible writer with an unmistakable voice and biting wit. He hated nothing more than people taking themselves too seriously, so it's in this spirit that we present the following lists:

Top 5 Things NOT Overheard at Brian Hall's Memorial Service:

1. Go Beavers!

2. I remember when Brian was training for the Olympics...

3. Come on, guys. Keep it clean.

4. With special guest, Justin Bieber!

5. Yuck, more cheese?

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Top 5 Things Overheard at Brian Hall's Memorial Service:

1. He was simultaneously the most sarcastic and the most tender-hearted person I've ever known.

2. Brian looked like the love child of Seth Rogen and Santa Claus.

3. Brian wasn't happy with the status quo. He taught us new ways to love each other.

4." We should be unusually kind to one another." - Kurt Vonnegut

5. I will miss him every day, but I know that I'll see him again some day.

Brian is survived by his wife, Kathleen Mateas-Hall; parents, John and Marsha; brothers, Alex and Jonathan; sister, Angie Hall Anderson and scores of inspired friends, coworkers, students, and extended family members. Donations may be sent to The Brian J. Hall Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank and will benefit McSweeney's Writing School. Please reference account number 5689251840.